You’ve made it through the resume creation and application process, and it’s finally time for the interview. It’s the final stretch of the job search process, and for those of us who haven’t perfected their public speaking skills, that can mean pre-interview jitters.
Every company wants to hire employees who will bring their company the most value. This makes the goal of every interview to communicate exactly how much value you can bring to the table. That can be easier said than done, especially when you’re nervous.
To give you the best tips on communicating your value in an interview, we asked recruiters and hiring specialists for their tips. See what they said, and learn how to perfect your interview.
“Use specific, quantifiable examples to illustrate your achievements and the impact you’ve had in previous roles.”
- Ben Walker, Owner of Ditto Transcript
“Remember that you can actually control the interview with the questions you ask. And those questions will allow you to move the interview into territory that will allow you to make whatever your points may be. The best questions will not only demonstrate your interest in the job but an interest in helping the company accomplish its goals.”
- Barry Maher, Berry Maher & Associates
“Your ability to identify the relevance of the issue and provide an appropriate response is directly related to the depth with which you have researched the role and organization. Once you’ve zeroed in on the genuine question being asked, you can tailor your response to highlight the ways in which your qualifications match those being sought.”
- Jamie Penney, CEO or ShoppingFoodie
“Impressions made in the first few seconds last a lifetime. A welcoming demeanor, an upbeat tone of voice, and a trustworthy appearance all contribute to making people interested in and receptive to what you have to say.”
- Jamie Miller, Co-Founder of Treadmill Review
“Think about the parts of your work’s outcomes that only you could have made. Maybe you bring something to the table that goes above and beyond the call of duty that very few people can.”
- Alan Perkins, Co-Founder of RadialZone
“Keeping a growth mindset is highly valued by companies are they look to hire employees who are committed to the long-term success of the firm.”
- Mark Lindquist, Head of Marketing at Community Phone
“Emphasis your transferable talents, whether you’re switching careers or have expertise in a different industry. Describe how your prior experiences and skills can be used in the position you’re looking for and how they contribute to your value as a candidate.”
- Sunny Kumar, Founder and Marketing Specialist at TheWPX
“Listen actively to the interviewer’s questions and respond with relevant and concise answers that highlight your value.”
- Adam Khan, Co-Founder of WeShootYou
“I find the conversations that are the most memorable are those when the candidates are truly themselves and don’t give me a ‘hard pitch’ on what they can bring to the table. One of my best suggestions for candidates is to research the mission and values of the organization and then think about how they align not only with their personal values but also the work they have done in the past.”
- Alex Cheney, Senior Technical Recruiter at Atlassian
“Express your sincere interest in the company and the role. Explain why you believe you would be a great fit and what enthuses you about the opportunity. This helps the interviewer see that you’re not just seeing any job but are specifically interested in this role and company.”
- Muazma Batool, HR Manager and Recruiter at SharpCore
“Following up after an interview is a phenomenal way to reiterate your interest and value. Mention specific points from the interview that you found valuable and show your enthusiasm for the role and the company.”
- Shirley Borg, Head of Human Resources at Energy Casino
“Identify at least three strengths that put you in a position to help resolve your future employer’s pain points.”
- Joe Coletta, Founder and CEO of 180 Engineering
“Communication, teamwork, and emotional intelligence are power skills that recruiters prize, so it is essential to develop them.”
- Victor Anaya, International PEO Services and Recruitment at Serviap Global
“Self-confidence is key in interviews, so make sure you come across as someone who is excited to add value to the organization and not just desperate for a job.”
- Sarah Watson, Chief Operating Officer or BPTLAB
Want to learn more ways to ace your interview? See our blog on the top soft skills of 2023.
Main photo by LinkedIn Sales Solutions on Unsplash
