Wondering how to show interviewers that you have the WOW factor? Here are some quick tips on how to be an irresistible candidate who knows the job:
1. Infuse your research into the conversation. Possible things to say include:
- “I saw on your news page that you recently acquired X company, how might that affect my position in the next few quarters?”
- “It seems like volunteerism is important to you, so can you tell me more about the Employee Service Day that was featured on the company’s Instagram?”
- “I see that you use the X tool in your program, how is that working out for your group? What was a deciding factor in this decision?”
Stating that you did your research before the employer asks is very important to the overall WOW factor.
2. Include why you are interested in the position within the first two minutes of your introduction. Including the “why” into your “tell me about yourself” response is key and hooks their attention.
Here is an example:
“Thank you for taking the time to interview me today, and I would be happy to tell you more about me. I am a 2018 graduate of Miami University where I studied Political Science and minored in Psychology and Communications. My internships led me here today as I excel in scenarios where I can build relationships with anyone, whether a fellow student or a person with a more senior position to me. I am excited about the role we are discussing today because the core responsibility as a Sales Lead is developing relationships for X company, driving sales, and bringing in new clients. I chose X company because of the value the company places on being a team and giving back to the community through the Ronald McDonald house which significantly impacted me when I was younger. I have this deep connection to the organization that I hope to give back through developing relationships at X company.”
3. Bring visual aids. Every WOW candidate has always brought some sort of visual aid or visual representation to supplement the words they say. No matter what experience you have, a chart, graph or picture, will always help the visual learners in the room understand more fully to what you are referring. Make a point to mention that you brought a report if it doesn’t come up in the interview. You also can include a link to your website portfolio or LinkedIn profile on your resume.
4. Don’t mention title, salary, or negative stuff. Most interviewers are turned off in an interview when they ask a candidate “Why are you interested in this position? Why X company?”, and a candidate’s response is “It is the next rung up on the ladder” or “The salary is attractive” or “I have a toxic work environment.” The focus of the conversation should be how you and the organization fit together, not about the perks or because you think the grass is greener. Always be positive and focus on how you make a company better with your organizational or people skills, not because you want a paycheck. Bottom line: Try to anticipate the interviewers’ needs, and tell them how you think you can be a productive worker in their organization by matching up your skills to their job. They aren’t mind readers, so make it as easy as possible for an interviewer to see you in that position.