Think Like a Recruiter in Your Next Interview

In this competitive job market you really need to develop a great professional story that showcases your strengths and why you are a value-add for the opportunity you are seeking. So many great candidates blow the interview because they are not prepared to sell themselves to the employer. You have to be your own best self advocate in the interview since nobody else is there to sing your praises. Humble confidence is the way to go but you need to deliver your message clearly.

In a buyer’s market, competition is fierce and you must distinguish yourself in the interview to stand out from the pack. Here are some key concepts that recruiters and Human Resources professionals want to hear from their candidates during job interviews according to Erin Coe who writes for Portfolio Media.

1. I’m a self starter.

In any business, organizations are looking to hire employees who have a positive effect on the bottom line. In the non-profit arena, candidates should showcase how they can move the mission of the organization forward. In both cases, job seekers need to demonstrate that they are self-motivated and have a drive to succeed. Employers want you to be able to hit the ground running and be able to contribute immediately on the job. A learning curve is expected but self-starting initiative is priceless.

2. I work well on a team.

In most organizations some team work is inevitable. Candidates need to demonstrate their ability to work with others and this can be illustrated through jobs, sports, and other activity examples. It all comes down to playing well in the company sandbox. Employers are looking for team oriented personalities and good colleagues who can communicate effectively on their team.

3. I can make your life easier.

Not all interviewers ask compelling questions that automatically prompt you to showcase your strengths. Take the driver’s seat and focus on how you can make the interviewer’s life (and the organization at large) easier by becoming a valued employee. Illustrate your specific skills with examples and highlight major responsibilities or projects that are transferable and desirable for the new position.

4. I have some questions about your organization.

Take the time to do your homework on the organization for which you are interviewing. Employers can tell how much effort you have put into your research based on the questions you ask. Pursuing informational interviews with other employees before your interview is encouraged and shows you really want to know what’s happening on the inside.

5. Let me tell you why I want this job and why I will be a valuable asset.

Your closing argument in the interview is the ideal opportunity to give your final pitch. Summarize your strengths and stick with the Rule of Three since people can retain three points or less in a short time span. Practice humble confidence but don’t be shy about strutting your professional stuff. It’s a jungle out there and you need to become your own best marketer knowing that you are the product.