How to Successfully Sell Yourself During an Interview

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When it comes to interviewing, many professionals are somewhat uncomfortable discussing strengths and past successes. They often believe that being too aggressive may lead them to come off as arrogant, fearing that it could be off-putting to hiring managers. Additionally, many professionals doubt their capabilities, causing them to downplay their skill set or knowledge level.

However, by selling yourself short, you are harming your chances of landing the position. Instead, you need to express confidence in what you have to offer. Otherwise, you might not stand out in the eyes of the hiring manager.

Three Tips to Avoid Selling Yourself Short When Interviewing for a New Job

When you need to sell yourself effectively during an interview, you have to clearly explain your values, skills and experience. Exuding professional prowess and confidence is a necessity as well. Ensure you are able to showcase your best self, by keeping the following points in mind as you prepare and interview for your next job opportunity.

1. Bragging Doesn’t Make You Arrogant

If you have a particular skill set or a notable achievement, it’s appropriate to share. While it may feel like borderline bragging, in a way, that’s exactly what you have to do to stand out during the interview process. If it makes you uncomfortable, add a touch of humility by incorporating details such as team members you worked with, challenges you overcame and how you grew as a professional while working to reach a particular goal.

It’s great to take pride in your accomplishments and show passion about your work! Just avoid being overly-boastful and making exaggerations, and you should come out in a positive light.

2. Share Data and Examples

As you answer an interview question, make sure you are doing more than proclaiming your greatness. If you are discussing a skill, do not just say you are great, even if you are. Instead, provide specific examples that highlight how you have used that skill and to what level. Do you best to provide details that provide insight into the scope of the work and the impact that you made. This gets your point across without a hint of arrogance.

3. Use the Star Method

Begin by describing a situation. Next, discuss the task – your level of involvement in solving the problem – followed by the action you took. The action includes any skills or steps were integral in completing the work. Finally, go over the result, quantifying the outcome whenever possible.

The approach above allows you to sell yourself effectively by backing up your abilities with a solid example. Plus, it limits the likelihood that you will be viewed as arrogant. Instead, it increases the odds that your straightforward and appropriately detailed reply will be seen as confidence.

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It was my distinct pleasure working for RealStreet, aka KJMK, on separate FEMA disaster recovery assignments and long-term recovery planning assignments between October 2004 and May 2006 in the aftermath of Hurricanes Ivan, Katrina, Francis and Wilma. I found working with these professionals enjoyable as well as self-fulfilling and rewarding. After a 9-year stint as Read More…

Steve Spry, CAPZO, Certified Alabama Planning and Zoning Official

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