by Becky Cole

According to labor statistics, there are about seven people available for each job opening. As challenging as that is, you want to make the best of every chance you get for an interview. Following are some things to think about when you get that call.

Make sure you have read your resume
I have several versions of my resume because I try to customize it for each employer. I do this because I emphasize different skills according to the job description that was posted. It would be a huge mistake for me to not know what I have on my resume while I am sitting in an interview.

I often take a copy with me so that I don’t have to worry about remembering what I told them, too.

Make sure what you have on your resume is accurate
There’s nothing wrong with trying to make yourself look more attractive to a potential employer. After all, in today’s job environment, marketing is half the game of even getting noticed. Given that you will get called based on the information you provide, it will become very obvious during the meeting that there is a gap between what you said and the reality of what you did.

If an employer is looking for a specific set of skills, and you have 4 out of 5 of them, it’s best to be honest about missing the fifth one. However, don’t just stop there. Do some research and figure out how and where you can acquire the other one, then tell the employer how you plan to make up for the deficit.

Telling an employer, "I don’t have that skill," is not quite the same as saying, "I don’t currently have that skill, but I learn quickly, and here’s how I can get up to speed fairly soon." The second one says you are willing to do what it takes to get the job, and often that can impress the hiring manager more than someone who already has the skill.

Make sure you believe in your ability to do the job
If you have been looking for a job for several months, it is understandable that your confidence might be waning a bit. Before you meet with the hiring manager, take some time to convince yourself that you are the best person for the job. Employers want people who are excited about the opportunity to work for them. If you can’t convince yourself, you are not going to do very well at convincing them.

Make sure you are honest and leave the excuses at home
If you happen to be late for an interview, acknowledge it up front and be honest about it. Don’t offer any excuses. Just say, "I apologize for being late," and leave it at that. Trying to explain that you got stuck in traffic isn’t going to help, because regardless of the traffic situation, it was still your responsibility to get there on time.

If you don’t know something, say you don’t know. When it becomes obvious you are making up something just to take up space, your credibility is lost, and so is the possibility you will get the job.

Becky Cole is a consultant for non-profit organizations specializing in capacity building for both individuals and corporations throughout the Twin Cities.  She has an Education Specialist Degree from Indiana University. Becky Cole can be reached at: bcole@employmentnewsmn.com