Although interview is usually a challenging experience, you, as a job-seeker, can and should turn it into successful acquaintance and potential job offer. For this keep in mind and use in practice the following strategies:

Sell It to Me, Don’t Tell It to Me

An interview is a wrong time to merely tell the employer about yourself, you should sell your achievements. For instance, when asked how many people were under your management in your last position, it is easy to answer “My team consisted of 25 people.” Much more effectively would, however, sound a response as “My staff at …comprised 25 professional and a support personnel. Not only did my responsibilities included managing the team, but I also composed bonus programs and plans, directed hiring and recruitment, as well as fixed salaries, conducted the monthly progress review process and …. Our achievements were the increase of the sales by 18% within half a year.”

Turn Every Negative into a Positive

If the interviewer asks you about certain skill or experience you don’t possess, not just simply say that unfortunately you are unqualified in this or that. Use your experience in some related field or program and be sure to emphasize that basing on your previous experience you don’t have any doubts you will easy learn how to handle or work with what you are asked to.

Big to Little

When asked about the experience with mergers and acquisitions, use big-to-little strategy to clearly, logically and comprehensibly explain your achievements. Start with the short overall picture of your participation in the company’s transactions and continue with the smaller details – two to four specific projects or accomplishments that are relevant.

Remember: You Have Passed the First Test

Interview means you have successfully passed a phone conversation or your resume and cover letter made a positive impression. When your employer (or, maybe, some of the executives) takes time to interview you, it means they are interested in you. You should always keep that in mind. Be confident, but don’t boast.

Take the Initiative

The interview comes to its end and you didn’t manage to share some of your accomplishments or achievements you felt were relevant. Don’t feel sorry or hesitate, it is in your own interest to mention the topic. You may begin with the words, “Before we finish, I would like to share one more thing with you, which, to my mind, is relevant and important to the job position.” Then continue with the actual info. You must be initiative if you want to make the most advantage of the interview.