In the current job market it is very competitive and you need to do everything you can to help you have a great interview.

1. Do Your Research

Researching the company before the interview and learning as much as possible about its services, products, customers and competition will give you an edge in understanding and addressing the company’s needs. That is the first part which I believe almost everybody is doing. The second and most important part is to match your experience to their needs. Be prepared to discuss exactly how you have done what it is they are looking for.

2. Look Sharp

Select what to wear to the interview. Depending on the industry and position, get out your best interview clothes and check them over for spots and wrinkles. Above all, dress for confidence. If you feel good, others will respond to you accordingly. If you are a Sales Superstar it is important you show up to the interview looking the part.

3. Be Prepared

Bring along extra copies of your resume. You should also have questions prepared to ask at the end of the interview. Your research will help you here. We all know to ask questions however you are going to ask questions that will match your skills and experience to help them see you’re a great candidate. One example could be “Are the sales completed by phone/webinar or live presentations. If you have experience and success doing both whatever they answer will help you. They answer live presentations you can respond that is great I am very comfortable doing presentations live and won my biggest account last year by a few live presentations.

4. Be on Time

Never arrive late to an interview. Allow extra time to arrive early in the vicinity, allowing for factors like getting lost. Enter the building 10 to 15 minutes before the interview.

5. Show Enthusiasm/Look Interested

A firm handshake and plenty of eye contact demonstrate confidence. Speak distinctly in a confident voice, even though you may feel shaky. This should be a no brainer if you are not interested why are you there in the first place. Some people also have the mentality if you can not present well to them how will you be able to sell to prospects or customers.

6. Listen

One of the most neglected skills in Sales is listening. Make sure you are not only listening, but also reading between the lines. Sometimes what is not said is just as important as what is said. Do not be in a hurry to speak and show them how great you are. Listen carefully to the question then give a confident response. If you can tie it to an experience you have had where you have accomplished what they asked in the question.

7. Answer the Question Asked

Candidates often don’t think about whether they are actually answering the questions their interviewers ask. Make sure you understand what is being asked, and get further clarification if you are unsure. To not be afraid to say to the person does that answer your question if you are not sure. It is far better to do that then answer the wrong question or worse they think you were not listening.

8. Give Specific Examples

One or two specific examples of your past success is critical and will make it easier for the person to see why you are a great candidate.

9. Ask Questions

Many interviewees don’t ask questions and miss the opportunity to find out valuable information. If you are a salesperson I suggest you ask sales questions. Who does this position report to? What is the monthly or annual quota? What is the territory? Is this position 100% new business or is there existing business I will be working with as well? What does the training look like?

10. Follow Up

Whether it’s through email or regular mail, the interview follow up is one more chance to remind the interviewer of all the valuable traits you bring to the job and company. Don’t miss this last chance to market yourself. Thank the person for meeting with you and if there was specific you spoke about that you have experience in refer to that as well.

It was a pleasure meeting with you HR person the expansion into the US is very exciting for your company. I am confident my experience beating sales targets selling into the US market will help me ramp up quickly in this position. I look forward to the next steps in your process.