Get the Job You Want by Identifying Interests

Successful job interviews are a skill. They are not just good luck. So, read on and you may pick up a few tips to make the next job interview something beneficial whether you end up with the job or not. The interview is a mutual process, where both the interviewer and the interviewee are seeking to meet needs.

In preparing for a job interview, it is important to identify the interests that will be discussed on both sides of the table, the employer's and yours. You should also be ready to offer evidence that proves you can meet the employer's interests, and you should be ready to seek the evidence you need to meet your interests.

Identifying yours and the employer's interests is invaluable because it could be the difference of whether you get the job offer or not. For example:

Answering the question without identifying the employer's interest:
Q: Why would you like to work with the office of child services?
A: Because this office is near my apartment, and I really need a job.

Think about this, every person coming to the interview probably needs a job. So, make yourself stand above the others.

Answering the question with the employer's interest in mind:
Q: Why would you like to work with the office of child services?
A: Because my education in social work has prepared me to evaluate cases involving children, plus I find working with children to be rewarding. I would look forward to using my education and passion in this role. An added benefit would be that the office is near my house, so the logistics of my being near could benefit both the office and me.

Interests are not always apparent. You can identify them by talking to people who are familiar with the employer, researching the company and taking time to think about the advertised job on different levels. You can appeal to the employer's logic, emotions or character.

So, in you next job interview, get out of yourself and think about what would meet the employer's interest.

After you have identified the interests, identify evidence to prove that you can meet those interests. For example, say you want to persuade the employer that you have good writing skills. Go beyond saying, "I write well." Bring examples of your writing and state where your work appeared. It takes evidence to persuade someone.

Finally, always have a question for the interviewer. A good interviewer will leave time for this. If you have questions, it shows that you are taking part in the mutual selection, and you have done your homework. To come up with your questions, identify your own interests and identify what evidence the employer should offer to meet your interests.
Taking time to identify interests and supporting evidence will help you land in the job that is most right for you.