|
Author: Carole Martin Article source: http://interview.monster.com/. Used with author's permission.
This is one of those broad questions that can take you down the wrong road unless you have done some thinking about what to say ahead of time. This question deals with your ability to sell yourself. Think of yourself as the product. Why should the customer buy?
Answers that WON'T WORK -
'Because I need a job.' -- This answer is about YOU -- 'they' want to know what you can do for 'them.'
'I am a hard worker.' -- This is a really trite answer -- almost anyone can say he or she is a hard worker.
'I saw your ad and could do the job.' -- This answers lacks passion and purpose.
STRONGER ANSWERS that would get the interviewer's attention --
'Because I have three years experience working with customers in a very similar environment.'
'Because I have what it takes to fill the requirements of this job - solve customer problems using my excellent customer service skills.'
'Because I have the experience and expertise in the area of customer support that is required in this position.'
This is a time to let the customer (the interviewer) know what your product (YOU) can do for them and why they should listen to what you have to offer. The more detail you give the stronger your answer will be. This is not a time to talk about what you want. It is a time to summarize your accomplishments and relate what makes you unique and therefore a viable fit for this position.
Product Inventory Exercise
Start by looking at the job description or posting. What is the employer emphasizing as requirements of the job? What will it take to get the job done? Make a list of those requirements on one side of a piece of paper.
Next, do an inventory to determine what you have to offer as a fit against those requirements. List your skills on the other side of the paper. Think of two or three key qualities you have to offer that match each requirement that the employer is seeking. Don't underestimate personal traits that make you unique -- your energy, personality type, working style, and people skills.
The Sales Pitch -- You are the Solution
From the list of requirements and your matching list of what you have to offer, 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.
Example
'With my seven years of experience working with financial databases, I have saved companies thousands of dollars by streamlining systems. My high energy, and quick learning style enable me to hit the ground running and rapidly size up problems. I have the ability to stay focused in stressful situations, and can be counted on when the going gets tough. I know I would be a great addition to your team.'
Preparing this statement ahead of the interview will give you the edge when asked questions like, 'Why should we hire you?' or 'What can you bring to this position?' This will be your chance to let the interviewers know that you are the solution to their problem. About The Author
Carole Martin is a celebrated author, trainer, and an interview coach. Her books, 'Interview Fitness Training Workbook' and 'Boost Your Interview IQ' (McGraw Hill) have sold thousands of copies world-wide. Receive Carole's FREE 9-week job interview e-course by visiting her web site at: http://www.interviewcoach.com or http://www.interviewfitnesstraining.com.
Online Dating Made Easy and Safe
As technology becomes more ingrained in our everyday lives, more people are turning to the Internet for social purposes.
How To Eliminate Your Competition Without Bloodshed
So how do you eliminate your competition without bloodshed? You must create a niche for your business. A niche is something that makes your business different f...
What Would Jesus Blog?
As a Christian, I have often wondered what Jesus would write about, were He still writing and speaking today. In my opinion, the first question to ask is "Would...
Three Ways to Increase Mortgage Applications
If you are in the mortgage business, the very first thing you need before you can get anywhere, is an application.
Paying Off Your Credit Cards: A Get Out of Debt Plan
Getting out of debt requires more than just simple willpower. Most people will need to go a step further: coming up with a plan to make sure that they will be a...
What the Hell is a Stock option?
I will simply explain what an exchanged traded stock option is and what you can do with them in words anyone can understand.
Ego Based Businesses Are Doomed To Failure!
David had wanted all his life to be recognised as a "somebody" - and it was this sub-conscious drive which has led to him launching his own business ten years a...
Slot Machines
The main reasons for the popularity of slot machines in casinos.
Lose Fat and Retain Muscle By Getting In Touch With Hunger
Purposefully inducing hunger is a trick used by competitive bodybuilders to retain muscle mass while losing fat. How can the Average Joe and Jane use this to wo...
Discover the 10 Golden Rules on How To Conquer Your Fear
We all want happiness and peace of mind.
Livin On A Prayer
When I was a child, I thought as a child, and I prayed as a child. Every night I closed my eyes tightly and said the words my mother taught me: "Now I lay me do...
A Mans Embarrassing Question: What Do I Do About Impotence?
Information about men`s impotence
How To: Self-Hypnosis
Self-hypnosis is a wonderful way to bring about change in your own life. Here is a simple easy to follow set of instructions for achieving this.
Golf Travel Bags – Choose Wisely to Protect Your Investment
Planning a golf vacation? Don't forget to protect your golf clubs by choosing the right golf travel bag. How do you choose the golf travel bag that is right f...
Empower Your Shopping Experience
Healthy living begins with healthy eating and healthy eating begins with healthy shopping... Regardless of what nutritional program you are following - whether...
When Bad Things Happen to Good People
Why do bad things happen to good people? Surely this is a question all of us ask from time to time. Some of Jesus' listeners asked Him the same question.
Web Site Development Process - The Life-cycle Steps
Like the traditional software development, the process of web site development can also be divided into different life cycle steps. This can help to format the ...
Intelligent Emotions
The emotions of happiness and saddness are so taken for granted that we have forgotten their purpose in being inside of us at all. Over and above anything that ...
Ever Wanted to Make Your Own Themed Gift Baskets?
If you've always wanted to know how to make your own gift baskets, this article will give you some tips to get started. Gift baskets are such a wonderful gift ...
Management to the Vision-Contribution and the Role of Compliance
Management is often considered to be a two dimensional task-based deliverable. Technical management has long been viewed this way, with the delivery of the tec...
Topics For A Parent Workshop
Let's face it—choosing the right topics for a parent workshop can successfully motivate parents to attend your events. If you are a counselor, educator, father ...
Secure Your Privacy from Spyware and Other Adware Programs
Be cautious when surfing the net and downloading free/shareware. Not only can it seriously infect your computer, it can also cause identity theft.
Candle Burning to Petition the Female Saints
Here they are, our Ladies of Mercy and Divine Benevolence. Petitioning the Saints for Special Favours has been a big subject in the chat rooms lately, so in the...
Quick Tip - Effective Meetings Have a Complete Agenda
Most agendas guarantee that noting useful will happen during a meeting. Here's a quick tip on what to do...
|
Print this page