Page 167 - Oscar Adler - Sell Yourself in Any Interview_ Use Proven Sales Techniques to Land Your Dream Job (2008)

THE INTERVIEW—BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER

view guides will suggest concluding with a statement along
the following lines:
❏ “I would really like to work here.”

❏ “This seems like a nice place to work.”

❏ “I think I could be happy working here.”

I disagree with these suggestions. In a job interview, the hir-
ing manager is the customer, and you act as both the sales-
person and the product. Think about how you would respond
in the following situations. For example, if you were buying
a car and the salesperson said, “I really want to sell you this
car.” Or consider if you had to choose a company to repair
your roof or fix your plumbing, and the estimator said, “I
really want to do this job.”
Of course, they want to make a sale or get the contract,
just as you want to get the job offer. But what they want is
irrelevant to you, just as what you want is irrelevant to some-
one interviewing you for a job. In both these examples, the
speakers have failed to express any benefits. Even if they
talked about price, reliability, experiences, and referrals, they
still would not be offering benefits. Likewise, the statements
listed above and anything similar to them do not offer bene-
fits to the interviewer.
So what should you say as you take your leave? Start with
something like, “As we discussed, my skills and past experi-
ence would make this a beneficial partnership for both of us.”
Then refer to a specific part of the interview and reiterate
the benefit. The knowledge you have gained about what the
interviewer values will help you to end the meeting with the
most effective benefit.
Also, on your way out, be sure to thank the receptionist
again.

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