Randy Moss, the 49ers receiver made headlines this week at the Super Bowl when he humbly stated he was the greatest wide receiver ever. Why the fuss. Isn't that what every job candidate has implanted in their interviewing mantra. I am the best person for this job. Ever. Next question.
According to the job site CareerBuilder, in an interview the interviewer will ask you questions focused on whether you have the skills and knowledge needed to do the job. Why not say you (like RM) that you are the best ever and give reasons to support it. The best way to be yourself is to tell your own story (or stories). This is especially great for the competency-based interview being used more today. It can be how many touchdowns you made or how many sales you closed.
A competency-based interview also asks you additional questions about your character and personal attributes that can better determine whether you fit their corporate culture. These are called "behavioral competencies." A competency-based interviewer may spend about half the interview on your job skills, and about half on your behavioral competencies. He or she will be looking for evidence of how you have acted in real situations in the past. An employer wants to find out:
- Are you an asset or liability? In other words, will you make money or save money for the company? Have a story ready.
- Are you a team player? Will you fit into the corporate hierarchy or be a fly in the ointment. Have another story ready.
- Will you fit into the company culture? Will you get along with key people. Have one more to tell.
The best way to show these traits and answer these questions is to take the initiative and have several personal stories that you can tell, maybe 30 seconds each. Make yourself and the stories important and compelling.
Remember Randy Moss is going to the Super Bowl. Your Super Bowl is getting the job you want.
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