In this digital age, paper qualifications are simply not enough to get your dream job. And even if you have the world’s best CV and cover letter, the most it will do is land you an interview, not always the job.
Selling yourself in an interview is often quite difficult, yet it’s necessary to land your dream job. Although your qualifications and experience can be summarized in a CV and cover letter, they cannot adequately reflect your personality and potential. In your interview, you have to make a lasting impression and convince your employers that you are the best candidate for the job you applied for.
How to sell yourself in a job interview
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Research the company: Before going for any job interview whatsoever, be sure to carry out thorough research on the company and the position you applied for. Your ability to ask questions and give appropriate responses will show your employer that you are genuinely interested in the job and the company.
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Prepare answers to common interview questions: An interview is basically a question-and-answer session. If you are unable to adequately answer the questions you were asked in an interview, you can kiss that job goodbye. Hence, you need to equip yourself with the knowledge of common interview questions and then proceed to practice the responses you intend to give for each of them. Be sure to rehearse as many times as possible, preferably in front of an audience (a friend or two). This will help you feel more confident when answering questions during the actual interview.
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Be confident: More like, act confident, even if you’re not! No one wants to employ a timid worker. You need to show your prospective employers that you are confident in your ability to use your skills, knowledge, and experience to contribute to the success and growth of their organization. More so, you need to show that you are capable of staying calm under pressure.
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Be honest: The proverb “Honesty is the best policy” holds true, especially in interviews. You need to be honest about your strengths and weaknesses, as well as your expectations for the role. Being honest will give your potential employers a realistic picture of what you can do and make you stand out from other candidates.
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Show enthusiasm: It is vital that you show your potential employers that you are excited about the opportunity to work for their company. Do not hesitate to speak positively about the company based on your prior research. This will help in convincing your potential employers that you are highly motivated and, as such, will put in maximum effort when performing your duties.
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Share specific examples: During interviews, don’t just list your credentials and experience. They’ve seen that in your CV! Instead, give practical examples of how you have used them to succeed in previous positions. This will enable the employer to visualize the ways in which you will be able to contribute to the success and growth of their company.
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Be flexible: You need to convey to your prospective employers that you are open to new challenges. Show that you are a fast learner and, as such, adaptable to change.
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Be prepared to ask questions: You can demonstrate to an employer that you are engaged and interested in a job by asking thoughtful questions. You will also be able to learn more about the job and the organization by asking relevant questions.
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Show your personality: An interview provides an opportunity for your prospective employers to get to know you as a person, not just as a candidate. Tell stories and tales that showcase your personality and character. You will need it to convince them that you will be able to fit into their company culture.
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Follow-up: After the interview, you should write a thank-you email to your prospective employers. Ensure to reiterate your interest in the job. This will help keep your name at the top of their minds.
Bottom Line
Getting your dream job requires more than just a well-written CV and cover letter. You need to be able to convince your potential employers that you are the perfect candidate for the job during your interview. By following the interview tips discussed above, you’ll be well equipped to make a lasting impression on your potential employers and thus increase your chances of landing the job.