Knowing how to interview is important. But knowing how to get noticed during the interview process can mean the difference between a call back and a stale rejection letter. How can you get noticed during an interview? What do prospective employers want to see before, during and after the interview? Job seekers scour books and job boards looking for insight that will empower them to say just the right thing at the next interview. While recruiters and other so-called career placement experts may have a comprehensive list of do's and don'ts there are a few simple things that you can do to get noticed and get hired.
Demonstrate a Strong Work Ethic
On the surface, follow through may seem like an impossible thing to demonstrate. But in reality, anything that you can do to showcase this character trait. One excellent way to do so is to discuss a previous project that you were involved in from start to finish. Explain the hurdles you faced and how you emerged on the other side.
Highlight Initiative
Did you recommend that your previous employer redesign his website? Did you recommend cost-cutting strategies that saved the company's budget? Tell prospective employers about situations where you took the time and effort to find creative solutions and you'll prove your worth.
Be a Master Communicator
"Strong written and verbal communication skills." In the information-rich world of today, those words apply to just about any job you could want. You demonstrate your acumen here with your resume, initial phone call, interview and correspondence with your prospective employer. Take care with written communication. Proofread and proofread again. After you've reviewed it, ask a friend to look over your material as well. Practice answering interview questions until you can speak without the use of uh's, um's, and unnatural pauses.
Get Fired With Enthusiasm
BC Forbes is quoted as saying, "The employee who isn't fired with enthusiasm is apt to be fired." If you're interested in getting noticed during the interview process, demonstrate your enthusiasm, adaptability and willingness to encourage others. Tell the interviewer about a situation in which you were part of the solution in building office morale. Give examples of your encouraging attitude. Most importantly, project a positive outlook during all of your interactions.
Illustrate Positive Time Management Skills
Are you punctual? Reliable? Do you avoid sick days like the plague? Absent and late employees cost businesses big money, are bad for morale and destroy productivity and efficiency statistics. If you've got great attendance records, be sure to tell your prospective boss all about it. And by all means, be early for the interview. There's nothing worse than keeping a prospective employer waiting while you circle the highways looking for the right exit.
These are all qualities to reference in your CV and to try and demonstrate in an interview, but they are also important to work on in your existing employment – they’ll make you a better (and in all likelihood, a happier) employee.
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