FIVE POINTS TO INCLUDE IN YOUR NEXT JOB INTERVIEW

When you submit a resume, chances are the hiring manager will have a stack of equally appealing CV’s sitting on top of his desk. The competition is fierce for both full-time jobs and part-time jobs; so what, other than a well-orchestrated resume and cover letter, is going to land you that perfect position?

The fact is, there is much more to selling yourself than simply having a successful work history and adequate computer skills. There are a number of personal attributes that will never show up on a resume, but may truly be the difference between a job offer and the unemployment line. It is up to you, during your interview, to successfully touch on some of the intangibles that are often difficult to include within the confines of your resume. What do employers really want to hear? Below are “Five Points to Include in Your Next Job Interview”:

TEAMWORK. Nobody ever lost a job offer by giving others credit where credit was due. Including the terms “my team” or “I worked with the ad reps to create a…” during your interview will not only give you the chance to discuss an achievement, but will also evoke the spirit of a team player. Then take the time to explain your key role in the success of the team.

STRONG WORK ETHIC. It is incredibly valuable to mention in an interview, in a nonaggressive way, the times when you went the extra mile to complete a project. When asked about a success, you could amend your story about hammering out a 100 page financial projection by including the fact that you were on a three-day deadline and worked 13-hour days to get it completed. Employers appreciate people who are willing to go the extra mile to deliver results for their company.

DETAIL ORIENTED. This topic covers several related valuable characteristics like critical thinking and analytical skills. Have you researched a subject for a former employer and vetted out newfound critical issues? Have you caught a misplaced decimal point in an accounting spreadsheet that saved your company a boatload of money? Did you catch the misspelling of “Cincinnati” before the Ohio office sent its new brochure to press? Highlighting several examples of your eye for detail will underscore your abilities go beyond a standard job description.

SELF-CONFIDENCE. No matter how great you look on paper, presenting yourself as a mouse during an interview is a surefire way to lose out on a new employment opportunity. It is vital to be assertive in your self-advocacy, while not projecting yourself as pompous or egotistical. Speak clearly, maintain comfortable eye contact and don’t be afraid to take honor in your past successes.

TACTFULNESS. So you hated your last employer and you felt the company’s business plan was a blueprint for failure; you know that you were unfairly laid-off because the hack that got your job was dating the boss’ sister; your manager had it in for you because your daughter took her teen’s spot on the cheerleading squad. While any of these things certainly might be factual, is it wise to mention them during your interview? Absolutely not. Answering the inevitable “Why did you leave your last job?” question can be a veritable minefield, but it is important to toe the line between truth and respectfulness… even if your last boss was a total jerk. This is actually a great opportunity to project your worth as both an A-One employee and a diplomat. “I had been my team’s top producer for the last three quarters of my tenure. Unfortunately, my department experienced a great deal of downsizing. I really value my time there and am proud that I left in good-standing.”

Practice incorporating these suggestions and techniques into conversations before your next interview, even if you simply rehearse them in front of a mirror. And one last interview tip: Don’t forget to smile.