The Art of Interviewing

The process of getting the job you want is very similar to conducting a sale. In this scenario, you are selling yourself as the best candidate for the position. Discard any previous mindset you have that the interview is just a setting to answer questions. Instead, ask questions and impress the interviewer with your preparation. In order to be successful in sales, or interviewing, learn and apply these steps:

• Know your product: You are the product. You bring to the bargaining table knowledge, skills, energy, accomplishments, and personality. Take an inventory and be sure your customer (potential employer) fully understands your value.
• Know your customer's needs: You must research the employer's organization and industry in order to determine needs, problems and opportunities.
• Demonstrate how you can fulfill the needs or solve the problems: Based on what you have learned about the employer's needs, highlight the skills and capabilities you have that best fulfill those needs.

For All Interviews

Your interview question responses are measured on two factors, content and style.

1. Content: The information you provide, add to, or clarify about your qualifications. Use a sales approach and make the most of the opportunity to describe all the positive things about you, the "product."
2. Style: Your delivery and mannerisms. The interviewer develops perceptions of your personality and skills based on your ability to "think on your feet." Organize your thoughts, and speak clearly and confidently. This is why interviewers sometimes ask the "Why is the sky blue?" type of questions. Be careful not to give short, incomplete responses or long, rambling discourses.