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8 Tips to Turn Your Job Interview into an Offer |
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In today's economic climate, employers have many more job candidates to choose from. If you want to stand out from the crowd, the interview is your place to separate yourself from the rest of the field. You only have one chance to make a first impression, so obviously dress, appearance, and promptness are critical. However, it's going to take more than a stylish suit to go from prospect to employee. Here are some ideas to make interviewers sit up and pay attention, and remember you when the time comes to make a hiring decision: - Learn everything you can about the company. Visit the company's website, search for articles about it, and reach out to current or former employees. Professional networking sites are a good source for getting a picture of the company you won't find on their website.
- Investigate the company's industry. Discover trends, challenges, and what competitors are doing. Trade journals are the natural place to start, but you may also find relevant speeches by industry leaders, research papers, and press releases to enhance your knowledge.
- Practice makes perfect. Work with a friend or family member to give yourself more confidence. And don't be discouraged if you don't get the job. Every interview is a learning experience you can build on for your next one.
- Sell, sell, sell. You're marketing yourself, just as companies market their products or services. Be upbeat and passionate about your profession, the job, and the company. You'll know the interview's going well if you're asking more questions than the person you're meeting with.
- Translate your experience to the company's needs. Don't define your work experience with a laundry list of jobs and titles (that's on your resume). Talk about your accomplishments and be very specific about projects or initiatives you've worked on that relate to the position.
- Talk about experiences not specifically related to the job you're interviewing for. In some cases, there may be a need for another job within the company. There are even occasions when an employer may even want you enough to create a position for you.
- Never denigrate your current or past employers. It's likely you'll be asked why you want to leave your current job. Attribute it to "business reasons" or a better opportunity, not that you have a supervisor you dislike or you're underpaid for the work you do.
- Ask relevant questions. Show your interest by inquiring about the company's culture, their goals, and their future prospects. You can also ask about opportunities for promotion. However, don't discuss salary. If the interviewer asks, let them know that the opportunity is more important. Once you get an offer, you'll have the chance to negotiate.
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