Page 145 - Oscar Adler - Sell Yourself in Any Interview_ Use Proven Sales Techniques to Land Your Dream Job (2008)

HOW TO PREPARE FOR DIFFERENT INTERVIEW SITUATIONS

1. Can you make your coworker look good?

2. Are you a threat?
3. Will you pull your weight?

4. Will you get along together?

It is no coincidence that the first question on the mind of each
member of the interview team is whether or not you can
make him or her look good. Again, this is another way of
asking: “What will you do for me?” Answer this question
for each interviewer with the right benefits, and you will get
the job offer.

Beyond Your Résumé—Emphasizing Benefits from
Other Work or Life Experiences

Here is an example of how you can reach beyond your
résumé to address some of the universal qualities that most
employers value. Let’s say that you are interviewing for a job
as a computer programmer. In the past, you spent some time
digging ditches. Would you mention this in the interview?
Most people would say no; this has nothing to do with get-
ting a computer programming job.
I say that this is a mistake. You can use this seemingly
unrelated experience to highlight some valuable benefits.
Focus on what you have discovered about your interviewer’s
priorities during the conversation thus far, and make your
points relevant. For example, let’s say that the interviewer has
indicated that a strong work ethic is something he values
highly. You could say: “I was a ditch digger when I was going
to school to help pay my expenses, so you know that I am no
stranger to hard work. I assure you that I will bring this same
intensity to work for you.”

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