by Pamela A Mertz

Created on: June 01, 2008

When you interview for a job you really want, your number one goal should be to be sure the interviewer remembers you. Sometimes hundreds of people will send in a resume for only one available position, especially in tough economic times. From that pool of candidates, a small group of people is selected for the first round of meet and greet.

Make that time count, and remember that interviews are a two-way street. Both interviewer and interviewee should be determining if this job would be a good fit. Organizational fit is often more important than skill level. Employers want to know that new hires are going to fit in with company culture, will get along with other team mates, and will stay long enough to make the investment in your orientation worth while.

You should absolutely know that first impressions count. It is often said that hiring decisions are made in the first 10-15 seconds of an interview. So, of course, follow the tried and true interview protocol: be on time, dress for the job you want, be enthusiastic, smile, and make certain that you bring along extra copies of your error-free resume. But beyond that, how do you make that lasting impression that will have them saying, "She's good I want her working here"?

Do something that will make you stand out from the rest of the candidates. Take a chance, and take an opportunity to really sell yourself. I tried this, and it worked.

I interviewed for a position as a transition specialist, and would be working with special needs high school students, helping them make the transition from school to work. I knew that motivating young people is half the battle of successful work, and keeping them engaged is the other half of that battle. If young people are motivated to succeed and engaged in their program, you and they will see results. One of the things I have done over the years when working with youth is share inspirational stories, and use a light hearted approach to encourage kids to set goals and work hard to achieve success. One of my favorite books that speak to goal setting is the Dr. Seuss classic, "Oh, The Places You'll Go". This book is often given as a graduation gift, as it speaks about the ups and downs, and joys you will encounter as you travel through the journey of life.

I brought the book with me to my interview, and during the mid-point, I causally pulled it out of my portfolio. At that point, the interview had been going well. I could see one of the interviewers noticed it, and it caught her eye. I waited until she asked about it, and then explained how I have shared the story with young people I have worked with in the past. I shared that I often read the book to students of all ages. Well, that did it, and the interviewer asked me if I would read it to them.

For a split second, I thought, "well, either they'll think I'm crazy, or have a lot of guts. But either way, they will remember me!" So I took a deep breath, and read that book from cover to cover, using my most dramatic and animated voice. It was one of the most courageous, and most fun, things I have ever done at an interview. We all left smiling, and I knew I had left a lasting impression. A week later, they called and offered me the job. I will never forget that experience, and I am sure my interviewers have not either!

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