What Interviewers Really Rate You On
Posted July 7th, 2015
Preparing for a job interview can be a stressful experience. You have to research the company, think carefully about your answers, put together a great outfit, and be ready for the unexpected. Each one of these steps is important, but you can simplify the process and ultimately make a stronger impression during your interview by focusing on the criteria that interviewers rate you on the most:
Your Enthusiasm
No employer wants to hire someone that is not excited about the job their interviewing for. In all your communications with the company and especially in the interview, make sure that enthusiasm shines though. The key is to show the interviewer that you are not just interested in any job, you are interested in this job. If you do this effectively, you immediately set yourself apart from the rest of the candidate field.
Your Communication Skills
Regardless of the company you’re interviewing with or the position you’re seeking, communication skills will be important. Being able to speak and write clearly and dynamically to a wide variety of audiences and in a every setting is essential to today’s businesses. And being able to listen is just as important. The face-to-face, on-the-spot nature of an interview makes it an ideal place to show off your communication skills, so be sure to think carefully about your answers in advance and be ready to field unexpected questions in stride.
Your Technical Skills
Again, technical skills are important for all jobs these days. Your interviewer has likely prepared a list of the skills the chosen candidate must have, the skills they would prefer the candidate to have, and any others that could be an asset down the road. Carefully read over the job description and similar job descriptions to determine exactly what those skills are. Then, during the interview, emphasize that you have those skills and you know how to utilize them in ways that produce positive outcomes.
Your Fitness for the Position
You might be a great communicator with lots of skills and a gung-ho attitude, but if the interviewer doesn’t believe that you will fit in on a team and thrive in the company’s culture, you probably won’t get the job. Employers are more motivated than ever to hire candidates based on their personality and demeanor. Make sure that during your interview some of your personality shines though. Highlight some of your values, show off your sense of humor, and illustrate what makes you unique outside of a professional context. Proving that you are the right fit can make up for deficiencies elsewhere.
In order to ace the interview you first have to get the interview. Access resources to help you find open positions and learn how to submit outstanding resumes and cover letters by working with the team at Bayside Solutions.
