7 ways to knock it out of the park on your next interview - Sterling Career Concepts

7 ways to knock it out of the park on your next interview 7 ways to knock it out of the park on your next interview A few ground rules to start: all things being equal, a company is much more likely to hire someone they like than someone they don’t. That’s why it’s key to find ways to build rapport with your interviewer. Equally true, nobody can be good at everything so anyone who tries to sound in an interview like they’re great at everything is more likely to raise disbelief than garner respect. Proper preparation and strategy helps dissipate the inherent stress in interviewing. Follow along with these seven suggestions to put your best foot forward in your next interview: 1. Confidence is contagious. You need to be able to look in your interviewer’s eyes and know for a fact that they’re going to be better off hiring you than anyone else. 2. Two things that will impress an interviewer: Putting forward a strong case as to why they should employ you and showing why you are interested in their company. 3. Use verbal mirroring: match the interviewer’s tone of voice and the kind of words they use. If they talk fast, chances are they want to hire quick-thinking people. 4. Remember the C.A.R. strategy in interviews. When asked for an example of your work, think (what was the) Challenge, (what) Action (did I take) and (what was the) Result. 5. Don’t talk too much in a job interview. It’s a delicate balance, but you run the risk of boring the interviewer if you go on and on about yourself. 6. Use the “Big to Little” interview strategy. First mention a “big picture” accomplishment, and then tie in a more specific, targeted achievement. 7. Subtly take control of the interview. Give complete answers to the interviewer’s questions and then segue into topics that you wish to discuss. (“Yes, I do have experience writing proposals. And, I also have secured more than $100,000 in grants. Would you like to know more about my grant-writing skills?”) One last word of advice: visualizing success in the interview is important. Picture yourself interviewing. You are relaxed and confident. You hit it off with the interviewer and get the job! Give us a call to inquire about our interview strategy coaching that will help you ace the interview.