Know what you want to tell the Employer

It's so easy to think that the employer is the one in charge of the interview. And in some ways s/he is. The employer is asking the questions most of the time, and you are trying to answer in the way to best impress him.

Yes, that's true.

But you should go with your own agenda too.

Know what it is about you that you most want to "sell" to the employer. What can you tell him/her about yourself that is most likely to get you the job? What might the employer not ask, that you would really like him/her to know?

Do some research to find out what it is about you that would be both the most obvious fit in the job, and also what is there about you that will be great in this job although perhaps it's not obvious. For this you are looking at some skill or experience that would be a real assett in this job, even although it is not listed in the job ad.

Take time to think this out. It is your secret weapon for the interview. Basically you want to be able to say "Yes I have all the things you are asking for, PLUS ...." and if necessary add how this bonus skill will benefit them.

Have these things front and foremost in your mind when you go to an interview.

No matter what the questions, there can always be an opportunity to tell them what you most want them to know.

Some questions are made for it. Such as "Tell me about yourself" or "What are your main strengths?"

Alternatively, as you tell you (short) stories of when you used the various skills required for the job, you can weave in any extra skills, with a mention of how you see yourself using them in this job too.

Preparing for an interview is not just getting ready to answer the employers questions, and having a few to ask at the end. It is considering what you want the employer to know, what is special about you, what skills you bring that the employer doesn't think of asking for, of what extra benefit you can be to the employer over and above having everying for which he is actually asking.

Take your time. Think it through. If everyone at the interview has all the skills the employer listed in the job ad, what could you tell him about yourself that would make the difference, that would make you stand out. Don't say "nothing"! Stop, think, consider.

You have special gifts and strengths - but you have to tell the employer about them.
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I offer telephone coaching on interview skills.