Five Key Words that Can Help Land the Job

An interview is a competition. How do you win? You have to sell yourself as effectively as possible. An important component of that sales pitch is the implementation of a few key words that will grab the attention of your interviewer.

Through my personal experience of being interviewed, interviewing others and hearing both enlightening and dumbfounding stories from friends, I've developed the key word list below for you to consider on your next job interview.

One friend of mine actually admitted that she used the phrase "I think this might be interesting" when referring to the open position and the interviewer laughed at her! This may come as a shocker, but my friend did not get the job. You better be beyond interested! On a brighter note, interviewers have conveyed to me and other friends of mine that they sincerely appreciate our passion for the job.

-- Applying for new gigs? Find out what they pay.

On another note, every interview is a learning experience. Try to observe the body language and facial expression of the interviewer as you say certain words and phrases. Does the interviewer lean in toward you and make eye contact when you emphasize a particular word that describes you or your skill? This is usually a good thing! Does the interviewer give a condescending smirk, lose eye contact or lean back away from you? Probably not a good thing.

Five interview key words

1. Passionate

Be certain to convey your passion for the position, mission or company. The last thing an employer wants is someone who is just working to "make a living" or "try something out."

2. Asset

A job is not the same as an internship. An employer does NOT want to hear that you are applying to "learn." You better bring a unique skill set or perspective to the table that is going to greatly benefit the employer. Make sure to express WHY you are an ASSET to the company.

3. Communicator

What's the No. 1 quality an employer looks for in an employee? Answer: The ability to communicate effectively. The ability to articulate your ideas and perspective to both fellow members of your company and the public is extremely valuable.

4. Quick Study

There's no hiding the fact that you're a recent college graduate. However, while you may not have the years of experience, you only need to be shown a task once to be able to do it well, and ultimately, come to master it.

5. Practical

Most recent college grads are excited to jump into their first position full-force! While that excitement can be viewed as an asset, it can also turn off employers. A young person's excitement is often associated with the potential to "act prior to thinking things through." Therefore, it's important to reassure the interviewer that you will approach each assignment with practicality, logic and reason.

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