Every job interview is a two-way street. You want to show off how right you are for the job, and the job interviewer wants to find the best person for the position. You can make those two sides meet when you focus on what the hiring manager really wants to know: your strengths, your passions and how you fit with the company. Go out of your way to send these three key interview messages.
"I Know What I am Doing."
Job interviewers want to know whether you can do the job you're applying for. Answer that question for your interviewer by focusing on your technical, interpersonal and management accomplishments. Don't just list your shining achievements; also discuss moments when things didn't go so well and what you learned from those experiences. Make sure to include anecdotes that show off your people skills. Too many job seekers focus on what they know rather than what they can accomplish. Focus instead on the effect you've had in previous positions instead of listing unconnected skills to make your strengths in every area stand out.
"I Love What I am Doing."
If you are passionate about some aspect of the job you're applying for, whether it be the nature of the responsibilities, the company's objectives or the type of clientele the company serves, let that passion come out during your interview. Job recruiters love to hire people who will love their work. Find ways in which this new position will bring you happiness, and express that freely during the interview. Be passionate about what you think you can accomplish in the new job, and show how your goals are aligned with those of the company.
"I Play Well With Others."
One of the most elusive elements of any hiring decision is that of "fit." Every job recruiter is looking for someone who will fit with the personality and culture of the company. While fit is a difficult thing to assess in an interview process, ultimately it boils down to whether everyone at the company can work with you productively and enjoy having you as part of the team. Look for ways to show in your interview that you share the company's values regarding purpose, relationships and communication. Establish your own level of formality as meshing with that of the company.
When you answer a job interviewer's questions before she can even ask them, you cement your personal message and pull the focus just where it needs to be. No matter what detours a job interview may veer into, keep putting your key interview messages forward. Once an interviewer realizes you know your stuff, you have passion for the company and its work, and you will fit in, your chances to be hired improve greatly.
(Photo courtesy of Ambro at FreeDigitalPhotos.net)
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