Do you have a job interview on the horizen? If so, there is one surefire way guaranteed to distinguish you from the competition. Not only will this trait help to separate you from the pack, it will also help you build that all-important rapport with your interviewers. Yet, despite its importance, most jobseekers don’t give it much attention…
Savvy applicants know to thoroughly research the company and be knowledgeable as to the current conditions of the industry/field. They also know to posses a keen awareness of the challenges faced by the hiring manager and the department as a whole. Even more, successful jobseekers must be able to demonstrate ways their skills and experience will make a substantial contribution to the team.
But there is one critical piece that most applicants overlook—and this essential element can make or break your chances for success. In addition to all the other ways to prepare for this vitally important conversation, you will have to easily articulate and highlight your personal strengths. The good news, however, is that jobseekers over 50 possess these sought-after characteristics in spades!
Personal strengths have long been defined by corporate America using the somewhat disparaging term: “soft” skills. However, once you are engaged in the interview process, these vital traits are the distinguishing features that will determine whether or not you will land the job.
You’ve already been judged an appropriate candidate by the (hard) skills you have presented on your resume and the way you’ve responded to questions in the phone screen interview. Once you get in front of hiring managers and coworkers, you’ll need to show your positive attitude, your professionalism and the ways they can count on you to become a contributing team member. In other words, stress your added value by highlighting the qualities and strengths that you, as a unique individual, contribute to the workplace.
So, as you prepare for your next interview, take some time to consider the following:
- Which qualities distinguish you from the competition?
- How do you generally approach problems and deal with people?
- What personal talents tend to come naturally to you?
More specifically:
- Are you a people person: friendly, cooperative, easy-going, sociable, tactful, a consensus builder?
- Are you a leader: bold, dominant, confident, dynamic, outspoken, assertive?
- Are you a creative type: innovative, inventive, expressive, intuitive, resourceful?
- Are you someone who can diagnose and solve problems: analytical, objective, critical, mentally astute, theoretical?
- Are you good with details, schedules, and follow-through: conscientious, orderly, efficient, thorough, organized?
- Are you physically fit: active, energetic, robust, vigorous?
If you really want to land the job, moreover, ask your networking partners to put in a good word for you by citing your soft skills. Employers want to know as much as possible about new hires to eliminate bringing in any dreaded bad apples who might spoil their team. Equally, if not more important than work-specific (hard) skills, personal traits such as integrity, a willingness to cooperate and a strong work ethic are prized. These kinds of strengths are given considerable weight if your recommendation comes from a trusted colleague or valued employee.
So the next time you’re getting ready for an interview, remind yourself of your positive qualities—those soft skills that set you apart from others. Prepare well, exude warmth and professionalism, share examples of your unique talents and traits, and anticipate success. With a little luck, you just might ace the interview and land a job where you can truly shine!