Hiring managers want proof of your talents as much as possible to reduce the risk of selecting the wrong candidate. As a job-seeker, understanding this and doing whatever you can to demonstrate your skills in advance will help you get the offer. This starts with providing factual, concrete information in your resumes and cover letters, but it also extends to the interview.
Sitting across from decision-makers provides you with the perfect opportunity to show, not just tell, how you can positively impact their company. Many job-seekers understand the benefit of taking a job search portfolio to interviews - with copies of their resumes, cover letters, certificates, diplomas, degrees, letters of reference, etc. - but I recommend going a step further and presenting something unique.
Many applicants know to research the company thoroughly before the interview (although it's even better to research them before applying so you can tailor your materials to their needs). In the interview, showcase something of value from your research:
- Assess their sales strategies and recommend areas of improvement.
- Analyze their marketing materials and compare them to others in the industry.
- Sample their products and identify areas of opportunity.
- Evaluate their competition and present them with a report.
- Research the industry and provide them with a forecast for the future.
Contributing something of value during the interview can demonstrate your work ethic and potential commitment to the company, highlight your knowledge of the industry, set yourself apart from your competition, and increase your chances of getting the offer.