Companies seek expertise. Yet, demonstrating you are the expert they need is no easy task. Preparing ahead of an interview is crucial to showcase your skills and shine in front of a potential employer. 

Indeed, preparing for the interview puts you in a better position to make a good impression. Employers and recruiters are more likely to trust the expertise of an individual when they make a positive impression. Consequently, you want to make sure you’ve done your research before the interview. Gather information about the company and the position you are applying for. You can also use the information to ask questions that are relevant to the business and your eventual position in it. Finally, needless to say, employers will look favorably upon candidates who look the part. Dressing appropriately for the interview and being groomed and punctual will work in your favor. 

Yet, a good impression is no guarantee that the job is yours. So, what else can a candidate do to position themselves as an expert? 

Have the relevant certifications

When employers list the preferred certifications and qualifications for the job, candidates have little room for mistakes. Are all certifications essential? The answer is up to the employer and their requirements. 

In some cases, an employer will require professionals to meet their exact expectations and have taken the relevant courses. For instance, companies will need certified accountants for their financial operations. Specialist industries, however, may prefer accountants who are experienced in dealing with their unique sectors, such as the oil and gas industry. A certified professional can learn more about the unique requirements of an industry sector through dedicated courses. 

In other cases, employers are open to providing training to the right individuals. 

However, candidates who can provide evidence of their qualifications and relevant knowledge are more likely to be called for an interview. 

Build a digital presence 

No employer expects a candidate to have a personal website where they share their expertise. Yet, they will request to check your social media profiles and LinkedIn profile. 

LinkedIn enables professionals to add specialist skills to their profiles using new skill-testing features. While not every skill is available, it is worth going through the LinkedIn list to take all relevant tests, and it can help differentiate your profile from others. 

You can also build your professional presence on platforms such as Twitter, YouTube, or even Instagram, depending on the content you can share and produce. For example, a digital designer can show the behind-the-scenes on Instagram, while a marketing analyst can turn to YouTube to share a tutorial about marketing tools. Maintaining your presence professional requires essential steps:

• Create a compelling bio or headline (depending on the platform)
• Share content based on your expertise
• Always showcase your best work
• Create a network

Create valuable content for others 

As mentioned, you don’t need a blog to demonstrate your expertise. Many content platforms are self-managed and don’t require any pre-existing digital knowledge. 

Here are some of the best platforms you can find to share an informative article or opinion piece about the latest trends in your industry sector:

• LinkedIn, using the post feature
• Medium
• Relevant blogs in your industry

Here are excellent platforms to share a quick answer to a popular question in your sector:

• Tiktok — as long as you can keep your answer under 60 seconds
• Instagram reels and posts
• Youtube

Content creators can post quality video content on social media only using smartphones. 

Here are some platforms to share image-based results, such as designs, before and after comparison, or event shots:

• Instagram
• Pinterest for final designs and results
• Facebook groups for your industry sector

Join a community

Ultimately, being an expert without a network is unlikely to get you noticed. A community includes engagement, a follower base, and discussion. When you become part of a community, you can build your reputation and your personal brand, and it can help you grow your exposure. 

Some of the best places to join and participate in specialist communities include:

• LinkedIn groups
• Facebook groups
• Discord server/channel rooms
• Reddit and subreddits
• Specialist chat groups in some professional tools or solutions
• Public blogs and online magazines with open comment sections
• Twitter lists
• Etc.

Companies are often aware of the most active communities in their specialist niche. It is not uncommon to encounter business experts and establish a connection even before an interview. 

Candidates do not need to invest time and money in building a branded website that will get them noticed. More often than not, employers will identify experts through the certifications and experiences shared in the résumé, their social media presence, their contributions to relevant communities, and the content they share online.