Learn how to “sell” yourself during an interview

Imagine that you are invited to a job interview for a position you want. Sounds amazing, right? Now you have to present yourself successfully during the interview, and here’s the most difficult part for many candidates.Once you're in the hot seat, it's up to you to sell yourself to the employer.Unless you’re working in the sales industry, the concept of marketing yourself during a job interview can be daunting. You don’t want to sound arrogant or stupid, or worse, desperate. But learning how to self-promote convincingly is what the job interview is all about.However, we understand how difficult it is and we are here to help with the following five top tips. At the end of the article, you will find the data from the surveys we posted this month in our LinkedIn profile about the topic of "job search".

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1. Identify your “brand”

‍Think of Apple, Coca Cola or McDonald's. The most successful brands recognize themselves: their purpose, mission, vision, culture, and values. Likewise, employers are looking for people who know and live their 'brand purpose,' because with clarity comes passion. You have to understand for yourself what drives you forward and what is important for you to successfully present yourself and prove that you’re a good fit for the company.

2. Get comfortable talking about yourself

‍Learn how to talk about yourself positively and to take pride in your accomplishments. You can practice this skill before the interview by talking into a mirror, asking a friend to listen, or just talking out loud to yourself while you’re doing another task.One technique that can help you is putting metrics with your achievements. Make a list of specific things you achieved, like how much money you saved on a project, the percentage by which you reduced staff turnover over a certain period, or exactly how much sales increased under your leadership. This will add a level of objectivity to your statements.

3. Know your audience

‍One of the most important sales tactics is to know your customer. To sell yourself during an interview, it is vital that you understand the potential employer’s needs and desires to the best of your ability. Know the company, the industry, and try to learn more about the person that is going to lead the interview. Understand their style and their culture. Examine their most recent corporate news. Ask yourself, “What does the company need from someone in this role?” After developing your answer, be sure to craft your answers to common interview questions in a way that showcases your understanding of their position and your unique ability to fulfill their needs.

4. Plan your talking points

‍Write down exactly how you are the best candidate, choosing words that align with the qualities the employer is seeking. Memorize your main points so you can discuss them naturally. Preparation and practice will help you to sell yourself smoothly in your interview. One way to practice your talking points is to develop a 30-second speech about yourself. You can create a personal summary by combining the key highlights of your experience and personality in 25 words or less. Your goal here is to stay on topic and make every word count. One possible structure for your speech is an introduction followed by career objectives and accomplishments that set you apart from other candidates. For maximum impact, keep your audience in mind, and avoid vague terms like loyalty, courteousness, and kindness unless you can relate them directly to the job.

5. Differentiate yourself from the competition

‍Try to ask questions that show you have researched the company in advance. You might ask about the company’s products or plans for the future. Consider tactfully sharing something positive about your experience with the company as a consumer, if you can. You could even present some ideas for a new product or service. Hiring managers may interview dozens of people for a position, so try to make them remember you in a professional way that stands out.To apply these tips appropriately, consider the position you are applying for and your qualifications as you begin. You will find that advanced preparation helps you to relax as you begin your interview.