Going on an interview is one of the hardest parts of the job search process. Doing research on the company you’re interviewing for isn’t all that bad. Getting dressed up in a suit is definitely do-able. However, having to sell yourself and your skills is the place where most people start having trouble. Some people (but certainly not all) have a hard time promoting themselves and showcasing why they would be good for a job. As a result, the interviewer might feel that you’re not qualified enough and you’ll miss out on getting that job.
There are a few simple things you can do to build rapport and better sell yourself to your interviewer. Follow our how-to’s below!
Engage In Small Talk
Before you actually begin the interview, there is always an opportunity to create small talk with the interviewer. Some people might have a hard time with this as you’ve probably never met the interviewer before – it’s just easier to get down to business. However, before your interview, think about some things you could potentially bring up with your interviewer. Compliment their office space or talk about good restaurants nearby. Another great conversation starter is to look them up on LinkedIn before you go. See if you have any mutual contacts or if you can learn anything interesting about their past work history. They’ll be impressed that you took the time to look into them and they’ll likely remember you in the days to come.
Be The Solution To Their Problem
The company that you are interviewing with is hiring for a reason! They have a need for this particular job and their potential new employee’s skills. If you are the answer to their problem, you need to be able to accurately show them. Before you go to the interview, review the job description to see what they’re looking for. What will the main roles for this position be? Then, find examples from your own career that match up to these needs. Saying you have the skills is not enough. Showing actual results or outcomes from projects you’ve worked on will give them a better idea of how you can fulfill their need.
Don’t Be Afraid to Sing Your Praises
Many people aren’t comfortable with self-promotion. However, when interviewing, it’s a necessary act that we all must do in order to get the job we want. There are some ways you can go about it without feeling (and sounding) completely narcissistic, however. As we previously stated, find examples of your work where you were able to reach positive results. Also, the nature of some IT professional’s jobs allow them to have a portfolio of work, which can speak for itself many times. However, you should not be afraid to highlight your greatness. After all, the people competing with you for this job will be making themselves sound great! Just make sure you are prepared with examples to showcase your skills!
Be Positive
No one wants to work with a negative person so don’t come off that way in your interview. Your interviewer is looking for someone who can work well within their IT team. Negativity will automatically rule you out. Highlight your past work experiences and bosses in a positive way. Showcase examples of people who helped you achieve your goals, mention a mentor(s) or times you worked closely with a group to achieve a successful outcome.
Send a Thank You
While sending a thank you note or email to your interviewer after you’ve spoken with them might seem like a no-brainer, many people either forget or just neglect to do so. It might seem like a small gesture that goes un-noticed but don’t be fooled. Many managers will automatically dismiss anyone who did not send them a thank you email. This also shows that you have the necessary skills to follow up and interact with a team on a professional level. While this might not seem like an important attribute, it’s something that IT managers look for and value in their employees.
Interviews can be hard, but the key to a successful one is preparation! By doing your research on the job, company and brainstorming how your past experiences relate to this position, you’re well on your way to a great interview and a new job!
Are you ready to put your interview skills to the test? Check out IDR’s open jobs here and get that interview!