3 Tips to Help You Rock Your Next Interview

eRep is pleased to present this guest article, written by Rod Tillery, Owner/Hiring Specialist at Perfect Match Hire. Visit his site at PerfectMatchHire.com.

Preparing for an interview can be nerve-wracking, and you can only hope that you've prepared for the right questions. Here are three insights into the typical hiring process that will give you confidence heading into your next big interview.

Companies today have many different methods they use to identify who they should hire, but they are all looking for the same three things: skills, experience, and likability. If you make it to the interview stage, then it means you have the needed skills and experience. Great job!

Now you need to wow them in your interview. But how? What if another candidate has a more likable personality? What if your competition is the nephew of the owner's neighbor? Don't worry, you're going to rock this interview.

Begin with the CVI

Start by taking the Core Values Index (CVI) psychometric assessment and reading your full report. Your CVI personality assessment will give you deep insights into how you are hardwired to make your highest and best contribution. Arming yourself with this knowledge is invaluable to employers. I have interviewed more people than I can count and it is always a breath of fresh air when a person knows who they are and how they operate. Print a copy of your CVI report and hand it to your potential employer. They will love you for it.

Establish a Connection

Connect with your interviewer(s). I cannot stress this enough.

Connecting will allow you to maximize your influence with people. Help them enjoy interviewing you.

At this stage in the game, the interviewer wants to know if you are a likable person. Think about the interviewer before you step into the room. Try to find common ground with a few insightful questions or comments. "Do you get tired from conducting all of these interviews?" "I bet you've met some interesting people." "I noticed on LinkedIn that you worked at Acme Company. Do you know John Doe? John is an old friend of mine."

If you connect with your interviewers, you will significantly increase your chances of getting hired. If you struggle when it comes to connecting with people, check out the book, Everyone Communicates, Few Connect, by John C. Maxwell.

[Editors note: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie is also highly recommended.]

Ask Engaging Questions

Prepare 2-3 questions you can ask when the opportunity presents itself. Here are some examples:

• What has been Mr. Myer's greatest frustration with past Executive Assistants?
• How long did his last assistant work for him and why did they leave?
• What do you like most about working here?

Questions like these put you in the driver's seat because it motivates the interviewers to sell you on why you should work there. This will set you apart from the crowd. It may also give you insights into the level of difficulty involved in working for this person so you can decide if you even want the job.

Let's recap:

• Understand how you are hardwired to make your highest and best contribution by taking the CVI psychometric assessment here: erep.com/core-values-index/
• Connect with your interviewers.
• Ask engaging questions that put you in the drivers seat.

To find the right job for you, check out erep.com/jobs/ today.