How many times have you walked into a job interview knowing that you were the ideal person for the position? You compared the job posting against your background, researched the company and took part in a terrific conversation with the hiring manager on the phone.
Your personality, skills and experience, every aspect of your background aligned perfectly with the company’s needs. Everything looked right. More than that, everything felt right. So, you showed up for the interview thinking that the manager scheduled the meeting as a formality. You expected to receive a job offer on the spot.
Does this sound familiar? Feeling overconfident, you made a gigantic mistake, a blunder that likely cost you the position. You forgot that you can’t just walk in to the office, smile and start your new job. You have to prove yourself.
How?
By clearly presenting your expertise, showing your attributes and revealing the ways that you will add value (profitability, productivity, efficiency) to the team. Remember, hiring managers don’t read minds. You have to demonstrate to them what you can bring to the company.
If you feel certain that you are the right person for a job, take a moment to review your strategy. Prepare for successful interviews by following this advice:
Know what to expect. Interviews are less intimidating if you know what you’re up against. When an employer calls to set up a meeting, graciously make the appointment and then ask about the format. Will you be interviewed alone or with other candidates? Will there be a panel of interviewers?
In most job interviews, employers ask a series of open-ended and pointed questions about your background, goals and experience. Anticipate questions about your career objectives, talents, weaknesses and details from your work history that need explanation (such as a gap in employment). Also, some interviewers will try to put you on the spot with tough inquiries. Be ready.
Understand what the company wants and needs. Before you arrive at a meeting, take some time to consider your reaction to the job posting. Why do you feel perfect for this role? Is it your personality? Years of experience? Passion for the field?
Determine the specific aspects of your background that match the company’s vision and culture. Look over the job posting and research the company, then make the connection between the organizational culture and your career — your past, present and future. This is the information that is most relevant to the hiring manager.
Use examples from your background. You may think that you’re the right person for the position, but you won’t land the job unless you make the employer believe it too. Find examples in your work history that confirm your ability to make a difference with the company. Real-life examples are compelling and memorable. Use them.
Are they looking for someone with excellent leadership and team-building skills? Talk about the time you restored order to a chaotic department by coaching the existing work force. Do they need someone to expand the client base? Mention the million-dollar clients that you scored within 12 months on the job.
Here’s the thing: Confidence is good, but overconfidence is a mistake waiting to happen. If you are truly the best person for the job, prove it.
Send your job search questions to Eve.GetAJob@gmail.com.
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