You’ve passed the online personality quiz, the phone screen, and now you’re off to the races at an in person interview. If you’re like most people, you probably get a little nervous. Why shouldn’t you be? The next hour is going to determine whether or not you work somewhere for the next few years of your life. That’s a big deal! Even the killer lone-wolf sales person needs to psych themselves up.
If you’re anything like me, you don’t interview that often, and might need an interview refresher course. Here’s an interview breakdown of common tips that will help make sure you look the part, sell yourself well, and land the job.
70% of a successful in-person interview is getting the interviewer to like you
We’ve all heard the cliché, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” Well… It’s true, and applies to interviewing. If you can get the interviewer to like you, they’re probably willing to forgive a lot of other things.
So remember to:
- Overdress
- Show up early
- Smile
- Stay positive (no one likes negativity, even if it’s well-articulated)
- Ask well-researched questions
- Use eye contact
- If you have trouble exuding energy, try a cup of coffee
- If you don’t know what to do with your hands, talk with them
20% of the interview is selling yourself
Selling yourself in an interview might sounds strange, but it’s true. You should know your resume inside and out, and be ready to highlight your strengths. Take the time to figure out why you would be a great fit for the company and role.
- The interview is a sales call, and you’re the product
- Do your research
- Explain your current company and what it does – never assume they know
- Articulate your sales process and relate it to the sales process of the company you’re interviewing with
- Use specific examples rather than speaking in generalities
- Be able to explain why you’re a good fit for their company and product
10% of the interview is the close
Don’t forget to close! This is a common mistake. Once you’re done asking questions about the position, tell the interviewer how interested you are, and you want to move on to the next step of the process (if you still want the job).
- Solicit and overcome objections
- If you feel that the interview has gone well, tell your interviewer that you want the job and would like to move forward in the process, etc.
- Your close should not be a question
- Promptly send a thank you note
By knowing these details (in combination with your thorough interview preparation with your Betts recruiter, of course), will set you up for success in any interview. Now, go snag that new role! We know you’ll nail it!
If you’re looking to take the next step in your career, click here to reach out to one of our sales recruiters.