You have one chance to sell yourself during your job interview. Every question the interviewer asks you is a way to find out if you are the right person for the job. So how do you sell yourself at a job interview?
You will want to practice your elevator pitch and focus on your experience and strengths. Your resume alone is probably not enough to get the job you are interviewing for. Your job interview is a time to bring your experience and skills to life, so make sure you demonstrate your strengths while also showing the company who you are.
Below are some tips and tricks to help you improve your answers and potentially land your next career. Heed these and you'll be better equipped for success.
Know your personal "brand"
Your interview is your advertisement for the company and interviewers are deciding if they want to buy what you are selling. You will be asked some form of "tell me about yourself" during your interview. Keep it brief while providing a strong answer.
Think about how brands have a mission statement and values. Create a brand story for yourself that tells the company you have what it takes to get the job done.
Ask good questions
The interviewer will ask you if you have any questions for them. People that dismiss this question most likely will not get hired. Prepare some questions in advance that show the hiring manager you want to work on their team.
Do some research on the brand and what they are currently working on. If you read a recent press release or article, ask about it. This will tell the interviewer you have done your homework.
Hiring managers like to see that you have put in the effort to prepare for your interview. A great question can make a world of difference.
Look the part
Make sure you present yourself in the best way. It's good to know in advance if the company has a dress code. Even if it's casual, you want to dress professionally. You can never go wrong by being overdressed for an interview.
Avoid looking like you just threw something on. Your appearance gives off the first impression before your interview even begins.
Be aware of your body language during your conversation. Try to sit up and really engage with the person conducting the interview.
Always offer a handshake to start, and make eye contact. If you seem disinterested they may think you don't really want to work there.
Practice common interview answers
Without having a crystal ball, you can still prepare for your job interview. Here are a few of the most common questions that you should have a good answer for.
- Tell me about yourself
- What are your strengths?
- What are your weaknesses?
- What makes you a good candidate?
- Why do you want to work here?
- What do you like to do outside of work?
Each interview answer you give helps the company decide if you would be a good fit for their team. Focus on your strengths and experience throughout the process. The hiring manager wants to get to know you beyond your resume.
Come prepared with unique anecdotes that highlight why they should hire you. Remember, you are selling yourself and have the skills to nail your pitch.
Each job interview is different but every company is after one thing: finding the right person for the job. Master how to sell yourself and an incredible job could be right around the corner.
