Interviews: know what you want to say

It's all too easy to assume that the employer is in charge of the interview, and you are just there to answer the questions. This is not the case.

You are there to answer questions, yes, of course. But that is not all you are there for.

You are there for two other reasons.

To talk about them in the order in which they are most likely to occur in an interview, they are:

1: to tell the employer what you want him to know about you, that is totally relevant to the job, whether or not he asks you the appropriate question. (More on the farther down)

2: to ask questions that show an interest in the company, that will elicit information that will be helpful to you in deciding if you want the job.

To go back to point 1. You decide ahead of time what skills, experience and personal qualities you have that best fit you for this job, and you work them into your answers at the interview. Please note, you still have to answer the questions as asked, but be alert to opportunities to give some information that the employer hasn't requested (keep it short, to the point, and mixed in with your accurate answer to the question.)

Some employers are not trained interviewers and they can be very uncomfortable with the interview process, and often do not ask the question they need to ask to get the information they want. By preparation, and intent you can make sure you give the information that shows you to be the best candidate for the job.

Now to point 2. At the interview, before you have been offered the job, the "me benefit" questions (how much do you pay, what vacations do I get etc etc) should be avoided. Ask questions that show interest in the company and the job. All the questions you really want to ask, the "me benefit" ones, are for after you have been offered the position.

So go to the interview knowing what you have to offer that you want to tell the interviewer, and have some company/job-centered questions ready for the end, and you are all set to make a great impression.

Here are some excellent products to help you ace that interview:

Guides For Employers And Jobseekers

Job Interview Success System. Transforms The Complicated Job Interview Process Into A Simple, Step-by-step System To Ace The Interview And Get The Job!

Would you like individual help practicing for your interview (in person, by phone, or online audio messenger)?