Whether you’re in the business world, marketing or any other career field, it’s always a good idea to be on the lookout for the next big opportunity at the next big company. And knowing how to sell yourself in a job interview is a sure-fire way to make sure you land the perfect career of your dreams. 

Fortunately, there are some global insights that work well for everyone and every job. Here are six sure-fire tips for how to sell yourself in your next interview.

1. Research the company

Before you even step foot in the room, it’s important to know what you’re walking into. That means digging deep and researching the company and industry beforehand. Not only does this prep you for the interview, but it also shows the interviewer that you care about the business and position. Some employers might out-right ask you: “What do you know about us?” If not, try to work in bits and pieces about your company knowledge throughout the conversation.

2. Practice the questions

While every interview is unique, there are some general questions most will ask. You can’t prepare an answer for every question, but you can have anticipated answers in mind. Research common interview questions and consider your answers beforehand. If necessary, write your answers down (although, don’t read them off a sheet of paper during the interview). Commit them to memory, but allow for fluidity during the interview.

3. Connect with the interviewer

A key component to selling yourself is establishing a connection with the interviewer. Chances are, the business will interview quite a few people for the position, so you need to stand out from the crowd. For instance, know the interviewer’s name and use it throughout the interview. During the conversation, consider focal points that you can connect on. Smile, engage and build rapport wherever you can, to show you can fit into the company.

4. Prepare beforehand

Don’t wait until the last minute to prep for the interview. Instead, be sure to have everything you need ready to go well in advance. This means picking out your outfit the night before, printing extra copies of your resume, packing a notepad and pen…the whole shabang. Making sure all of the little details are ready the day before will help you stay calm and relaxed on the actual day of the interview, so you can focus on more important things.

5. Write your own questions

In most interviews, the employer will ask if you have any questions for them. While some people can think of questions on the spot, it’s probably best (and will look more professional) if you come prepared with your own questions already written out. Consider genuine questions you have about the company and the position that you can ask. Or, as the conversation flourishes, jot down other questions that come up to circle back to later.

6. Be on time (a.k.a. early)!

You know the old saying: If you’re on time, you’re late, and if you’re late, don’t bother showing up. This could not be more true for interviews. In fact, on time actually means five to ten minutes early. Plan your routine and route accordingly, so you can get to the interview location well-enough in advance. Getting there early also gives you time to catch your breath, relax and mentally prepare, rather than rushing in, looking flustered and unprofessional.

Whether you’re on the hunt for a new job or simply keeping your options open, it’s always important to know how to sell yourself. Keep these tips in mind for your next interview, so you can land your dream job and grow your professional career.

You’ve heard of marketing a brand, a business or even an image, but what about marketing yourself? In today’s professional world, employers are on the lookout for employees who know themselves so they can sell themselves—just like they would sell a product.

The job market is a tough place to be, but with the right tactics, you don’t have to be there for long. With today’s competition, how can you land your dream job? Check out some of these useful tips for marketing and selling yourself to potential employers in the market.

 

1. Know yourself.

If you want to sell yourself to potential employers, you first have to know your product—the product being you. Before any interviews or employer interactions, take some time to ask yourself tough questions, and really get to know yourself. 

What are your goals in life, short-term and long-term? What are your core values? What successes or failures have shaped you? Knowing the answers to questions like these will show employers you’re professional, prepared and know who you are.

2. Be specific.

Recruiters have already heard all the answers: “I’m a hard worker”; “I have a positive attitude”; “I’m a team player,” etc. If you want to stand out from other recruits, avoid empty clichés like these. Be specific in what you say, choose unique words which truly exemplify your point. 

Give examples. For instance, you’re not just a hard worker; you’re a dedicated worker because the last position you held was completely new and you developed it from the ground up. Be intentional with your words and examples, and say what you mean rather than just droning on.

3. Find what sets you apart.

This is an age-old marketing tactic: beat out competition by telling buyers why your product is different. What sets you apart from all other job-seekers? Is it your years of experience, your unique management style, your new ideas? 

Find a story or example that shows something unique you have to offer. In the end, employers aren’t going to remember the person who simply went through the motions and said the right thing—they’re going to remember the person who said the right thing in a distinctive way and stood out from the crowd. 

4. Watch nonverbals.

In his research, Professor Albert Mehrabian, PhD, found communication is 93% nonverbal—55% body language and 38% tone of voice. This means only 7% of what you communicate with employers is the words actually coming out of your mouth. So if you want to sell yourself in the job market, be aware of your nonverbal communication and what it is saying.

For instance, watch your posture, facial expressions, appendages and eye contact. Practicing interviews with friends or family beforehand can be a great way to recognize what nonverbal communication you’re doing well or not-so-well, and then improving from there.

5. Stay positive.

Finally, be sure to keep all your potential employer interactions positive. Bringing negative energy or stories into an interview situation can make you seem difficult to work with or even disloyal. No matter how your last job experience went, focus on turning the situation into a positive example for the hiring manager.

The job market can be a tough place to be, but if you know how to market yourself correctly, you’ll come out on the other side unscathed. Try out some of these selling tactics to impress your future employer and nail that dream job.