How do you make someone want to hire you?
Simple: Put yourself
in the shoes of the interviewer and focus on his or her needs
and you'll become an irresistible applicant.
Steps:
- Find out as much as you can about the company: How is
it performing? What is its mission statement and who are
its customers? What are the interviewer's priorities and
responsibilities? The more you know, the more you'll be
able to ask informed questions about the job.
- Study the description of the job for
which you have applied. Be clear on what is expected and
if you have the background and skills to do it.
- Take an inventory of your strengths and
practice discussing how they complement the requirements
of the job. Write down specific examples that demonstrate
these strengths and be able to speak fluidly and intelligently
about them.
- Make a winning first impression at the
interview. Be prompt, make eye contact and give a firm handshake.
Dress one notch above what's expected for the position you're
interviewing for.
- Look for common ground between you and
the interviewer to establish a positive rapport and to stand
out from the crowd. You may have the same alma mater or
mutual friends. Be careful not to overplay this and look
desperate.
- Turn what could be seen as potential
weaknesses into strengths. You might say "I haven't
worked in promotions but I coordinated getting the word
out for my son's school carnival and we had twice as many
people attend this year." Be calm and confident.
- Use specific examples to describe why
you're a perfect match for the job. Ask probing questions
to demonstrate a genuine interest in the position. In the
process, interview the interviewer to find out why the position
is open. Get a sense of what the turnover rate is at the
company, what the position's job track is, and how the company
keeps its employees happy. You're trying to find out if
you want to work for that company as much as they're trying
to find out if they want you.
- Demonstrate that you are a problem-solver.
Identify an issue the company is facing or a problem you
might potentially encounter in that job and discuss how
you'd solve it.
- Make the interviewer feel good about
hiring you. Be enthusiastic, responsive, truthful and friendly.
- Follow up with a thank-you note that
reiterates your qualifications and mentions specific topics
covered in the interview to trigger the person's memory
about your winning interview.
Overall Tips:
- By focusing on the interviewer's needs, you'll take your
mind off your nervousness. The interviewer will see a confident,
insightful applicant.
- Always bring an extra copy of your re'sume'.
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