So, you’ve figured out what to outline on your resume for a career change. You highlighted all of the key skills to pique an employer’s interest. Then the unthinkable happens.
You actually get a call for an interview!
Writing a polished resume is such a tedious process that you may focus less on how to present yourself in person. You’ve come too far to fall flat during the interview process. Here are a few ways to market yourself and snag that new job.
Focus on What You Can Offer
Your resume is all about your skills and qualifications, which gets your foot in the door. When you go in for an interview, you don’t want to simply rehash the same bullet points. The hiring manager has already seen your resume and may even have it sitting in front of him/her during the interview.
Do more research on the company prior to the interview so you can speak comfortably about what you bring to the table. They want to know what it is about you that makes you an asset to the team. In each interview question you answer, stay mindful of how to phrase it so you are clear on how you’re providing services the company needs.
Stay Relevant
The job market is constantly changing, and it’s important to keep up with the pace. Even when you’re stepping into a new field, having relevant industry knowledge shows you are actually interested in what’s going on.
For example, if your goal is to become an IT consultant, you need to know what certifications are in high demand. If you want to work in social media, knowing how to navigate the latest platforms to effectively reach a target audience is crucial. Employers will know you’ve done your homework when you can have an in-depth conversation about the latest happenings in the field.
Be Intriguing
During the job hunt, you’ll come across a lot of the same lingo, whether you’re reading through job descriptions or resume-writing tips. Words like “innovative,” “team player,” and “goal-oriented” get thrown around like a game of Hot Potato. Do yourself a favor and steer clear of the bland terms during your interview. You won’t stand out from other candidates if you use the same keywords that employers hear from everyone else.
Professionalism goes a long way in an interview, but the right mix of professionalism and authenticity will make you a memorable candidate. When you tell stories about what you did at a previous job, liven it up!
Think of it as having a conversation with friends, but with a more professional tone. These are people who you’ll be working with every day so showing off your personality is essential. Should you find yourself struggling to present your authentic self in an interview, the experts at EmpowerU are on hand to provide interview coaching. Visit the website today to request a free consultation!
Remain Consistent
The race to land a new job is more of a marathon than a sprint. You can say all the right things in an interview and still not get the position. It is frustrating, but don’t call it quits just yet.
In between sending out resumes, making phone calls, and interviewing, continue to develop your personal brand. Read books that outline career marketing strategies during your downtime. Start a blog about your field of interest to build a portfolio. Look for networking events in your area where you can interact with your peers.
Being proactive during your career change will help remove some of the anxiety you may be feeling. The more confident you are in your knowledge, the more it will show when you speak with potential employers. With practice and the right tools, it’s inevitable that your next interview will ultimately result in a job offer.