Dr. Kelly Morrison is Professor of Communication Studies at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She offers the following practical tips for success in an initial employment selection interview, based on her background in sales and years of preparing students for interviews:
KNOW AND PITCH YOURSELF
Know and be able to discuss your top three professional qualities. Many interviews open with “Tell me about yourself and why you’re right for this job.” Respond to these questions with your top three traits; for example, “I’m right for this job because I’m conscientious, hardworking, and creative…”
BACK IT UP
Be prepared to back up every claim you make about yourself with specific example
KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE
Do your homework on the position, the company, and the industry. It is not uncommon for the interviewer to ask you, “Who is our chief competitor? Who is our CEO?” The internet is your best friend; research the company, competition, and industry ahead of time. This preparation may be the edge that sets you apart from others.
KNOW YOUR ROI
It costs companies time to recruit, interview, and train their workforce. With this in mind, you want to communicate your retur
BE PREPARED
Standard interview questions include “Why do you want this job?” and “What is your biggest weakness?” These questions probe your motives and whether or not you are sel
Be ready for of
Also be ready to ask the interviewer at least three questions. My favorite is, “What qualities do you think are most important for success in this job?” This is important for two reasons. First, if the qualities described are not ones that you currently possess, or care to possess, you may rethink whether or not you want to work for this company. Second, if you want the job but haven’t yet described a quality that they list, you still have time to work it into the interview before it is over. Other useful questions include “Why is this position available?” “What is a typical day like?” and “Who will be training me for this position?”
CLOSE STRONG
A close consists of four things: thanking them for their time and information, reiterating why you are the best choice for the position, asking for the job, and confirming follo