- Confidence is Key
Go in to the interview as if it is already yours. You want to be careful so you don’t come off cocky or arrogant. Nobody likes a douchebag. Confidence is “a feeling of self-assurance arising from one’s appreciation of one’s own abilities or qualities.” As an employer we can always call your bluff and can tell if you are hiding insecurities or “faking it until you make it.” Remember to be honest, think like the employer, and be yourself.
2. Transferrable Skills will Secure the Bag
You need to be able to “show and tell” the employer that you have the skills from your previous or current experience that you have the capability to do the current job. For example if you’ve worked in Sales/ Project Management all of your life and you decide you want to go into Higher Education, you will need to talk about your customer service experience, sales abilities, ability to multi task, work within tight deadlines, and work in a fast paced environment. Those are all skills used in your sales background that could transfer over to an Admissions Representative at a University.
3. Be Prepared
One of employers biggest pet peeves is having candidates that do not know ANYTHING about the company. Do your research ahead of time because that shows interest and initiative. Doing your research ahead of time will also allow you to develop intelligent questions when the employer asks, ” Do you have any questions for us?”
Preparation also includes having your updated and targeted resume printed out for each member on the interview panel, reviewing your 30 second commercial so you can answer the dreaded “Tell Me About Yourself” question, and practice answering behavioral and situational interview questions by developing examples of each using the STAR method. (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
With these three tips you’ll be securing the bag in no time.
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