5 TIPS FOR A GREAT INTERVIEW: HOW TO CLOSE THE SALE ON YOURSELF

Putting yourself in front of potential employers can be intimidating. When looking to strategically advance your career, you want to give yourself as much of an edge as possible against other potential candidates. An interview is the best place to demonstrate why you are the right fit for their organization. If you want to make yourself notable to companies and secure the sale on yourself, there are 5 tips you can do to make sure you stand out.

1.Know Your Accomplishments

One of the first things employers want to know is what you have accomplished in your career that can improve their business. Be prepared with a comprehensive, concise list of accomplishments to highlight your most significant achievements. The goal is to show employers your notable achievements over your tenure in each position. Keep in mind that employers are looking for actual accomplishments and examples of you going over and above (such as recognition and awards) rather than a job description or list of responsibilities. 

2.Quantify Your Results

Giving future employers real numbers to analyze allows for them to comprehend what you have produced. Elaborate “FROMs and TOs” to demonstrate how you took the position from what it was, to where it is now in a numerical value. This quantifies how you will perform for their organization (e.g., “Grew my territory from $20,000 per month to $35,000 per month in net revenue”). This type of insight resonates with hiring managers, allowing them to understand how you can make a positive impact on their team.

3.Be Prepared with a List of Questions

Prior to the meeting, having 10-12 questions for the individual conducting the interview shows them your level of interest in the position. This allows you to be thorough without being too extensive. A strong outline for developing a list of questions asks: 3-4 industry-specific questions, 3-4 company-specific questions, and 3-4 questions about the specific position you’re applying for. By doing this, you lead part of the conversation and gain additional insight to assist you in your decision. Taking this kind of a calculated approach further demonstrates prior preparation and reflects your interest to the hiring authority.

4.Be Ready to Explain Your Career Moves in a Positive Light

Elaborating on your work history should show that each move was strategic and beneficial. If there was an occasion where you were released of your duties, you can explain it as “strategic differences” and be truthful about what the circumstances were. Any career move, forced or otherwise, should have a constructive implication. Keep in mind, reflecting on previous employment in a positive light communicates professionalism on your part. Interviewers want to hear about your career moves to see what experiences you’ve had. This is also an opportunity for them to evaluate your character. Keeping the conversation positive looks good on your behalf, giving them a sense of ease when it comes to employing you.

5.Close the Sale on Yourself

At the end of the interview, it’s critical to leave the interviewer with something that sets you apart from the other candidates. By asking the question, “Do I have the qualifications to do the job?” you are putting the hiring authority in a position to answer yes or no. If the answer is yes, smile, and allow your personality to shine through and ask what the next step in the process is. If the answer is no, the interviewer should volunteer why they do not think you meet the qualifications. This is the time to address those concerns that the interviewer raises. If the hiring committee is between you and one other person, this question could make the difference. 

The work put into making yourself stand out from other candidates will make all the difference when a company and employer decide to hire. A résumé is a tool to start a conversation, your experience qualifies you for the job, but your preparation demonstrates the impact you will have on their organization. These 5 recommendations can help in your next strategic career step and secure your position with an organization.