Most job seekers make many mistakes but the most common one is
overlooking a job simply because you miss out on a few qualifying factors. Work
experience and prior job performance are key areas employers look at in
evaluating the potential fit of job candidates. The reason for this is clear:
the past is the best predictor of the future. In other words, what you have
done in the past provides the best indication of what you can do in the future.
When you are at the interview room portray the fact that it’s
not just what you have done or can do that is so important; it’s the benefits
you offer, and results you can deliver. Think of the various professional and
social activities you have been involved in. Think about the many ways you have
demonstrated particular skills. Think of the results you have achieved in these
settings. Relate to those skills identical to the ones required for the job at
hand and are easily transferable to the job.
There are a few ways you can approach these kinds of
opportunities:
1. Prepare for
the interview. Being prepared is more important than job
knowledge, skills and experience. Please refer to our earlier article on
interview preparation.
2. Tailor your resume. Make
your CV and application letter acceptable and in tandem to the job
requirements. Look at what the job requires and relate it to your past
experiences.
3. Get an interview. This
may be a very hard part but if you try it out it may work. Try applying and
then calling in to ask for an informational interview. Refer to our article on
what is an informational article.
4. Conduct yourself
professionally. This is a very important aspect because it determines whether
you are fit in the role you are applying for. Carry yourself as if you are
already in the office.
5. Be confident. Focus
on why you honestly believe you would be good at this particular job. Make a
list of reasons beforehand. If you have confidence in yourself, you are more
likely to convince the employer of your ability.
6. Be up-beat. A
positive attitude will show the interviewer you are a ‘can-do’ person. You need
to read our motivational articles to tell you how to maintain good attitude
during interviews.
7. Be likable. We
all want to hire and work with people we like. Behave friendly and intelligent.
Try diverting out of the topic for ice breakers and engage the HR guys in a
conversation other than the interview. Be careful not to overindulge because
you may get out of hand.
8. Be informed. Know
about the company and the business before you go to the interview. Know what
they expect you to do for the company.
9. Ask
intelligent questions. There is always more to
the job than what can be said in an advert. As you find out more about the job,
you may discover job functions for which you are more qualified and you can
direct your focus on them.
10. Be open to training. If
the employer is willing to train you for the job, demonstrate enthusiasm about
learning new things and a willingness to put extra time and effort into training.
If you are a quick study, now is the time to mention it.
11. Make the interview a starting point. If
the job is not something you are qualified to do, ask to leave your resume with
the company or ask if there are similar opportunities at a lower level. If you
appear enthusiastic, intelligent and committed, your interviewer(s) is more
likely to offer suggestions to help you break into the field.
12. Smile. When there are two
or more candidates competing for the same position, more often than not the
hiring will be based on chemistry and less on experience. Ensure that you smile
often throughout the interview and laugh where ever appropriate. A positive
attitude demonstrated with smiles goes a long way to sending the signal that
you have what it takes to become a team player.
If you see a job in our site that you are enthusiastic with and
feel that you are not qualified, just apply because it does not cost your blood
to just try. What if you are given an opportunity of an interview? Then you have
a chance to demonstrate the above points. This may be a good learning point
because you do not expect to be stuck at the point in which you are. You need
to look at the requirements of this job so that t is easy to know where you are
headed and which qualifications you need to acquire in future in order to move
up the corporate ladder.
Otherwise we wish you all the best.
