Posted By Amanda Collins on October 22, 2010

In today’s competitive job market, it’s nearly inevitable that during your next interview for the job you’ve been wanting you will be asked the question, “So, why should our company hire you?” You could respond with that interview-ending deer-in-headlights look, or you can be prepared with an amazing answer that just might get you the job.

The real reason you’ll be asked this question isn’t really to put you on the spot (although it may feel like it is when you’re in the hot seat). Truly, interviewers want to know if you see your own value and hear how you share that with them. Keep in mind the WIIFM Factor, or “what’s in it for me” from the perspective of the interviewer/company, and always tie it back to them.

Sum Up
A good way to start your closing sales pitch is to sum up what you’ve done. Include how many years you’ve been doing this, some top companies where you’ve worked, and your history of promotions that got you where you are today. Cover the talents you’ve acquired along the way that are imperative for you to do a great job.

Highlight an Accomplishment
While what you’ve done is a great launch point and vitally important to your ability to do the job, what you’ve accomplished is that much more impressive. Mention an accomplishment you’ve not yet covered during the interview or revisit one previously discussed. Either way, it shows your ability to go above and beyond your job description.

Tie It Back to the Employer
Put a nice little bow on your answer by returning to the company’s needs. Since this question usually comes up near the end of an interview, you will have already had the opportunity to learn what the company is looking for, so you can highlight their needs and how you will meet them.

An Example
It usually makes a lot more sense when you see or hear an example, so here’s what a candidate for a marketing manager position might say:

Across my nearly 15 years of experience, I have worked in various industries and in companies that were at pivotal points in their growth, either launching new ideas or expanding into new territories. Under my leadership, XY Company was able to sustain year-to-year growth of 15-20%, even with the economic hurdles. We did that by incorporating social media into an already established television and radio campaign to create a robust messaging platform that reached target audiences in myriad ways. I’ve heard you say that your company is looking for a strategic visionary with the ability to come in and assess existing marketing tactics to determine what is and isn’t working. While at XY Company, that’s exactly what I did by prioritizing tactics and adding depth to existing approaches, positioning them as an industry leader. I’ve done this job, and I am prepared to help your company move into the next decade with a sound marketing strategy to produce results.

If you have a formulaic approach, it will help you to stay on track in the interview and wow your audience with your response.

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Tags: interviewing

Posted By Amanda Collins on October 5, 2010

It’s estimated that up to 70% of job openings are never posted—so how do you find out about them? You need to create a network and then leverage those connections to get you in the right place at the right time. But, unless you’re very lucky, that doesn’t just happen on its own. You have to build the results you want. But how?

Get to know your network.
People who know you well are generally more inclined to help you. You may have hundreds or thousands of contacts, but it’s more effective to have just a few you know well and who are willing to act on your behalf. You can certainly strategize on who your best prospects are and develop relationships, but do so altruistically rather than with an agenda.

Treat people with respect.
If you don’t respect your network, they’re not going to have that warm and fuzzy feeling about you to help you. Treat them kindly and you’ll find that your contacts will keep you top of mind in their interactions.

It’s a two-way street.
You cannot just ask again and again without expecting to give something in return. Part of the effectiveness of a network means that you help each other. I have one recruiter in my database who helps a number of job seekers with the hopes they will remember him for their recruiting needs when they land a position. He doesn’t do it just for that reason, but he understands you have to give to get.

Know what you want.
As much as people may want to help you, they’ll have a hard time doing so if they have no idea what you’re looking for. Be clear and concise when you ask for help. Suggest certain industries or job titles to get them thinking. Even names of people will be helpful.

Don’t make assumptions.
At a networking event I attend, the HR rep from a sit-down restaurant chain often asks who wants to talk to him, and only a few people raise their hands. They assume he’s only looking for wait and kitchen staff, but the truth is that he’s often looking for all kinds of people—and he has a vast network that expands whom he can help. But if you put someone in a box, you may very well be closing doors.

Category: Job Search, networking, Social Media | No Comments »
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