Let me ask you a question: if I promise to give you 10 brilliant things to say in your job interview that would increase your chances of success, would you read this blog from start to finish? Well, if the answer is yes, stay tuned because that’s exactly what I am about to do—give you 10 great things to say that are guaranteed to impress any hiring manager.
1. Start by Saying “Thank You”
At the start of your job interview, when the hiring manager says to you, “Please introduce yourself,” begin your response by saying this: “Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be interviewed for this position today.” This short but powerful statement shows you have good manners and helps build a connection with the hiring manager.
2. Show You Have Researched the Company
Tell the interviewer you have researched their company and genuinely want to work there. Most candidates want a job and don’t care which company it’s with. This can be a problem for hiring managers because such candidates don’t stay long. Saying you’ve researched the company and want to stay long-term will increase your chances significantly.
3. Mention You Are Flexible and Adaptable
All employers want people who are prepared to do tasks outside their job description and work overtime if needed. When asked, “What are your greatest strengths?” say this:
“My greatest strengths include being flexible and adaptable. I am adaptable in terms of my job role and will happily complete work outside of my job description to help your company. I am also flexible with my working hours and will work overtime when needed to assist with company operations.”
4. Highlight That You Match the Job Description
The job description is a critical document. Most candidates don’t read it before the interview. Mentioning it during your response will make you stand out. For example, in response to “Why should we hire you?” say:
“You should hire me because I have read the job description and have the skills, knowledge, and qualities to meet the demands of the role. This means I can come into your team and make an immediate and positive impact.”
5. Express Your Desire to Become an Expert
When asked, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” respond with:
“In five years, I want to still be working for your company, either in this position with more responsibility or having gained promotion to a higher level. In five years, I would be seen as an expert in my area of specialism and be someone who can train new team members.”
6. Talk About Being a High Achiever
Before your interview, think of accomplishments you’re proud of. When asked, “What makes you stand out?” respond with:
“One thing that makes me stand out is my track record of achievement. I am a high achiever and will replicate the same success for your company. For example, in my last job, I helped the company increase sales by providing exceptional customer service and asking for customer feedback to improve.”
7. Share Your Plan of Action
At the end of your interview, tell the hiring manager you already have a 30, 60, and 90-day plan for the role. Say:
“I would just like to say thank you for giving me the opportunity. I already have a plan of action for the role if you hire me, and I would like to give you a copy.”
8. Acknowledge a Weakness You Are Improving
When asked, “What’s your biggest weakness?” don’t say you don’t have one. Instead, provide a genuine but non-critical weakness, such as:
“My biggest weakness is I find it hard to say no to people, which sometimes results in me taking on too many responsibilities. However, I am aware of this and am trying to assess my capacity before saying yes.”
9. Speak Positively About Your Current Employer
When asked, “Why do you want to leave your job?” avoid being negative. Say:
“I want to leave my job because I am ready for a fresh challenge with a new and exciting company such as yours, where my skills will be put to good use. My employer has been great, but I am now ready for the next chapter of my career.”
10. Ask Smart Questions
At the end of your interview, when asked if you have any questions, say:
- “Can you tell me more about the team I would be a part of in this role?”
- “What would my success in the position look like in 12 months from now?”
- “What would my top three priorities be in this role once I start work?”
