Tips and tricks on presenting yourself
- Keep Your Introduction Short and Concise
- Many hiring managers will start an interview with an open-ended question like "Tell me about yourself" The core of your response should focus on the key elements in your background that will enable you to excel in the job for which you are interviewing. Create an elevator pitch and practice it, so you're comfortable describing yourself.
Carefully analyze the job before the interview, so you can point out the interests, skills, experiences, and personal qualities that will enable you to meet or exceed the job and company requirements.
- Focus on Your Qualifications
- Your introduction should be concise enough to hold the interest of the interviewer. Generally, a quick recap of your most compelling qualifications will suffice. You could also mention a couple of tidbits that aren't essential to the job but reflect your persona, like the fact that you are an avid skier, have performed at comedy clubs, or collect African art.
- Your goal is to connect personally with the interviewer, as well as to show that you're qualified for the job and would make a great new hire.
- Be Prepared for Follow-Up Questions
- The interviewer may follow up on your introduction with more questions, so it's important to remember that you will need to support and expand on whatever assertions you make during your introduction.
- Be prepared to provide specific examples of how and where you have utilized your assets to successfully carry out work or volunteer roles, academic projects, or other productive endeavors. One way to provide detailed responses is to use the Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR) interview technique to describe your accomplishments and achievements.
- You should also be prepared to ask questions during the interview. Have a short list of questions you'd like to know about the job and the company ready to ask the interviewer. Use the interview not only as a chance to highlight your qualifications, but also, to determine whether this job and employer are a good fit for you and your career goals.
