Job interviews are often a stressful time for many applicants. You may have already read about how to present yourself in a professional manner, how to dress appropriately, and how to prepare your resume.
However, one thing that is often overlooked is how to sell yourself in an interview.
How do you make the potential employer see you as an asset to the company?
In this article, I will give you practical tips to help you sell yourself better in interviews, with a practical example for each tip. By the end of this article, you will be more confident in your ability to succeed in your next interview and convince your potential employer.
1 – Prepare yourself in advance
Preparation is the key to success in a job interview. Before the interview, you should spend enough time learning more about the company and the position you are applying for.
You should also think of possible answers to questions the recruiter might ask you.
Then, it is essential to do mock interviews with a friend or a career coach to get immediate and positive feedback on your verbal and nonverbal communication.
If you don’t have anyone to help you, rehearse your presentation by standing in front of a mirror or filming yourself with your smartphone.
Finally, prepare yourself mentally for your interview by using visualization techniques, neuro-linguistic programming, meditation, or breathing techniques to better manage your stress.
If you don’t prepare yourself enough, you may give the impression that you are not interested in the position or that you have not taken the time to learn about the company.
This can also result in an inappropriate response to a question or a long hesitation that may give the impression that you are not comfortable in the work environment.
Actionable tip
To prepare for the interview, start by researching the company. Check out its website and social media profiles to learn more about its products, services, and company culture.
Also, look for recent news articles about the company to keep up with its latest events.
Next, review the job description and think about what skills and previous experience you have that best match the job requirements.
Finally, practice your answers to common questions such as “Tell me about yourself” and “Why do you want to work for this company?” The more prepared you are, the more confident and comfortable you will feel during the interview.
Now, I suggest we move on to the next tip which is to build confidence and self-esteem.
2 – Build self-confidence and self-esteem
Building self-confidence and self-esteem before a job interview is essential for optimal performance.
When a candidate is confident and has high self-esteem, they feel more comfortable and confident, which can contribute to better performance during the interview.
High self-confidence and self-esteem can also help an applicant present themselves more professionally and perform at their best in the interview.
As a result, the person is better able to present their skills and qualifications in a convincing manner.
Failure to build confidence and self-esteem before a job interview can have serious negative consequences.
Without this preparation, you may be too nervous or insecure to successfully express your skills and qualities.
You may also not be able to articulate your work experience and abilities in a coherent and concise manner, which can be very negative for your application.
Finally, without the necessary self-confidence and self-esteem, you may not be at your best and may not be able to convince the recruiter that you are the right person for the job.
Actionable tip
There are several ways to build self-confidence and self-esteem before a job interview.
The first thing to do is to prepare and familiarize yourself with the position and company you are applying for. This can give you a clearer idea of the questions that might be asked and will give employers the impression that you are both ready and prepared.
Next, take time to practice answering common interview questions and prepare answers to difficult questions. This can help you feel more confident and better able to answer questions in the interview.
Another way to build confidence and self-esteem before an interview is to become familiar with your own strengths and weaknesses. Take time to think about your skills and abilities, and how they match the position you are applying for.
This can help you feel more confident and better handle the interview. Finally, be sure to prepare for the interview by dressing and behaving in a professional manner. This can help give you more confidence and make you feel more comfortable and confident.
Now, I suggest we move on to the next tip which is to take care of your appearance.
3 – Take care of your look
We often say that clothes don’t make the man, but in truth, this is not entirely true.
From a rational standpoint, we don’t want to evaluate others based on their appearance.
But since many processes take place below our conscious awareness, we are all influenced by appearance.
This is especially true since our interactions with others are short-lived.
A job interview is exactly one of these situations because it usually lasts no longer than 45 minutes.
This is why your appearance must be extremely well-groomed and adapted to the position you are applying for.
If you take the time to present yourself at your best, you will increase your likelihood of being hired.
If you don’t, you may lose job opportunities.
This is even more important if the person interviewing you is not a professional recruiter, as he or she will probably not be aware of the many psychological biases that can be activated during interviews.
Actionable tip
During a job interview, it is important to take care of your appearance to give an excellent impression to the employer.
To do this, I recommend that you choose appropriate clothing that suits the company and the position for which you are applying.
Choose sober colors and a classic style that shows you are serious about the interview.
Also, make sure your clothes are clean and well-ironed. Finally, don’t forget to take care of your hair and make-up, keeping it simple and natural.
This will show that you are professional and pay attention to detail, qualities that recruiters appreciate.
Now, I suggest you move on to the next tip, which is to prepare your questions in advance.
4 – Prepare your questions in advance
Preparing the questions you want to ask in advance is a very effective way to be prepared for a job interview and to maximize your probability of getting the job.
Doing this allows you to ask relevant questions and show the recruiter that:
- you have really taken the time to learn about the company and the position
- you are interested in the position
- you are aware of the responsibilities and expectations if you are recruited
You also become an active participant in your interview and you rebalance the relationship with the recruiter because you do not limit yourself to simply answering their questions.
This way, you can start to guide the conversation toward your professional and human strengths, thus increasing your chances of getting the job. It is also a way to show that you have leadership skills, which is an important quality, especially if you are aiming for more qualified positions.
If you don’t take the time to think about the questions you need to ask, you risk:
- miss important information about the company and the position
- give a bad impression to the recruiter and find yourself not being considered for the position
Actionable tip
Prepare at least 2 questions before your job interview and take the time to understand why you want to ask them.
Doing this will help you to improve the effectiveness of your questions.
In order to help you in this process, here are some examples of questions you could ask the recruiter and the reasons to ask them.
Can you describe a typical day for this position?
This question is important because it gives you an idea of what your workday will be like if you are hired. It can help you determine if the position is a good fit for your skills and preferences.
How will my performance be evaluated?
Understanding the performance evaluation criteria can help you understand the company’s expectations for the position and prepare you accordingly. It can also give you an idea of what the company values and what skills you should develop to succeed.
What are the main challenges the company is currently facing?
This question can give you an idea of the issues or challenges the company is facing, as well as how it is handling them. It can help you understand how your work can contribute to solving these challenges and see how the company is developing.
How does the company support the professional development of its employees?
Knowing whether the company is willing to invest in the development of its employees can be an important factor in your decision to join the company. If you’re looking for a company that can help you develop your skills and advance your career, this question can help you understand if the company offers training opportunities, mentoring, or other professional development programs.
How does the company promote diversity and inclusion?
Understanding the company’s diversity and inclusion policies and practices can help you determine if the company is committed to creating an inclusive work environment. If you believe that diversity and inclusion are important values, this question can help you understand whether the company shares that vision and is aligned with your own values.
Now, I suggest we move on to the next tip which is to value your strengths.
5 – Highlight your strengths
Highlighting your strengths is a key element to succeed in a job interview.
In fact, the goal of the interview is to convince the recruiter that you are the ideal candidate for the position.
To do this, it is important to emphasize the skills and qualities that correspond to the position’s requirements. By doing so, you show that you are ready and able to take on the challenges that await you in the position.
In addition, it helps to demonstrate your confidence and ability to work effectively. Ultimately, showcasing your strengths is an opportunity to demonstrate your added value and set yourself apart from other candidates. This can make the difference between getting the job or not.
To do this, it is important to know your skills well and to be able to explain them clearly and convincingly.
It is also essential to have a good understanding of the position for which you are applying and to highlight the technical and human skills that are most relevant to that position. During the interview, it is a good idea to provide specific examples to demonstrate your strengths.
It is also vital to focus on the results you have achieved using your strengths, rather than simply listing your skills. Finally, it is advisable to show enthusiasm and passion for the job and for the skills you are presenting, in order to convince the recruiter that you are the best candidate for the position.
Actionable tip
Here are 4 practical examples of how to showcase your skills during an interview:
Use stories
When talking about your skills, use concrete examples and stories to support what you say. For example, if you are applying for a sales position, you can talk about a major sale you made or a difficult customer you were able to convince.
Use numbers
If possible, quantify your results and performance. For example, if you’re applying for a marketing position, you can talk about the growth you brought to the company in terms of revenue or conversion rate.
Make connections to the position
When you talk about your skills, relate them to the position you’re applying for. For example, if you’re applying for a developer position, you can talk about your programming skills and your experience working on similar projects.
Be authentic
Don’t be afraid to be yourself and showcase your quirks. Recruiters often appreciate candidates who have an authentic personalities and can bring a personal touch to the position. For example, if you’re applying for a creative position, you can talk about your passion for art or music and how that inspires you in your work.
Now, I suggest we move on to the next tip which is to actively listen to the recruiter.
6 – Listen actively
When preparing for a job interview, you’re probably thinking about how you’re going to present yourself, what questions you’re going to ask, and what information you’re going to provide about your skills and experience.
However, there is an often overlooked element that can make all the difference, and that is active listening. Indeed, active listening is an essential skill to succeed in a recruitment interview and also to succeed in your job.
First of all, active listening allows you to clearly understand the recruiter’s expectations. By asking questions and listening carefully to the answers, you can gain valuable information about the position, the skills required, and the company’s priorities.
You can also get a clearer understanding of the challenges the company faces and how you might be able to contribute.
Second, active listening allows you to show your interest in the position. Recruiters are often looking for candidates who are engaged and passionate about their work.
By asking relevant questions and listening carefully to the answers, you show that you are motivated and willing to invest yourself in the company.
In addition, active listening allows you to demonstrate your communication skills. Recruiters often look for candidates who are able to communicate effectively with team members, customers, and company partners.
By actively listening to the recruiter’s questions and comments, you show that you are able to put yourself in the shoes of others and respond appropriately.
Finally, active listening can help you build trust with the recruiter. By showing that you are listening and that you understand the recruiter’s concerns, you can build a trusting relationship that can help you get the job.
In conclusion, active listening is an essential skill for a successful job interview.
To learn how to actively listen, I recommend you read my book on active listening or discover my active listening training.
Actionable tip
Start applying active listening in your daily life with the only goal of understanding the viewpoint of other people.
Now I suggest we move on to the next tip, which is about not selling yourself.
7 – Don’t sell yourself
You may think it’s a contradiction to conclude this article with this tip, but as you keep reading you’ll understand the approach I suggest you take during the interview.
This suggestion comes from my experience as an entrepreneur. In fact, I’ve found that the best way to sell is to put your interviewer’s interests before your own.
By practicing active listening with the main goals of understanding the needs of others and identifying what is best for your interviewer, you will be honest and obtain the respect and trust of the recruiter.
Doing this will allow you to make a positive impression on them and even if you don’t get the job, they may still offer you other opportunities in the future.
Next time you are interviewed, assume the posture of an advisor, a lawyer, a friend, or even better, someone close to the recruiter.
This way, you will be able to create a real relationship of trust that will eliminate any kind of resistance on their part.
In addition, by putting them at ease, they will be more motivated to share important information about the position with you, and it is quite possible that this will give you an edge over other applicants.
Actionable tip
Start changing the nature of your professional and personal relationships with the goal of identifying the needs and protecting the interests of others.
Frequently Asked Questions About Job Interviews
1. What are the best words to use to sell yourself in an interview?
To present yourself effectively, use action words that highlight your skills and achievements, such as:
- “Optimize”: to discuss improvements you’ve made in a previous role.
- “Lead”: to highlight management or leadership experience.
- “Increase”: to quantify your results (e.g., “increased revenue by X%”).
Combine these words with concrete examples and numbers to maximize impact.
2. How to handle a tricky question during the interview?
Tricky questions often aim to test your ability to think under pressure. Here are some tips:
- Rephrase the question to buy time and ensure you’ve understood it correctly.
- Stay positive and avoid criticizing past experiences.
- Answer honestly but strategically, emphasizing what you’ve learned and your willingness to improve.
Example: If asked, “Why did you leave your last job?” you could respond:
“I left this position to take on new professional challenges that align better with my current aspirations.”
3. How much time should I dedicate to preparation?
Effective preparation takes between 4 and 8 hours, broken down as follows:
- Company research: 2 hours.
- Reviewing common questions: 1 to 2 hours.
- Mock interviews: 1 to 2 hours.
- Reflecting on your strengths and achievements: 1 to 2 hours.
Investing this time will help you manage stress and boost your confidence on the big day.
4. Why is it important to ask the recruiter questions?
Asking questions demonstrates your interest in the position and your ability to think strategically. It also helps you assess whether the company aligns with your expectations.
Examples of questions:
- “Can you describe a typical day in this role?”
- “What are the company’s current challenges?”
These questions showcase your engagement and professional curiosity.
5. How to present a failure without harming my candidacy?
Discuss a failure constructively by following this method:
- Briefly describe the situation.
- Explain what you learned and the steps you took to ensure it wouldn’t happen again.
- End on a positive note, showing how the experience made you stronger.
Example:
“During a project, we exceeded the initial budget because I underestimated some costs. This taught me to anticipate better and include a margin of error in my estimates. Since then, my projects have consistently stayed within budget.”
6. How to talk about my strengths without sounding arrogant?
Highlight your strengths by linking them to specific examples. Instead of simply saying, “I’m a great communicator,” explain:
“In my previous role, I organized a campaign that improved internal communication and reduced request processing times by 30%.”
This demonstrates your skills while remaining humble.
7. What should I do if I don’t know the answer to a question?
If you don’t know the answer:
- Don’t panic.
- Admit it professionally: “That’s an excellent question. I don’t have the answer right now, but I’d be happy to research it and get back to you.”
8. How to remain authentic during an interview?
Authenticity involves:
- Being transparent about your skills and aspirations.
- Avoiding exaggerations or lying about your experiences.
- Showing your personality: talk about your passions or preferred working methods.
Recruiters appreciate honest candidates aligned with their values.
9. What should I wear for a job interview?
Choose professional attire suitable for the industry:
- For a formal environment: a suit or blazer with neutral colors.
- For a creative sector: a more casual but polished outfit.
Ensure your clothes are clean, ironed, and that your overall appearance (hair, shoes) is impeccable.
10. What should I do after the interview?
After the interview:
- Send a thank-you email within 24 hours, reiterating your interest in the position.
- Reflect on areas you can improve for future interviews.
- Wait a few days before following up with the recruiter if you haven’t heard back.
Conclusion on how to sell yourself in an interview
In summary, to sell yourself in a job interview, it is crucial to prepare your arguments, highlight your successes, and demonstrate your motivation while staying authentic. You must keep a positive and confident attitude, show your interest in the company and convince the recruiter that you are the ideal person for the position.
To take advantage of the skills of a career coach write to us now using our contact form or call us by phone or on WhatsApp at + 33 6 69 46 03 79.
Are you ready to take action?
Here are the rates for our coaching packages for individual clients:
- one month coaching package
- 3-month coaching package
- 6-month coaching package
- 1-year coaching package
Read this article in other languages
Français : Comment se vendre en entretien : les secrets pour réussir
Italiano: Come vendersi in un colloquio di lavoro: i segreti per avere successo