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What is one of the most important things I have to say in a job interview?
#job #interviews #job-search #job-application
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17 answers
Updated
Victor’s Answer
One of the most important topics in interview regardless of experience level is to present yourself at professional and personal level and communicate value to the prospective organization. Many managers would prefer entry level candidates with strong work ethic and ability to learn.
Updated
Dante’s Answer
At the end of the interview, ask the interviewer(s) this question:
"In one word, how would you describe your experience working for the business/organization?"
"In one word, how would you describe your experience working for the business/organization?"
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Pro’s Answer
Use the same words you read in the job posting, like "leadership," "customer service oriented," etc.
Show your enthusiasm for the job, the work, and the company, after doing extensive research beforehand.
Mention past accomplishments that are similar to the job you're interviewing for.
Show that you're a great match for the job, and that you're looking forward to learning new skills.
Show your enthusiasm for the job, the work, and the company, after doing extensive research beforehand.
Mention past accomplishments that are similar to the job you're interviewing for.
Show that you're a great match for the job, and that you're looking forward to learning new skills.
Updated
Dexter’s Answer
Hi Gabriel,
There are some fantastic answers on this page, so I won't try to repeat what they're saying.
I'm in the middle of interviewing candidates for an open req and here is what I would like to advise: Use the interview's open ended questions as a way to solidify the one quality you want the interviewer to be associated with you.
I think it has to be a single quality because if you try to be 5 different awesome attributes, you can come across as fake or someone who is a snake oil salesperson. Instead, focus on the one quality that you are truly about. If it's communication, great! Quick learner? Awesome! Good-work ethic? Fantastic. What ever the single quality is, focus in on it and make sure at the end of the interview the interviewer associates that quality to you.
So imagine a scenario where an interviewer asks you this question: "Why do you want to work at this company?" And lets say for this interview, you decided that you really want the interviewer to know you as someone who loves to learn. You can then state an answer that is something to the effect of, "I read the job description and it states that this position would involve me working on X and Y. I have some familiarity with them, but I really want to master them." Of course, you probably want to say a bit more than a two sentence answer, but that would be a good start. Or lets say you wanted to come across as someone who works well with others, then you want to say something like, I got really excited when I spoke to the recruiter because they said that this team I would be joining is a fantastic set of people. I work well in a team environment and I am really excited to further my growth by working with great mentors and learning everything that I can. I mean, I hope to also rub off my optimism to others on the team..."
Again at the end of the interview, you want to walk away knowing that the interviewer will associate you with this one trait. Now, if you have a set of interviews, you may want to switch between each one. So, one interviewer will know you for your work ethic, another for communication, another for love of learning, etc. This is advantageous because when they all talk about you at the end, each interviewer will defend you as the person who is the best that they heard at whatever quality you sold them on. So interviewer 1 will say, "Gabriel seem like an excellent communicator," while interviewer 2 will say, "Really? When I spoke to Gabriel I was convinced that he'll do well because he seems to love learning and growing." At the end of the interviewer's roundtable, they'll have a complete view of who you are (or how you want to be represented), and hopefully you'll beat out all the other candidates. :)
I wish you the best!
--
Dexter
There are some fantastic answers on this page, so I won't try to repeat what they're saying.
I'm in the middle of interviewing candidates for an open req and here is what I would like to advise: Use the interview's open ended questions as a way to solidify the one quality you want the interviewer to be associated with you.
I think it has to be a single quality because if you try to be 5 different awesome attributes, you can come across as fake or someone who is a snake oil salesperson. Instead, focus on the one quality that you are truly about. If it's communication, great! Quick learner? Awesome! Good-work ethic? Fantastic. What ever the single quality is, focus in on it and make sure at the end of the interview the interviewer associates that quality to you.
So imagine a scenario where an interviewer asks you this question: "Why do you want to work at this company?" And lets say for this interview, you decided that you really want the interviewer to know you as someone who loves to learn. You can then state an answer that is something to the effect of, "I read the job description and it states that this position would involve me working on X and Y. I have some familiarity with them, but I really want to master them." Of course, you probably want to say a bit more than a two sentence answer, but that would be a good start. Or lets say you wanted to come across as someone who works well with others, then you want to say something like, I got really excited when I spoke to the recruiter because they said that this team I would be joining is a fantastic set of people. I work well in a team environment and I am really excited to further my growth by working with great mentors and learning everything that I can. I mean, I hope to also rub off my optimism to others on the team..."
Again at the end of the interview, you want to walk away knowing that the interviewer will associate you with this one trait. Now, if you have a set of interviews, you may want to switch between each one. So, one interviewer will know you for your work ethic, another for communication, another for love of learning, etc. This is advantageous because when they all talk about you at the end, each interviewer will defend you as the person who is the best that they heard at whatever quality you sold them on. So interviewer 1 will say, "Gabriel seem like an excellent communicator," while interviewer 2 will say, "Really? When I spoke to Gabriel I was convinced that he'll do well because he seems to love learning and growing." At the end of the interviewer's roundtable, they'll have a complete view of who you are (or how you want to be represented), and hopefully you'll beat out all the other candidates. :)
I wish you the best!
--
Dexter
Updated
Doc’s Answer
At the beginning of the interview Gabriel, your goal is to make a strong first impression on the interviewer. The most important part of a job interview is the beginning. That’s when you have an opportunity to make a great impression—or a poor one—on your interviewer. More than 30% of hiring managers decided whether to hire a candidate during the first five minutes of a job interview. Even if you encounter one of the 70% of hiring managers who take more time than that, it’s still important to set a good tone during the first minutes of a job interview.
If you want make a good first impression in a job interview, then you have to learn how to sell yourself and your services. Show enthusiasm for the job and you will get the interviewer excited about hiring you. Remember that if you don’t show some enthusiasm for your qualifications, then the interviewer won’t show any enthusiasm for hiring you. The most important part of trying to sell yourself to an interviewer is remaining professional at all times. That means from the moment you are greeted by the receptionist until you shake hands with the interviewer at the end of the interview, you are pleasant, courteous and professional. If you are easy to talk to at the interview, then that is a huge plus in your favor.
As the adage goes Gabriel, “You only get one chance to make a first impression.”
DO YOUR RESEARCH – You should be able to repeat the company’s mission, key players, and latest accomplishments before you walk in for the interview. Take time to review the employer’s website and Google who you’ll be interviewing with, so you can ask more targeted questions. Not only will that prove you pay attention to detail, but the more you know about the person sitting across from you, the less likely a lull in the conversation.
PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR BODY LANGUAGE – People can learn a lot about each other through their body language. In order to make a strong first impression, be mindful of the messages that your body language is communicating with the interviewer. When you begin the interview, start with a firm handshake. A firm handshake shows authority and sets the tone for the rest of the interview. Pair it with eye contact and a smile if you want the interviewer to know you’re confident in your ability to tackle the job. The limper the handshake, the more timid you’ll come across. Throughout the interview, make sure that you sit up straight, keep your head high, and sync your movements with your words. You’ll appear assured, which is what employers want in a new hire.
If you want make a good first impression in a job interview, then you have to learn how to sell yourself and your services. Show enthusiasm for the job and you will get the interviewer excited about hiring you. Remember that if you don’t show some enthusiasm for your qualifications, then the interviewer won’t show any enthusiasm for hiring you. The most important part of trying to sell yourself to an interviewer is remaining professional at all times. That means from the moment you are greeted by the receptionist until you shake hands with the interviewer at the end of the interview, you are pleasant, courteous and professional. If you are easy to talk to at the interview, then that is a huge plus in your favor.
As the adage goes Gabriel, “You only get one chance to make a first impression.”
Doc recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Kristian’s Answer
Hi Gabriel,
An interview is a great experience. Best of luck to you as you start this process!
The most important part of an interview is you talking about YOUR impacts to the scenarios that you outline in your responses. It's great to talk about the team work and collaboration but it's also most important to note what actions YOU took to get the results that you were expecting. When answering an interview question, you want to think about your response in what is called the SBO - What is the Situation? What Behaviors did you implement? What was the Outcome?
I hope this helps.
Best of luck!
An interview is a great experience. Best of luck to you as you start this process!
The most important part of an interview is you talking about YOUR impacts to the scenarios that you outline in your responses. It's great to talk about the team work and collaboration but it's also most important to note what actions YOU took to get the results that you were expecting. When answering an interview question, you want to think about your response in what is called the SBO - What is the Situation? What Behaviors did you implement? What was the Outcome?
I hope this helps.
Best of luck!
Updated
Jim’s Answer
Hello Gabriel - Good question. When sharing your prior work experience ( don't worry that it may have been your first job or a completely unrelated job to the one you are interviewing for ) be sure to convey what lessons or experience you gained from the role and spend less time talking about the actual mechanics of the role you performed or details on what you did daily. Its the lessons and experience that is going to be leveraged in your new role with the prospective employer you are having the interview conversation with that day.
Updated
Laura’s Answer
Hi Gabriel,
That's a great question! One of the most important things to say in an interview is why you are interested in the role and company. Organizations want employees who are excited to work there and showing your interest early on can help you succeed in the interview process. It is great to do back-end research on the company so you are able to relay their mission, value, vision, etc. I hope this helps!
Best,
Laura Wells
That's a great question! One of the most important things to say in an interview is why you are interested in the role and company. Organizations want employees who are excited to work there and showing your interest early on can help you succeed in the interview process. It is great to do back-end research on the company so you are able to relay their mission, value, vision, etc. I hope this helps!
Best,
Laura Wells
Updated
Sam’s Answer
Hello. Not sure there is any one thing to say that is most important in a job interview. You really just need to project confidence and sell yourself on why you're a great candidate for the job and why they should hire you. Maintain a positive attitude throughout the interview (never bad-mouth previous employers or experiences) and keep your winning attitude on display.
Your qualifications (work experience, college performance & degrees, etc.) will get you the interview. Properly relaying and displaying your intangible qualities as noted above will get you the job.
Good luck!
Your qualifications (work experience, college performance & degrees, etc.) will get you the interview. Properly relaying and displaying your intangible qualities as noted above will get you the job.
Good luck!
Updated
Yao’s Answer
Say things that really show your interest in the job and what are your preparations so far to obtain qualifications for the job you are interested in.
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Thomas’s Answer
Hello!
One of the most important things is to be able to share why you're interested in the position/role (this demonstrates you've done some research, shows recruiters why you're invested, and sets you apart from candidates who did not). Another might be what you bring to the table that would make you successful in that role. Have important questions prepared in advance as well - this is you interviewing the team as much as they are interviewing you.
One of the most important things is to be able to share why you're interested in the position/role (this demonstrates you've done some research, shows recruiters why you're invested, and sets you apart from candidates who did not). Another might be what you bring to the table that would make you successful in that role. Have important questions prepared in advance as well - this is you interviewing the team as much as they are interviewing you.
Updated
Steven’s Answer
Ask about your potential Day to Day.
How is the culture?
How is the culture?
Updated
Livia’s Answer
Hi Gabriel,
Great question. Interviewing isn't easy. My best interview advice isn't what the one thing you should say at an interview but the importance of preparing for an interview. My recommended interview prep would be to research questions that the specific job has asked in previous interviews. Sometimes you can find this on glassdoor or indeed. If you are able to find this then prep questions to the questions you were able to find. Always have an answer prepared for "Tell me something about yourself," "why do you want to work for x company" "what is your biggest weakness." These are difficult questions to answer if you haven't prepared an answer before and a recruiter/interviewer will be able to tell whether you prepared. Research the company you are interviewing for. Prepare questions for when you are asked "Do you have any questions for me." These questions should stem from what you researched about the company. For example, if they had a mentorship program ask them describe their mentorship program and what it entails.
Great question. Interviewing isn't easy. My best interview advice isn't what the one thing you should say at an interview but the importance of preparing for an interview. My recommended interview prep would be to research questions that the specific job has asked in previous interviews. Sometimes you can find this on glassdoor or indeed. If you are able to find this then prep questions to the questions you were able to find. Always have an answer prepared for "Tell me something about yourself," "why do you want to work for x company" "what is your biggest weakness." These are difficult questions to answer if you haven't prepared an answer before and a recruiter/interviewer will be able to tell whether you prepared. Research the company you are interviewing for. Prepare questions for when you are asked "Do you have any questions for me." These questions should stem from what you researched about the company. For example, if they had a mentorship program ask them describe their mentorship program and what it entails.
Updated
Chris’s Answer
Gabriel - great question, and thinking of such in advance of an interview shows you are approaching these interviews with an intentional strategy.
Others have mentioned the importance of your ability to articulate your value to the company - which frequently is in response to behaviorial questions you will likely encounter in your interviews (Tell me about a time..."). Think through your experiences and prepare to provide a few different examples of where in past roles (jobs, volunteering, school projects, sports, etc.) you had an opportunity to create a positive impact/outcome. A key is, doing your advance research on the company you are interviewing with (and even the Interviewer, via LinkedIn) and understand what is valued. Does the Company proclaim their critical focus on customers? Find a way to represent when you derived value for a customer. A company focus on innovation? Talk about a time when you found a new use for an existing product or service, or how you used your creativity to solve a complex challenge.
And no need to prove mastery or absolute success as you share your narrative - employers are just as keen to understand your learnings and insights ("what would you do differently next time?" is a frequent follow up question).
Good luck to you!!
Chris
Others have mentioned the importance of your ability to articulate your value to the company - which frequently is in response to behaviorial questions you will likely encounter in your interviews (Tell me about a time..."). Think through your experiences and prepare to provide a few different examples of where in past roles (jobs, volunteering, school projects, sports, etc.) you had an opportunity to create a positive impact/outcome. A key is, doing your advance research on the company you are interviewing with (and even the Interviewer, via LinkedIn) and understand what is valued. Does the Company proclaim their critical focus on customers? Find a way to represent when you derived value for a customer. A company focus on innovation? Talk about a time when you found a new use for an existing product or service, or how you used your creativity to solve a complex challenge.
And no need to prove mastery or absolute success as you share your narrative - employers are just as keen to understand your learnings and insights ("what would you do differently next time?" is a frequent follow up question).
Good luck to you!!
Chris
Updated
Nathalie’s Answer
I think that the most important thing is that there is nothing that you HAVE TO say. An interview is like a date - both you and the company are trying to figure out whether you are made for each other.
It is useful to prepare an interview.
If you wear the shoes of the interviewer, it helps you see what kind of information would be helpful for them to get. What would you want to know if you were looking to hire someone for this role? You want to help them make the right hiring decision. If you go in with that mindset (Vs hire me at any cost), you are more likely to be genuine AND you are more likely to be happy in the role.
Second, understanding the role is key: what is it that you bring to this role, what is it that the company will get if they hire you? Lack of experience isn't necessarily a problem. If the company already has plenty of experience people, they will also want to balance this out with people fresh out of the school who know the latest and greatest about the topic and who are super hungry and eager to learn. You can contribute a lot to the culture of the team: experimentation, learning, willingness to take risks. Whatever it is, you will still need to bring something to the table. Once you identify what that is, it is great to find examples of where you have demonstrated this particular trait or skill. It will make it tangible. It can be a school project, a volunteer activity, a little adventure. It makes everything more real and specific and gives an interview to dive into an example.
Third, remember that you need to help the company decide whether you would be a good fit but also convince them that if you were given an offer, you would likely accept it. Be clear about what gets you excited about the job and about the company, why are you interviewing there in the first place? Do some research on the company, it shows that you are willing to invest your own precious time in finding out more about its culture, its technology.
Finally, remember that the interview is also a time for you to learn about the company. What are the things that you still have questions about. For example, perhaps you know the tech and the type of job but you are not sure if the culture is right for you. Ask questions about the culture so you can make a decision on your side as well.
The first and the last impression is key as they will make a lasting imprint in the mind of your interviewer.
Above all, enjoy the ride.
It is useful to prepare an interview.
If you wear the shoes of the interviewer, it helps you see what kind of information would be helpful for them to get. What would you want to know if you were looking to hire someone for this role? You want to help them make the right hiring decision. If you go in with that mindset (Vs hire me at any cost), you are more likely to be genuine AND you are more likely to be happy in the role.
Second, understanding the role is key: what is it that you bring to this role, what is it that the company will get if they hire you? Lack of experience isn't necessarily a problem. If the company already has plenty of experience people, they will also want to balance this out with people fresh out of the school who know the latest and greatest about the topic and who are super hungry and eager to learn. You can contribute a lot to the culture of the team: experimentation, learning, willingness to take risks. Whatever it is, you will still need to bring something to the table. Once you identify what that is, it is great to find examples of where you have demonstrated this particular trait or skill. It will make it tangible. It can be a school project, a volunteer activity, a little adventure. It makes everything more real and specific and gives an interview to dive into an example.
Third, remember that you need to help the company decide whether you would be a good fit but also convince them that if you were given an offer, you would likely accept it. Be clear about what gets you excited about the job and about the company, why are you interviewing there in the first place? Do some research on the company, it shows that you are willing to invest your own precious time in finding out more about its culture, its technology.
Finally, remember that the interview is also a time for you to learn about the company. What are the things that you still have questions about. For example, perhaps you know the tech and the type of job but you are not sure if the culture is right for you. Ask questions about the culture so you can make a decision on your side as well.
The first and the last impression is key as they will make a lasting imprint in the mind of your interviewer.
Above all, enjoy the ride.
Updated
Baxter’s Answer
To my mind, the essence of any job interview (and it could be the one question the interviewer asks) is "Why are you here?".
In answering that question thoroughly, you will cover who you are, what you do and how those interests and skills align with the company and the role you are applying for in a way that will make the company and you better if they hire you.
With that kind of answer, you will show that you know yourself, you know the market and you know the company/team within the company well and that kind of presence and understanding will be very appealing to the interviewer.
In answering that question thoroughly, you will cover who you are, what you do and how those interests and skills align with the company and the role you are applying for in a way that will make the company and you better if they hire you.
With that kind of answer, you will show that you know yourself, you know the market and you know the company/team within the company well and that kind of presence and understanding will be very appealing to the interviewer.
Updated
Rick’s Answer
People have provided a lot of really good advice in their responses. When I am interviewing candidates I like to hear examples of working hard and not just doing the bare minimum that their prior jobs required. I like to ask them to describe a difficult situation or issue they encountered and what they did to resolve it. Also, convey a positive attitude. I know this is easier said than done, but showing a good positive attitude says a lot about a person and how they will conduct themselves in the work place.
Lastly, and this is important, as the interview draws to a close, ask for the job. This tells the perspective employer that you are serious and this job is for you.
Lastly, and this is important, as the interview draws to a close, ask for the job. This tells the perspective employer that you are serious and this job is for you.