Today's job market is as competitive as ever. You need to be able to effectively communicate your skillset so that you will give yourself the best competitive advantage to secure employment. During the interview process, you want to highlight as many of your strengths as possible.
An easy way to do this is by slipping a few simple phrases into your next job interview. Here are seven things you should say in an interview.
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7 Things You Should Say In An Interview
1. I Am Very Familiar With What Your Company Does
Letting a prospective employer know that you are familiar with what a company does shows that you have a legitimate interest in the business and are not just wasting their time. Do your homework before arriving for an interview. Check out the company website for information about products and services. Search for the latest transactions and pertinent business news.
Be sure to let the interviewer know that you are familiar with the newest company acquisition or the latest product that was just developed. Explain how your skills and experience are a perfect fit for the employer.
2. I Am Flexible
Work environments are always changing. Prospective employers are looking for candidates that are open to change and can adapt at a moment's notice. In today's fast-paced business world, employees must have the ability to multi-task.
Stating that you are adaptable lets an employer know that you are willing to do whatever is necessary to get the job done. This may mean working additional hours or taking on additional job duties in a crunch. Show your potential employer that you are equipped to deal with any crisis that may arise.
3. I Am Energetic and Have a Positive Attitude
Employers are looking for candidates with optimism and a "can-do" attitude. Attitudes are contagious and directly affect company morale. Let the optimist in you shine during the interview process.
Be sure to always speak positively about past employers. Negative comments and sarcastic statements about past employers and co-workers will make you look petty. If you bad-mouth your past company, employers are liable to believe that you will do the same thing to them.
4. I Have a Great Deal of Experience
This is your chance to shine. Highlight any previous job duties that relate directly to your new job. If it is a management position, state every time that you were responsible for the supervision, training, and development of other employees. Discuss your motivational techniques and share specific examples of how you increased productivity. Feel free to list any training classes or seminars that you have attended.
5. I Am a Team Player
Do you remember when you were young and your teacher wanted to know if you could work well with others? Well, the job market is no different. Companies are looking for employees who are cooperative and get along well with other employees. Mentioning that you are a team player lets your prospective employer know that you can flourish in group situations.
Employers are looking for workers that can be productive with limited supervision and have the ability to work well with others.
6. I Am Seeking to Become an Expert in My Field
Employers love applicants who are increasing their knowledge base to make themselves the best employees possible. Stating that you are aiming to become an expert causes employers to view you as an asset and not a liability. You are a resource that other employees can learn from.
This is also a subtle way of illustrating that you have an attitude of excellence. You are aiming to be the best at what you do. This will let employers know that you are not just a fly-by-night employee, but are in it for the long run.
7. I Am Highly Motivated
A motivated employee is a productive employee. Talk about how your high level of motivation has led you to accomplish many things. If you are a meticulous worker, discuss your organizational skills and attention to detail. Companies are always looking for dependable employees whom they can count upon.
The Bottom Line
Remember that a job interview is an opportunity to sell yourself to a prospective employer. Be sure to slip in the right phrases to give you the best chance possible of securing your dream job.
FAQs
What are 7 tips for preparing for an interview? ›
- Identify your selling points for this job. ...
- Be ready to tell the interviewer about yourself. ...
- Know why you're interested in this position at this company. ...
- Do some salary research. ...
- Prepare your stories. ...
- Familiarize yourself with the STAR method.
An employer wants to hear how qualified and passionate you are, and a can-do attitude will take you far. “They want reassurance that you're genuinely interested in the job and not just looking for a paycheck,” Templin says. “This is your opportunity to show why you're perfect for the job.”
What are key things to say in an interview? ›- “I was so excited when I learned this position was open.” ...
- “This job aligns well with my experience and qualifications, and here's why.” ...
- “I read about that project on your website.” ...
- “Let me tell you about a time that I solved a problem like that.”
Landing an interview doesn't mean landing the job, because selling your skills and abilities depends on you: Prepare, Practice, Presentation, Powerful Interview, Post-Interview, and Ponder the Position are the six Ps that ensure the best possible outcome for you and the interviewer.
What are the six tips to ace your interviews? ›- Do your research.
- Understand your “why.”
- Be prepared for uncommon interview formats.
- Remember to be yourself.
- Prepare to ask questions.
- Ask for help.
- Be on time. ...
- Know the interviewer's name, its spelling, and pronunciation. ...
- Have some questions of your own prepared in advance. ...
- Bring several copies of your resume. ...
- Have a reliable pen and a small note pad with you. ...
- Greet the interviewer with a handshake and a smile.
- Be honest and think quickly.
- Speak clearly and maintain eye contact with the interviewer.
- Explain what you can do for the employer and why you want the job.
- Remember to use good examples to illustrate your point and your skills.
- Express yourself in a positive manner.
- Do your research. ...
- Dress professionally. ...
- Arrive on time. ...
- Limit distractions. ...
- Pay attention to body language. ...
- Have answers to questions you know will be asked. ...
- Ask informed questions. ...
- Follow up.
The first thing you should do when answering “why should we hire you?” is to highlight any skills and professional experience that are relevant to the position you're applying for. To make your answer all the more valid, make sure to always back up everything you say with examples, experiences, and achievements.
What to say when Why should we hire you? ›- Respond with clarity and confidence that you're a great fit.
- Never undermine your lack of experience.
- Always show what you feel makes you unique.
- Incorporate examples from previous jobs and how they relate to the key qualifications.
Why do we want to hire you? ›
Show that you have skills and experience to do the job and deliver great results. You never know what other candidates offer to the company. But you know you: emphasize your key skills, strengths, talents, work experience, and professional achievements that are fundamental to getting great things done on this position.
How do you A's an interview? ›- Getting Ready. Get a good night's sleep and give yourself plenty of time to get ready for the interview. ...
- First Impressions. Smile. ...
- Brag Appropriately. ...
- Emphasize the Positive. ...
- Be Prepared for Common Questions. ...
- Ask Thoughtful Questions. ...
- Illegal Questions. ...
- Discussing Salary.
- Dress appropriately. Choosing the right outfit for your interview can help improve your confidence. ...
- Stay alert. ...
- Practice breathing techniques. ...
- Prepare and rehearse your answers. ...
- Respond thoughtfully. ...
- Consider eye contact. ...
- Evaluate your body movements. ...
- Think positively.
- Prepare: Like any exam, the more prepared you are, the less nervous you will be and a more relaxed disposition with ensure a more controlled and confident delivery. ...
- Practice: Practice the delivery of your prepared answers. ...
- Presentation:
As a rule of thumb, it is recommended that you spend just 20% of your preparation time researching the company in question, and 80% of your time focusing on yourself and your relevant skills and experience.
What are the 4 interview tips? ›During the Interview
Remember you get one chance to make a first impression. Be prepared to summarize your experience in about 30 seconds and describe what you bring to the position. Listen carefully to each question asked. Answer questions as directly as possible.
- Establish position requirement priorities. ...
- Communicate with human resources. ...
- Put together a diverse hiring team. ...
- Develop a welcoming environment. ...
- Avoid asking personal or unfit questions. ...
- Document the interview process. ...
- Maintain neutral body language. ...
- Ensure all questions are job-relevant.
- Be inquisitive. At the end of most interviews, the interviewer asks the applicant if they have any questions. ...
- Make eye contact. ...
- Mention something you have in common. ...
- Build rapport with small talk.
1. Self-preparation. Much of successful interviewing has to do with being able to align your unique gifts and qualifications with the position you're applying for.
How do you nail every interview? ›- Research the company you are interviewing for. ...
- Study your resume and know it well. ...
- Know the job description of the position you are applying for. ...
- Display your skills with concrete examples. ...
- Prepare an interview tool kit. ...
- Build rapport. ...
- Make eye contact. ...
- Body language.
What are the 5 hardest interview questions? ›
- What is your greatest weakness?
- Why should we hire you?
- What's something that you didn't like about your last job?
- Why do you want this job?
- How do you deal with conflict with a co-worker?
- Here's an answer for you.
- Dress professionally.
- Review the job description.
- Research the company.
- Research the industry.
- Identify some key examples.
- Find something unique about yourself.
- Connect with employees online.
- Prepare responses to key questions.
- Structure your answer in a way that makes sense. Stick to the past-present-future format, and you're all good!
- Keep it relevant and brief (1-2 minutes max). No one wants to hear your whole life story.
- Mention any of your top achievements and relevant work experiences.
- Be punctual. ...
- Prepare for the interview. ...
- Relax and be yourself. ...
- Smile and be friendly. ...
- Use a firm handshake and direct eye contact. ...
- Bring copies of your resume and portfolio. ...
- Look the part. ...
- Ask questions.
- Find Out Who You'll Be Talking To. ...
- Ask Good Questions. ...
- Practice Talking About Yourself. ...
- Study the Main Points You Want to Mention. ...
- Show Them That You're Excited About the Position. ...
- Give Examples of What You've Achieved. ...
- Keep the Needs of the Company in Mind.
For example, you might explain that you are particularly motivated, or that you are known for going above and beyond for your employers. A second way to answer is to emphasize your unique skills. If you have skills that make you a strong candidate (especially if not many people have those skills), mention these.
What is your biggest strength? ›- Enthusiasm.
- Creative thinking.
- Task prioritization.
- Discipline.
- Determination.
- Analytical thinking.
- Communication skills.
- Dedication.
- Decide what you can do. Pinpoint which parts of the situation you have the power to change or influence for the better. ...
- Get support. Find someone to talk to about your situation. ...
- Care for yourself. Take especially good care of yourself when stress in your life is high.
- Be a good team player: ...
- Passion towards job: ...
- Proven ability to multitask: ...
- Determination: ...
- Dedication: ...
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines: ...
- Self –motivation: ...
- Enthusiasm:
Employers rate showing enthusiasm (for the job, company, industry) and making eye contact as the most important keys to success at interviews. Since interviews are a conversation between the potential employee and the employer, speaking clearly (and loud enough) is also vital.
What are the 3 most important tips for a successful interview? ›
- Be on time. ...
- Know the interviewer's name, its spelling, and pronunciation. ...
- Have some questions of your own prepared in advance. ...
- Bring several copies of your resume. ...
- Have a reliable pen and a small note pad with you. ...
- Greet the interviewer with a handshake and a smile.
- Tell me about yourself.
- What attracted you to our company?
- Tell me about your strengths.
- What are your weaknesses?
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
- Tell me about a time where you encountered a business challenge?
- Being unprepared.
- Dressing inappropriately.
- Talking too much or not enough.
- Criticising previous employers or colleagues.
- Failing to ask questions.
Your skills and qualifications. If you can prove that you've got all the skills that the company is looking for in a candidate, you'll have effectively answered the question. Your passion and motivation. You can highlight how good of a company fit you'd be and how much you love working in your field or industry.
What are the 3 C's of interview? ›These three C's that we will examine are: Credibility; Competence; and Confidence. They are inextricably connected. I'm an introvert by personality type, but can interview with the best of them because of the successful implementation of these three C's.
How do you stand out in an interview? ›- 1) Avoid talking about what you're not.
- 2) Tell a story about yourself.
- 3) Allow yourself to be vulnerable.
- 4) Don't hide who you are.
- 5) Pose thoughtful questions to your hiring manager.
- 1) Dressing the Part. ...
- 2) Review the Questions The Interviewers Will Ask You. ...
- 3) Do Enough Research on the Company. ...
- 4) Be Respectful of the Interviewers. ...
- 5) Good Non-Verbal Behavior.
- 6) Be On Time to the Interview. ...
- 7) Know all the Credentials of the Company and the Job you're Applying For.
- The STAR Method. The STAR method is a great way to answer behavioral interview questions. ...
- Be on Time. ...
- Be Prepared for Common Questions. ...
- Be Confident, but Not Arrogant. ...
- Ask Questions. ...
- Ending the Interview on a Positive Note.
- Own Your Personal Story. ...
- Bring Real-Life Examples. ...
- Understand the Value of Numbers. ...
- Hone Your Value Sets. ...
- Come Prepared with Great Questions.