Winning Interview Strategies
The process of self-promotion does not stop at getting your resume read and noticed. It continues all the way to the next step: the interview. It is your ability to impress the recruiter during the interviewer that will be the ultimate factor that determines whether or not you are offered the job. The interview is the point at which you prove why you, and only your, are the best candidate. This requires mastering the three P’s of interview skills: Preparation, Presentation and Perception.
Preparation
Good preparation is the key to confidence: The better prepared you are, the more confident you will be, and the better are the chances that you will impress. Be prepared to talk about the items on your resume, so that you are in a position to provide the recruiter with their details. At the same time, research the company and its needs, so that you are in a better position to explain why you are the person to solve their problems.
Presentation
In marketing, the packaging is the element that convinces the consumer to buy the product. The same is true for interviews: presentation is key. Be professionally dressed and convey positive body language that demonstrates confidence. When you talk, be confident and focus on your accomplishments. For instance, if you have worked as a sales representative, give concrete examples of how you managed to increase the company’s customer base. Demonstrate how your skills have helped others in the past, and show the recruiter where and how these skills will help the company.
Perception
An interview is not just about showcasing your qualifications, it is also about you. Not only do you need to show the company that you are the right person for them, you also need to find out if the company is the right one for you. Prepare a list of questions that you need to ask the recruiters to determine whether the position is the right fit for you. You need to find out about their working environment, clarify the roles and responsibilities of the position in question, and what your chances of career growth would be if you were to accept the question. This information will help you make an informed decision about whether the job is right for you.
