Shining in job interviews

By Daisy Carrington, amNewYork Deputy Features Editor | dcarrington@am-ny.com

June 11, 2007

I have been interviewing for the past year for more senior positions that, though I believe I am qualified for, are in a field in which I have limited experience. One of the many questions I'm asked is: "Tell me three reasons why I should hire you for this position over the other candidates?" How should I reply?
-- Movin' on up, Manhattan

Though at the onset this question may seem a bit intimidating, it actually presents a wonderful opportunity for you to sell yourself in the interview.

"Whether in the field or not, a hiring manager wants someone who is going to be an impact employee," says Noah Blumenthal, president of the career counseling firm Leading Principles and author of "You're Addicted to You: Why It's So Hard to Change -- and What You Can Do About It."

According to Blumenthal, there are three major points you'll want to convey in order to show them you are the person for the job.

1. Your answer to the first part of the question should be, "I'm a quick learner."

"Someone hiring will want to know that you have the ability to walk into a place, quickly establish yourself and get yourself up to speed," Blumenthal says.

If you can, use examples to back up your claim: "In my last job, I was quickly able to master new computer software that I had previously never used."

2. Before your interview, research not only the company and the industry, but the specific area of the organization you are applying to. This way, you can show off that though you may not have direct experience in that particular field, you are knowledgeable about it and adept at researching any aspect of the industry you are unfamiliar with. Also, use the end of the interview to show off your knowledge by asking lots of industry-specific questions.

3. Be sure to focus on your achievements. Talk about your previous job experience, highlighting any major projects you might have completed or awards you might have received.

"Now is not the time to be shy," Blumenthal says. "The more you can speak to specific results that you've achieved, the more the hiring manager will believe they're bringing on somebody who's an impact player."