Having to sell yourself is generally regarded as an alien notion by most people. It is often an overlooked part of the interview process and we comfort ourselves with the fact our skills should sell our experience comfortably enough. Is this the right approach? In a word, no.
The competition for jobs has started to become increasingly heated and you need to stand out from the crowd and your competition. Throughout my recruitment career, I have spent many hours coaching candidates through the interview process, always placing the emphasis on this area.
So what do you need to do? The first thing to be clear on is not taking any part of the interview process for granted. Where you have an opportunity to expand a point, to get your views across and generally impress with your knowledge and experience, seize the moment. Be aggressive on this.
There have been many times I have spoken to candidates after an interview has taken place and they have told me that they didn't really have an opportunity to talk. If you find yourself in this scenario you have to be bold and push your case, make a statement and be confident with this approach. Employers will remember you more and this will give you every chance of tipping the scales in your favour.
The next aspect to understand is confidence. Confidence sells. Generally, people gravitate towards confident people, if you are shy or lack true confidence and self belief, fake it for the interview and then work on developing this aspect of your character.
One of the biggest things that can affect the outcome of an interview is your presentation. Time and again, when candidates have an appointment with me, they turn up without wearing a suit, they may be unshaven or wear an untidy beard, hair is unkempt and personal hygiene may be poor. Think about what impression you are portraying? I can assure you that future employers will not take you seriously when presented in this way. No matter what your income may be, one can always make an effort to be presented professionally.
For those of you who haven't heard of "Halos and Horns", this is where people make a decision on whether they like you, and buy into you, in the first 30 seconds of meeting you. Essentially, what this is saying is you have to make an "instant" impression – how do you make an instant impression? By the way you are presented… the rest follows.
- Tim Sharp is partner for the Middle East and Asia at Paddington Partners Global Recruitment. Contact 050 922 0716 or www.tim.sharp@paddingtonpartners.com.
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