interviews »
Selling Yourself
What to Say
- Introduce yourself with a smile and firm handshake. Maintain good eye contact during conversation.
- Demonstrate to the recruiter what you want to and can do for the employer today, based on employer research. Give two minute commercial.
- Answer questions with:
- "Yes, for example (accomplishment/result statement)" and
- "No, however (accomplishment/result statement)"
- Show interest in what the interviewer is saying, by nodding your head and leaning toward him/her occasionally.
- Give positive answers to negative-based questions.
- Ask the recruiter prepared questions.
- Initiate the next step by asking what the next step is.
- Ask for the recruiter's business card for future contact. Immediately after you leave make notes of important points of discussion.
What to Do
- Arrive 10-15 minutes early.
- Use time wisely to review employer research information.
- Have pen and paper. Asking to borrow a pen indicates lack of preparation.
- Be enthusiastic. Recruiters remember a positive attitude.
- Listen carefully to the interviewer's complete question before responding.
- If needed, pause and take time before answering difficult questions.
- Keep going even if you feel you made a mistake.
- Carry extra resumes, references, etc. organized in a portfolio.
- Unless asked, do not discuss salary and benefits.
After the Interview
- Send a thank you letter to the recruiter.
- Address it to the recruiter, by name and title.
- Demonstrate employer knowledge in 2-3 sentences.
- Restate employment objective.
- Answer the question – "What can you do for them?" – based on something specifically discussed during your contact. Use accomplishment or results statements that demonstrate your ability to meet those needs.