DAWG Talk: Why Should I Hire You?

From ERE Net | posted by David Rose on Nov. 19, 2009

(Guest Post by Paul Smith)

In today's tough economy competition for jobs is at an all time
high. The national unemployment rate has increased to double digits,
companies are becoming more selective in who they hire, and the
interview process is taking longer and longer.

We have all heard the talk about searching for a new job...how to go
about it, how much time per day to spend looking, resume tips, and
working your personal network. But what happens when you land the
interview? How are you differentiating yourself from your competition
and why should a potential employer higher you?

It isn't good enough anymore to show up in your blue business suit,
to use a firm handshake, and to follow up with a thank you after the
interview. We can all agree that the interview is a fragile process, a
crapshoot that can go either way. With that being said, here are five
things you can do to win any interview and give you an edge against
your competition.

• 1. Made| Saved| Achieved Have you made your
  company any money? Have you saved your company any money? Have you
  achieved anything outstanding in your previous positions? Awards?
  Promotions? Special recognition? The logic here is past performance is
  a key indicator for future results. What company wouldn't like someone
  who can make them money, save them money, or grow within an
  organization?

• 2. What unique skill set to you bring? What makes
  you different? What does a company get if they hire you? Be brief, give
  examples and move on. Shakespeare said brevity is the sole of wit.
  People have short attention spans. Don't ramble. You will lose your
  audience.

• 3. Be prepared Do your homework on the company,
  the person who is interviewing you, and why the position is open. (Your
  recruiter can help you on this). We are in the age of information;
  there is no reason why you shouldn't know about the company you are
  interviewing with. You don't have to know everything, but you should be
  able to talk intelligently for a couple of minutes about them. Be ready
  to answer the typical interview questions:


• Tell me about yourself. I would love to tell you about myself where
  would you like for me to start and what would you like for me to
  include? This gives the interviewer a starting point and gives you key
  insight in what is important to them.


• How much are you looking for? Explain that money is not the driving
  force in your search but you would be open to their best offer to
  someone with your background.


• Why should we hire you? Explain how your background and career
  goals are congruent with their company. Draw comparisons to your
  background and the job they are trying to fill.

• 4. Believe in yourself and be confident, but be careful not to be overconfident, arrogant or oversell your background.

• 5. Close hard; ask the interviewer 3 key questions at the end of the interview.


• Is there anything in my background that would prohibit us from
  moving to the next step? This gives you a second chance to expand on
  any perceived weaknesses or miscommunication.


• What is the next step? This gives you a sense of the company's urgency and when you should hear back from them.


• Can I count on your support as I continue through the process? This
  is a verbal commitment from the interviewer and lets you know where you
  stand. If they can't endorse your candidacy, maybe it's time to look
  for another opportunity.

If you can adopt these strategies into your interview process you
will be well on your way to winning any interview and getting your
dream job.

Paul Smith is Director of Accounting and Finance with Steven Douglas Associates in South Florida. psmith@stevendouglas.com