JOB SEARCH: Present yourself as the no-brainer solution to your future employer's problems

A few jobs back, human resources had scheduled four interviews throughout my day for a position I had open.

The first interview went OK. The second candidate, however, impressed me so much that I hired him on the spot and I instructed HR to cancel my remaining two interviews.

The second candidate did something I rarely see — they presented themselves as a no-brainer to hire.

How?

Their resumé was result-oriented (Not a list of opinions — "I'm a team player," "detail-oriented," "hard-working," etc.).
They dressed as if they were an employee of my company. (In this case, a global multi-brand tour operator.)
They clearly articulated their value and how they would solve my problems.
They told me several STAR (Situation. Task. Action. Results.) stories I could envision and relate to.

Going from your resumé (your results, skills, experience) impressing an employer enough, so they then take the time to check your LinkedIn profile and Google to determine if you are interview-worthy, and being invited to an interview — the first most likely being via Zoom or Skype — is a huge accomplishment.

Impressing someone on paper and via your LinkedIn profile has its challenges, especially since you are competing against many other candidates just as qualified as you. However, where the rubber meets the road is when you are sitting face-to-face with your interviewer.

Regardless of what you think about an employer's hiring process, which they own and therefore have designed to support their self-interests, there is only one reason a company will choose you over other candidates: they believe you will solve their problems.

To win in the job market, you need to tailor your written (resumé, cover letter, LinkedIn profile) and oral communications (networking, interviews) to how you would solve the problems the position you are applying for exists to solve.

Presenting yourself in a way your interviewer can envision you fitting with the company's culture and the current team, as well as giving them confidence that you will hit the ground running, will substantially increase your odds of receiving a nod of approval.

Regardless of whether you are interviewing via video, sitting in a boardroom, a coffee shop or the interviewer's office, focus on the following:

Your attire.
Your body language.
Explain (READ: sell) how you can meet the employer's needs and solve the problems that the position you are interviewing for exists to solve.
Being mindful of your interviewer's time.

Attire

Employers are looking for candidates who will mesh with their workplace culture. Being deemed a fit supersedes your experience and qualifications; hence, your image is paramount in giving the impression that you are one of them and will go a long way in making yourself a no-brainer to hire.

Dress according to the company's culture. Obviously, this will differ from company to company and between industries. For example, if you are interviewing for a position in a bank or insurance company, formal attire, even in 2023, is appropriate, such as a business suit, shirt and tie. On the opposite end of the spectrum, casual clothing, even jeans and sneakers, can be acceptable if you are interviewing with a design studio or tech start-up.

The key is to dress as if you already work for the employer.

Body language

Your body language, along with your words, dramatically influences the first impressions someone has about you.

If you are seated, say in the reception area, stand to greet your interviewer and offer a firm handshake while maintaining a broad smile and steady eye contact. Say something along the lines of, "Nice to meet you, Alice." Remember your interviewer's name and use it naturally throughout the conversation. Throughout the interview, maintain eye contact to show your interviewer(s) that you are engaged in the conversation. Speak clearly and audibly, with relaxed shoulders and arms by your side, ensuring that your posture conveys receptiveness, instead of arrogance.

Explain how you can meet the employer's needs and solve their problems.

This is where you solidify you are a no-brainer to hire.

If you are being interviewed by the person you will be reporting to, keep this piece of human psychology in mind: a person is more likely to want to build a relationship with you if you understand their situation, problems and goals.

Start with the job description, paying close attention to the job qualifications, duties and skills required. Have STAR stories ready regarding specific situations where you used the required skills to achieve a desired outcome. Keep your STAR stories short and vivid. The best STAR I ever heard: "I sold Corvettes in Las Vegas." (Yes, I hired the person. He was one of my best hires.)

Be mindful of the time.

Always be punctual for your scheduled interview time! Being punctual is a sign of being a professional, as well as respect for the other person. Stick within the time frame your interview was scheduled for (usually 45 minutes to 1 hour).

If you are getting interviews but no offers, ask yourself how you can present yourself as a no-brainer to hire.

Nick Kossovan, a well-seasoned veteran of the corporate landscape, offers advice on searching for a job. You can send him your questions at [email protected].