Interview Chatter

The Cream Always Rises to the Top

by Darlene McDaniel on January 11th, 2007

The selection process is a critical responsibility for a hiring manager. For the hiring manager it is very important that they hire the right person for the job, because choosing the wrong person will cost them, both literally and figuratively. They can’t afford it!

As the candidate, if you have made it past the screening interview and you are sitting in front of that hiring manager it imperative that you are ready to present a convincing case about your product - YOU! If you have made it past the screeners to the hiring manager, you are already considered a strong candidate for the position. So everything that you do and say must support that or they will select someone.

Hiring managers are looking for the candidate who can communicate and demonstrate by examples, and with confidence, the value they will bring to the organization. If you don’t believe you are the best candidate for the position don’t waste their time. But if you are, this is your moment to shine.

Your preparation, your research on the company, the position, and the competitors of the organization will set you apart from those you are competing with. If you are sitting in front of the hiring manager, your competition has most likely been whittled down to 3-5 candidates and you are one of them.Your strength in effective communication will make or break you at this point.

If all things are equal with the remaining candidates, specifically between your resume, education, and accomplishments, the only determining factor comes down to your ability to communicates HOW their strengths will benefit the organization. It is no longer about your qualifications. They already know you are qualified, they want you to convince them that you are the one!

Three recommendations that will help you differentiate yourself from the competition:

1. Identify their business objectives. If you don’t know them, ask about them. Then be prepared to link your skills and abilities to their business objectives. What have you accomplished in the past that will help this organization meet those business objectives? Can you help them exceed those business objectives? If so, communicate that in the midst of this conversation - your interview.

2. Identify the challenges they are currently facing. If you don’t know what they are, ASK! Then link your skills and abilities to helping them overcome their challenges. What experiences do you have that may help them overcome those challenges? Speak to what you can do to assist them. Can you hit the ground running with little to no training? If so, say so! If not, don’t embellish or mislead them.

3. How can you help this organization increase productivity and/or increase profitability? This is music to the ears of any hiring manager no matter what level in the organization you are applying for - entry level management to executive level. Valued added is a good buzz word out there. Speak to the value you will add to their organization.

Someone once told me when I was interviewing for a promotion, “the cream always rises to the top!” Those words have encouraged me over the years as I have pursued my desires and dreams. I remember it when things don’t look so good with the natural eye. I promise you it is a true statement!

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POSTED IN: Coach's Cornor, For Managers, The Interview