We all know that during interviews we are judged on first impressions. Not only that, 80% of the impression that someone has of you is already formed within seven seconds so you have an extremely short time to get across to the interviewer the fact you are somebody they need to know. It is essential you understand how to manage others' perceptions of you by developing a strong Personal Brand.
Employers want people who exude confidence and express themselves well, so you must communicate your values and skills, abilities and characteristics as quickly as possible.
It is often said that during an interview you must 'sell yourself' in order to get the job, however this can often do more harm than good. It is true that you need to showcase your talents and use self-promotion techniques to let the interviewer know why you are right for the job, but when you are under pressure there is a tendency to over-sell; to become too eager and too pushy. You forget to pause, to listen, to watch out for signals and build rapport. All too often people turn into a stereotypical 'car salesman', coming across desperate and unattractive.
Personal Branding allows you to be yourself, and gives you the ability to communicate your worth to everyone you meet. You become perceived as someone with confidence and self-esteem, someone likeable, with intelligence and credibility.
By taking steps to understand who you are, what you do and what makes you unique, you will be able to reveal to your potential employers that you are more than your last job title, or more than the information that can be found on your CV. You will be able to stand out.
Key tips for using your Personal Brand in interviews
1. Know your skills, experiences and interests Understand them inside out. Remember stories and situations and, in particular, key achievements and responsibilities you have had. This will help you with such questions as:
"What particular aspects of your work experience have prepared you for this position?"
"Can you describe one or two of your most important achievements?"
2. Be aware of your key attributes, characteristics and personality traits, as these can easily become hidden when you are under pressure. Ask yourself which attributes are helpful to you. This will help you overcome questions such as:
"How do you usually make your decisions? Do you consider yourself to be thoughtful, analytical or decisive?"
"How would you describe yourself as a person?"
3. Get a clear understanding of your personal vision and what you feel your purpose is in life. Knowing the answers will help you make sure the job is right job for you. They will also help with challenging questions such as:
"What is your professional goal?"
"Where do you see yourself in five years time?"
"What things give you the greatest satisfaction at work?"
4. Know your personal values Your values act as your compass and they are what you 'must have' and honour in your life to feel fulfilled. Spend time understanding what you value most in life. This will help to lead you to make the right decisions and answer interview questions such as:
"What things frustrate you the most? How do you usually cope with them?"
"What things give you the greatest satisfaction at work?"
"What is important to you in a company?"
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