So, you have applied to several jobs and interviewed at a few of them. The final stage before you finally get that dream job, is to get a job offer. If you want to improve your chance of receiving an offer, you need to stand out and not get past the screening process. Below are some handy tips to ensure to make it to the very last recruitment phase.
1. Express Enthusiasm
It was your strong qualifications and well-crafted CV that helped you land an interview. However, so did other similarly qualified candidates. When it is hiring decision, recruiters prefer those that had demonstrated an enthusiasm for joining the team. Express your zeal by letting the interviewer know how interested you are in becoming part of the company* during the interview and in your follow-up communication.
Nevertheless, do not come across desperate or overly excited. The key here is to balance your excitement and maintain your composure while showing the recruiter that you are an excellent match.
*Make sure you made your homework about the company you apply for, such as the company culture, hiring manager's expectations, and specific job requirements, as possible.
2. Address your Weaknesses
Remember SWOT analysis back in college, where you had to discuss your strengths and weaknesses relative to your competition? Do the same to find that character flaw that does not make you the best candidate, despite how impressive your CV may be. Do you act shy? Talk too much? Avoid eye contact? Fidget? Have a weak handshake? Have a habit that livens up when you are nervous? Many things could trip you up when wanting to go past the interview stage with flying colours. Finding that character flaw is strength and will allow you to come up with ways to eliminate it.
Tip: Do a mock interview with a friend and ask them to share their opinion with you.
3. Demonstrate you Are a Great Fit For the Job
You are qualified enough for the job and have the know-how required. You may also have an excellent rapport with the hiring manager (how well the interviewer thinks you fit in with aspects of the job, such as team culture). Helping recruiters visualise you in the job, addressing issues, and making their lives easier will “push” your case forward, allowing you to stand out from the competition. Just ensure your answers complete recruiters' jigsaw puzzle, rather than letting them figure things out themselves. If you don't, somebody else will!
4. Be Honest
When the “What are your weaknesses” question comes up, most job candidates try to pretend to be perfect. What they don't know, though, is that you can't be a good teammate or leader if you cannot admit error and failure. Being able to learn from your mistakes and honestly reflect on your challenges is a trait of successful people, as long as you have come back stronger. So, there is no point hiding your weaknesses.
Tip: Most candidates usually share a 2-dimensional view of themselves (an aspect of their life philosophy and something they could be rejected for). However, it is important not to try to hide the 3rd component of your personality (what you fear the most). Showing your humanity will show just how authentic you are, which is key for hiring managers.
5. Watch Out For Your Social Media Presence
If you can manage to create a strong connection between you and the company, you are halfway there. This means that your online/social media presence should be consistent with your personal brand (who you are in person). Otherwise, there is increased risk interviewers will not want to make a job offer to you due to this character gap.
Final Notes:
If you continue to fail on getting a job, it might be the time to make a change in your life and try to look for a career rather than a job. Find something that interests you or makes you wake up fully energised in the morning, and look for jobs that you would like to do (not just jobs that will provide the money you need to make ends meet).
Show up to each interview with a good “deal”; something valuable you could add the company. Finally, It is crucial to illustrate your short and long-term value.
Good Luck!