It’s undeniably exciting when a company you’re really interested in working for extends an invitation for a job interview. Most applicants don’t make it past the screening phase, so you should be very proud of yourself.
However, it’s important that you don’t become overconfident and avoid properly preparing for your big interview, as you can be certain other candidates won’t make the same mistake. When it’s time to meet with the hiring manager, you need to be ready to flawlessly explain why your qualifications make you the best fit.
How to Sell Yourself as the Best Person for the Job
Make it clear that you’re the ideal choice for the position by taking these measures to get ready for your interview.
Prepare Responses to Common Interview Questions
Discussing your qualifications for the job can feel awkward an uncomfortable to even the most experienced candidates. Combat this by practicing responses to common questions beforehand, so you don’t get nervous and inadvertently present yourself as incompetent. Hold a mock interview with a friend or relative so you can get comfortable saying your responses out loud in front of another person.
Research the Company
You can’t explain why you’re qualified for the job if you don’t really understand what the company does. Take the time to conduct background research on the company’s products and services, so you can clearly explain how your skills and experience will benefit the organization.
Highlight Past Successes
If you don’t share your achievements with the interviewer, who will? Find a way to incorporate your past successes into the discussion to show exactly what you’re capable of. When possible, use specific metrics to describe your accomplishments. For example, don’t just say you developed a process that saved the company money, explain that you helped the organization cut costs by 20% each month.
Formulate a Reply in Case You Get Stumped
Job interviews are tricky, because you never know what the interviewer is going to ask you next. It’s very possible that you may not know the answer to every question and that’s okay. Rather than blatantly admitting you don’t have the experience, say you’re not familiar with the specific process noted and find a way to relate it to a practice you’re familiar with from your current job. This is a great way to focus on the skills you do have, instead of those you don’t.
Ready to take the next step in your career?
Contact Premium Staffing, Inc. We’re a Chicago-area recruiting and staffing firm specializing in heavy industrial, engineering and highly skilled manufacturing placement.