Your Resume Gets You the Interview; Your Interview Gets You the Job
When an employer sends out a job posting they have considered their needs and put together a list of requirements to fill those needs. When you find that posting and feel that you meet the requirements you can ensure an interview through thoughtful preparation. You want to capture their interest with your resume; it is your first and best opportunity to make clear why you should be considered. Nicholas Lore, author of “The Pathfinder, How to Choose or Change Your Career for a Lifetime of Satisfaction and Success”, and writes on rockportinstitute.com that, “A great resume doesn’t just tell them what you have done but makes the same assertion that all good ads do: If you buy this product, you will get these specific, direct benefits. It presents you in the best light. It convinces the employer that you have what it takes to be successful in this new position or career.”
So You Got the Interview…
What a potential employer wants to see: sincere interest, preparedness, demonstration of knowledge and experience. When you arrive (early) for your interview you will have already researched the company through their website and news articles, prepared answers for behavioral questions, and have questions to ask about the company’s culture. By coming prepared to answer behavioral questions and with intelligent questions to ask about the culture of the company you will be making a positive impression. Peter Vogt, Monster Senior Contributing Writer, says in his blog “Six Key Interview Answers Employers Need to Hear”, an employer wants to know that you have the knowledge and skills to do the job and the ability to fit in with the culture and people to work well as part of the company. Lars Behrenz, puts it in these words in his paper, “Who Get the Job and Why? An Explorative Study of Employers’ Recruitment Behavior”, “During the job interview the employer search for persons with professional knowledge, personal engagement and social competence.” So it is important that you not only give example of work you have done but how you work with others.
Sealing the Deal
Before your interview ends take time to let the interviewer know that you have heard them. In her article “Why Should We Hire You?”, Carol Martin, a contributing writer for monster.com says, “From the list of requirements, match what you have to offer and merge the two into a summary statement. This is your sales pitch. It should be no more than two minutes long and should stress the traits that make you unique and a good match for the job.” Show them you have been listening and that you can bring what they need to the job.
Interviewing and getting the job is a process with multiple steps. If you take the time to study the job and the company you will be able to sell yourself in the best light. When you tailor your answers to the job you are interviewing for you will make a great impression. Everyone likes talking to a good listener.
– Susan Mitchell
