Most job seekers make many mistakes but the most common one is overlooking a job simply because you miss out on a few qualifying factors. Work experience and prior job performance are key areas employers look at in evaluating the potential fit of job candidates. The reason for this is clear: the past is the best predictor of the future. In other words, what you have done in the past provides the best indication of what you can do in the future.
What if you apply and are called for an interview. The secrets are there and I will be sharing them today. To the job applicant, being short on experience is a major hurdle to overcome. There are ways, however, to turn this potential problem into a big benefit! It simply takes embracing and communicating a broader perspective of your total package of life experiences. Keep in mind, what is important to any employer is the relevance of your work, and how your work will deliver tangible benefits to the organization and help it achieve its goals.
When you are at the interview room portray the fact that it’s not just what you have done or can do that is so important; it’s the benefits you offer, and results you can deliver. Think of the various professional and social activities you have been involved in. Think about the many ways you have demonstrated particular skills. Think of the results you have achieved in these settings. Relate to those skills identical to the ones required for the job at hand and are easily transferable to the job.
There are a few ways you can approach these kinds of opportunities:
1. Prepare for the interview. Being prepared is more important than job knowledge, skills and experience. Please refer to our earlier article on interview preparation.
2. Tailor your resume. Make your CV and application letter acceptable and in tandem to the job requirements. Look at what the job requires and relate it to your past experiences.
3. Get an interview. This may be a very hard part but if you try it out it may work. Try applying and then calling in to ask for an informational interview. Refer to our article on what is an informational article.
4. Conduct yourself professionally. This is a very important aspect because it determines whether you are fit in the role you are applying for. Carry yourself as if you are already in the office.
5. Be confident. Focus on why you honestly believe you would be good at this particular job. Make a list of reasons beforehand. If you have confidence in yourself, you are more likely to convince the employer of your ability.
6. Be up-beat. A positive attitude will show the interviewer you are a ‘can-do’ person. You need to read our motivational articles to tell you how to maintain good attitude during interviews.
7. Be likable. We all want to hire and work with people we like. Behave friendly and intelligent. Try diverting out of the topic for ice breakers and engage the HR guys in a conversation other than the interview. Be careful not to overindulge because you may get out of hand.
8. Be informed. Know about the company and the business before you go to the interview. Know what they expect you to do for the company.
9. Ask intelligent questions. There is always more to the job than what can be said in an advert. As you find out more about the job, you may discover job functions for which you are more qualified and you can direct your focus on them.
10. Be open to training. If the employer is willing to train you for the job, demonstrate enthusiasm about learning new things and a willingness to put extra time and effort into training. If you are a quick study, now is the time to mention it.
11. Make the interview a starting point. If the job is not something you are qualified to do, ask to leave your resume with the company or ask if there are similar opportunities at a lower level. If you appear enthusiastic, intelligent and committed, your interviewer(s) is more likely to offer suggestions to help you break into the field.
12. Smile. When there are two or more candidates competing for the same position, more often than not the hiring will be based on chemistry and less on experience. Ensure that you smile often throughout the interview and laugh where ever appropriate. A positive attitude demonstrated with smiles goes a long way to sending the signal that you have what it takes to become a team player.
If you see a job in our site that you are enthusiastic with and feel that you are not qualified, just apply because it does not cost your blood to just try. What if you are given an opportunity of an interview? Then you have a chance to demonstrate the above points. This may be a good learning point because you do not expect to be stuck at the point in which you are. You need to look at the requirements of this job so that t is easy to know where you are headed and which qualifications you need to acquire in future in order to move up the corporate ladder.
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