When employers post a job opening, they’re looking for a person to take on a particular set of tasks. Yet they also need someone who fits well into the existing structure, gets along well with co-workers, and can learn the abilities necessary to add value to the company in the long term and to grow into positions of greater responsibility.
If this sounds like a tall order, it’s because it is – but if you can fill it, you’ll jump to the top of any prospective employer’s “must hire” list. Here’s how:
- Know the company inside and out. Research the company as if you’re being paid to do so, and your work may just pay off. The more you know about the company’s mission and values, its position in the industry, its recent work, and its upcoming goals, the better you’ll understand how the position to which you are applying fits into the overall picture. With this information in mind, you’ll be able to enter your interview with confidence and demonstrate exactly how valuable you can be to the company – now and in the long term.
- Understand the job posting. Most employers put considerable thought into job postings, because they realize that the more precise they are about the job’s core duties and needs, the more likely it is they will find candidates who offer the best fit. Treat every item in the job posting with equal gravity. Make two lists: Those items you are confident you do well, and those items you need to work on in order to feel equally confident. Find a way to work on at least one of the items from the “weaker” list before the job interview.
- Prepare your interview responses based on what you have learned. Questions like “Why do you want to work here?” or “Where do you see yourself in five years?” give you the chance to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its short- and long-term needs. Questions like “What will you bring to this team?” or “What is your greatest weakness?” give you the chance to talk about those strengths that match the job posting – or to mention that you’ve taken the initiative to address a known weakness.
At THE RIGHT STAFF, LLC, our recruiters specialize in matching job seekers with companies that offer the right fit for their skills and personalities, making you more likely to land a job you love. Contact us today to learn more.
