Employees

Just a couple of years ago, during healthier economic times, jobs were easy to get. It was a “buyer’s market”, so to speak, with many jobs vying for few qualified candidates. That meant that employees could ask for – and would often receive – specific demands in order to take the job. But the marketplace has changed.

There aren’t as many jobs out there and businesses don’t have the resources to comply with employee demands. What’s more, organizations are tightening the purse strings and laying people off to bring stability to their bottom lines.

Perhaps you are in the market, seeking employment. Or maybe, you currently have a job and want something else. Either way, it’s a “seller’s market” now and you have to fight even harder to get the job. Here are 3 tips you’ll find helpful on the interview circuit.

Tip 1: Be an expert. After scheduling the interview, study the company. Start with their website and learn the basics, like what they sell, how long they’ve been in business, and where they operate. But don’t stop there; dive deeper. Search for media on the company to find out how they are portrayed in the news. Look at their competitors to see who else is succeeding. Try to uncover industry trends to see what challenges and opportunities exist in their market. If it’s realistic, consider buying the product they sell.

Once you’ve gathered all this information, use it to your advantage. Leverage this new-found knowledge by identifying the ways that you will help the organization in your potential new role.

Tip 2: Be confident. On interview day, get into the right mindset. Remind yourself that you are the most qualified person for the position. And, once you’re sitting in “the hot seat”, remember to relax, smile, and speak assertively. Act confident but not cocky by talking and acting as if you have the job already and are simply talking to a colleague.

Tip 3: Be ready. While you are preparing in many other ways for your interview, be ready with two additional things: smart questions and examples of successes. Asking smart questions shows that you are interested, engaged, and you already know enough and are curious for more. Preparing examples of success will help you to have something at the top of your mind when the interviewer asks for you to talk about different aspects of your previous work experience.

Remember, interviewing for a job is selling! You are offering a service (your ability to do the job) for a price (your wage). These three tips will help you to close the deal.