Are You the Right Candidate for the Job?
Preparing for a job interview is hard work. Hiring managers are typically faced with an impressive lineup of qualified candidates, so they have to ask tough questions to find the very best fit. It’s up to you to anticipate what you’ll be asked and build a case that sells you as the right person for the job.
Oftentimes, interviewers will directly ask why you’re the best candidate for the position. While this can be an awkward question to answer, you have to nail it, because if you don’t, your competition will. Learn how to convince even the toughest hiring manager to choose you.
Emphasize Relevant Skills and Accomplishments
You’re a bright and talented professional with many achievements to your name, but don’t go off topic. Avoid clouding the hiring manager’s judgment by touting all your career highlights. Instead, focus only on those relevant to the job. Build a strong case for yourself by highlighting all pertinent skills and accomplishments that have prepared you to excel in the role. This is also the time to mention any applicable awards or special recognitions you’ve received that could give you a competitive advantage.
Show a Strong Understanding of the Company
In the hiring manager’s mind, the right candidate for the job knows they’re a good fit because they’ve done their research. Therefore, prior to the interview, learn everything you can about the business — history, culture, leadership, products, recent challenges faced by the organization, etc. — to explain why you’re the ideal choice. If it’s clear you know nothing beyond surface-level information about the company, the interviewer will realize your argument isn’t sincere, which will get you nothing but shown to the door.
Ask Thought-Provoking Questions
When a candidate really takes a job interview seriously, they want to know everything about the company. Some things you can learn by conducting research online, but others require the insights of a company insider — the interviewer. Prove you’re there for all the right reasons by asking great questions about the work itself. This shows your genuine enthusiasm for the job, and makes it clear you’re interested in making a difference, if hired. Save questions related to salary, vacation days, and benefits for a subsequent conversation.
Display Cultural Fit
Cultural fit is a leading factor in choosing the right person for the job, according to 88 percent of those who responded to the 2015 Jobvite Recruiter Nation survey. If the hiring manager doesn’t think you’ll assimilate well with the rest of the team, you won’t get the job — it’s that simple. Study the company’s social media accounts, blog and even take cues from the office setting to get a feel for the company culture. Use this to subtly but surely emphasize your shared values, match the interviewer’s communication style and let your passion for the work shine.
Finding the right fit for your skills and interests may take a great deal of effort, but it’s time well spent. If you would like to learn more about how we can help you find your next behavioral health position, contact us today at (513) 651-9500 or by email at [email protected].