Interviewing for a job is an art, not a science. When you’re looking for a job, you have to keep in mind that several other people may be interviewing for the exact same job. How do you set yourself apart from other job candidates?
The art of interviewing isn’t difficult, but once you have mastered that art, you will be able to set yourself apart from other candidates interviewing for the same position as you. Here are four tips that will help you when you are positioning yourself in a job interview as the standout candidate:
The 3 G’s: Get Detailed, Give Experience, Give Stories
“Team player, dependable, trustworthy” — these descriptions of yourself may all be true, but they do little to position yourself in an interview as the top candidate. The other candidates are likely using the same words to describe themselves in an interview, leaving the person doing the interview confused as to who he or she should hire. Think of your achievements and use specific examples to show how you are a team player, dependable, or trustworthy.
The Art of Storytelling
Use descriptive words to paint a picture of yourself that helps the person doing the interview have clarity on who you are and what you can bring to the job. Prepare eight to 10 specific brief stories you can share of your accomplishments that are specifically related to the job. Using storytelling to position yourself as an interview will help the interviewer feel comfortable and confident that you are the person they need to hire.
Avoid the #1 Mistake People Make
The biggest and most common mistake people make during an interview is trying to perform. Positioning yourself for an interview isn’t about being fake — it’s about giving the interviewer the best picture of yourself and leaving them feeling confident that you are the best candidate. Sure, you want to impress, but if you are performing, you aren’t being yourself, and you aren’t giving the interviewer an accurate picture of who you are and what skills and characteristics you can bring to the job. Think of what you are most proud of from previous jobs you’ve had — what skills or accomplishments from past jobs can you carry over into this new job? Stay focused on skills that are related to the job for which you are interviewing. Let your personality shine when you share stories of how you are the best fit for this job.
It’s a Win-Win
Remember that a successful interview is a win-win for both you and the interviewer. You will be asked questions to help the interviewer determine whether or not you are the best person for the job, but you should also be prepared to ask questions that will also help you know that you are the best fit for the job. Ask questions like “What will my first week be like?” and “What do you see my accomplishments being in the first 30, 60, and 90 days? Be assumptive and speak in the first person, as if you already have the job.
Using these tips, you will be able to position yourself in an interview as the top candidate for the job. SUPERIORHIRE’s recruiters will interview you before you are ever put in front of a client for a job interview. Practice positioning yourself for an interview when you first meet with your recruiter, and ask for specific tips on how you can better position yourself for your upcoming interview.
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