There are few things job hunters find more frustrating than spending a lot of time and energy preparing for a job interview and then not getting the job. While even the most personable and motivated interviewees don't land the job every time, if you find that you are getting a lot of interviews but not a single job offer, you may want to make some changes to your job interview strategy.
If you've already landed the job interview, chances are that you are more than qualified for the position you're applying for. However, getting a job offer requires more than just having the right experience. There are likely to be multiple interview candidates with the same or very similar skills as you, so during the interview, you must focus on differentiating yourself from them. Perhaps the easiest and one of the most important ways to do this is by expressing genuine interest in the company and job.
Displaying your enthusiasm for the position you are interviewing for goes a long way when it comes to making the hiring manager remember you and think of you in a positive way. Of course, not everyone expresses excitement easily, and not every position is a dream job worthy of your enthusiasm. Even if this is the case, you still must make an effort to appear enthusiastic.
If the biggest problem is that you're not that thrilled about the job, research into the company, and try to find some positive aspects about the company to focus on during the interview. Perhaps the position gives you the opportunity to supervise employees, or maybe the company donates money to your favorite charity. Allow what attracted you to the job or company to come out naturally during the job interview.
If you are a naturally reserved person who rarely displays enthusiasm, practice looking more relaxed and cheerful when preparing for the interview. It is not necessary to jump up and down and clap your hands, but you can communicate your enthusiasm to the hiring manager by appearing pleasant, confident and open.
Finally, remember to remain professional during the job interview, even while conveying a sense of excitement. Finding the right balance of enthusiasm and professionalism may be a challenge at first, but once you master it, you are sure to find yourself getting an offer as well as an interview.
The number one rule to remember when preparing for a job interview is that showing enthusiasm and a genuine interest in the company to which you are applying can take you a long way. Think of your job interview as a rehearsed performance rather than a formal conversation. Work having a sense of enthusiasm into your interview script, and hiring managers are sure to take notice.
Photo courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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