- Get your attitude straight. Be very clear what you can and cannot do. Then let go of the “can’ts”. A prospective company is only interested in what you can do for them. Don’t tell them that you have experience that you do not (never lie in an interview), but don’t volunteer an extensive list of all of the things that you don’t have experience doing.Do, however, highlight what experiences you have that are appropriate to the matter at hand. The company needs a specific skill set. You may have all or part of that set of needs. They are not interested in all of the experiences you have that do not apply to the job intended. Stick to the skills that are relevant.Remember that a company is hiring someone because they have a need, not because you have one. They need specific tasks done to add to their bottom line profit. That is a good thing, as it results in more hiring and more people earning.
- Empathy is the key to having a great interview. First, think about the needs of the company you are interviewing with. Do a little research on where they are in their industry, where they are planning to be and what your part in those plans can be. Ask questions about that in the interview. Then listen to what they are thinking about their needs.Think about what the hiring authority needs. This isn’t a research thing, it is an empathy thing. Consider his position. Consider what he is trying to accomplish. He will hire you if he thinks that you are the best chance he has of advancing his agenda. He is the boss; he gets to think that way.Think about what your team will need. Here again, asking is the answer. How will you fit in? What are they looking for you to do and how do they see you progressing. It matters little what you think about your position on the team, if it doesn’t match up with their vision. And always go for the job, even if it doesn’t seem like something you want right now. You can always decline an offer, but you can’t turn down or accept an offer you don’t get. And gathering offers is good practice.
Go into an interview confident, but not cocky. A know-it-all attitude is a big turn off. A company will want to orient you to their culture and ways of doing things. They want someone who is trainable. But they also want to be reassured that you have the ability to learn and become a valuable contributor.They want someone who will be an asset to the team, not an attitude problem. No whining about your current or past companies, no complaints about stupid, or incompetent bosses.Remember that an interview is their only clue as to whom you will be to work with. People love to be around those who are inspired, happy and enthusiastic. Be someone they want to spend 8 hours each workday next to.
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