3/12/2018 How to Sell Yourself During a Job Interview

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How to Sell Yourself During a Job Interview

BY MADELEINE BURRY Updated October 13, 2017

 What does it mean to perform well during an interview? Well, you’ll need to show that you
have the right background and experience, as well as being a good match for the role and
for the company’s culture. Think of this as an amped-up, in-person version of the same
work you did on the job application to obtain an interview.

But you'll need to do more than check o the boxes on your interviewer's list — you want
the person you speak with to feel excited about making an o er.

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That means selling yourself to interviewers, to make it clear that you’re a strong candidate.
Sound overwhelming? Here’s how to get started.

4 Ways to Sell Yourself in Your Next Job Interview

1. Carry yourself with confidence.

If you feel unsure about yourself during the interview, it’ll show. Do everything you can to
outwardly project con dence when you meet with interviewers. What you say in response
to questions is essential (more on that later) but how you say it, as well as your overall
appearance and how you carry yourself, is also meaningful. Here are a few things to keep in
mind:

• Mind your body language: Are you slumped in the chair? Fidgeting? Avoiding eye
contact? These no-nos can make you appear unfocused, uninterested in the job, or
unsure of yourself. Maintain good posture, make eye contact when you shake hands,

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and sit in a position that radiates engagement with the conversation. Here are body
language tips to follow during your next interview.

• Watch your word choices: Nerves can make verbal tics even more prominent. Try to
avoid saying "um" or "like" too much—and, curb any tendency you have to engage in
uptalk, a speech pattern which can make you seem immature. Recording yourself
practicing interview questions—or having a friend practice with you—can help you
identify these habits.

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• Choose an industry- and interview-appropriate out t: There is no one answer for what
to wear during an interview. Do wear something you’re comfortable in (if you have an
itchy seam or keep tugging at a hemline, interviewers may notice) but also choose an
out t that’s suitable for the speci c interview. What’s appropriate for an interview at a
fashion magazine, tech start-up, and retail job di ers.

2. Practice answers, but make sure to develop ones that are specific and
memorable.
It’s good to practice what you’ll say in response to common interview questions.
Interviewers will expect you to be prepared. But just because the questions are common,
doesn’t mean your answers should be! Remember: you want to sell yourself during the
interview, and no one is eager to a buy a humdrum product. Aim to be memorable, so your
responses stick in the interviewer’s memory, even days after a conversation.

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As you practice your responses, keep these tips in mind:

• Be speci c: Don’t just say, “My work on that project saved the company money.” Tell
interviewers how much money and what you did to save it. Avoid vague answers

• Tell a story: It’s easy to say you’re a team-playing, detail-oriented self starter. These
buzzwords come up in job listings, but it’s your job to translate them into stories about
yourself. That proves you have the quality. So instead of saying “I’m a self starter,” say,
“When I came on board, there was a paper- and digital-based work ow for the monthly
report. I researched, and removing the paper-based work ow resulted in 10 percent
savings and also removed duplicate work. I presented my ndings to the executive
team, and we transitioned to a new, digital-only routine the following month. The sta
was relieved, and we’re all happy to spare the environment.”

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• Keep it brief: Don’t ramble in your answers. It’s better to pause for a second to frame
your thoughts than dive in and wind up babbling for minutes upon minutes. Be
respectful of interviewer's’ time, and pay attention to cues. (If interviewers seem bored,
they probably are — wrap it up!).

Following these strategies will help you avoid bland responses.

3. Know what interviewers want—and give it to them.

In some ways, what interviewers want is obvious: a candidate who can do the job well, and
t in with the company. But this will vary across positions, industries, and companies. To
gain insight into employer wants and needs, research the company and industry. If it’s
been awhile (say, since you wrote your cover letter) analyze the job description.

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Think always: What can I do for the company? Will you help them sell more widgets, resolve
customer complaints faster, streamline a work ow, or make sure customers are happy?

Figure out how you’ll be bene cial, then make sure it’s clear in your interview question
response.

4. Put your strengths on display.

Interviews are not the time for modesty! Rather, it’s a moment when it’s appropriate to say
“I did XYZ” or “My work helped do ABC.” Avoid saying “we” and make sure to mention your
accomplishments. If this feels uncomfortably like bragging, consider framing
accomplishments in terms of other people's comments:

• My co-workers voted me best team player two years running.

• In my annual review, my manager was really grateful for my organizational abilities.

Follow these steps, and you’ll be sure to impress interviewers with your con dence and
suitability for the position. 

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