I’ve interviewed hundreds of applicants for technical jobs in the chemical industry as well as for college admissions to a very select University. Here are interview techniques that most candidates don’t think about or use, but which can and will set you apart. These techniques take work, but remember that you are fighting for this job!

Know your interviewer. Find out everything you can about who is doing the interview (one person or several). Use LinkedIn and Facebook for their history and memorize it. When you have a name or names, go out on a limb and call customer service and see if you can get any friendly information on the person(s): schools attended, detail oriented or big picture, hobbies, work ethic, conservative or aggressive). If you can’t get through over the phone and you have the moxie, visit the company and befriend the receptionist; see if they’ll lend you some information. Incorporating the interviewer’s background information is almost as important as mentioning their name during the discussion. As Dale Carnegie said, “Remember that a person's name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language.”

Become an expert on this company. Know the company’s background, goals, mission statement, old projects, new projects, organization, locations, specific personnel, and recent challenges and changes. Where have they been and where are they going? For each of these areas, think of something in your background that can relate to and fit with that piece. Use those comparisons in your interview.

Learn about the company’s competitors. Where does the competition stand out and why? How can you help improve those areas? It doesn’t matter about the position you’re pursuing, it’s how you can make the company the greatest on the planet.

Know the position requirements and how you can manage each (even without that experience!) Most candidates will not fit all of the criteria. Knowing that, be prepared to detail how your experience/drive/commitment will enable a check-mark against that need.

The following are key issues for the interviewer. Make sure that you mention each one by name along with an example. Don’t blow smoke here; be 100% honest with your personal assessment and commitment.

• Dependability - Day in and Day out, M-F, On-time.

• Energy & Self-Drive – Are you proactive or do you wait until you’re told to move “this checker to that square”? Are you looking for ways to make the company great?

• Will the Candidate be here in 5 Years? What’s their Commitment? The average job lasts 4.6 years. Employers want a 10+ year Excellent Choice employee who can take on more responsibilities. Of course you don’t want to commit to that, but you can say that that is the type of company and relationship that you’re looking for with a company.

• Passion – Are you driven in any area? Breaking 90 in golf? Being elected to a school board? Raising your kids? Having the best yard on your street? These goals are character builders that show the interviewer that you have an outside life and are likely more well-rounded than shallow. Personal items are the things that the interviewer will most likely remember about you.

• Family Life – If you have a spouse and 3 kids that you’ve committed to through years of military service, it shows that you understand all of the above ‘key issues’. Don’t be afraid to show that you can handle it all.

Many interviewers will ask, “Why should I hire you?” or “What do you bring to the table?”

Answer Options:

• Offer a plan for the first six months of being on the job (i.e. learn and excel in the role, detail improvements and discuss these tactics and options with your supervisor). This shows that you plan on being involved in improving the company and also expanding your responsibilities.

• Tell them “I will make your job easier”. Not only have the interviewers never heard this response, but they will want to see you make it happen. Your plan will be to learn about and then improve the (system/organization/role). Not only will the interviewer (or your supervisor) be pleased, but they’ll look good to their boss. First and foremost though, emphasize that you will exceed their expectations on your assigned job.

“Do you have any questions?”

Yes, yes, and yes. Write them down as you research the company. At the very least, ask “What is the average number of years for their employees?” and “Does the company promote from within?” and “Does the company encourage movement between departments or groups for qualified individuals?” and “Are there options to work at different locations within the Corporation for qualified individuals?” Questions demonstrate that you REALLY WANT THE JOB.

Thank them for the interview and ask when they plan on making the decision. Ask when you can expect to hear a response and to whom should you address any questions. Tell them that you REALLY ENVISION YOURSELF AT THIS COMPANY, IN THIS POSITION, AND THAT YOU LOOK FORWARD TO HELPING THEM IMPROVE THEIR BUSINESS.

Finally, always send a hand-written Thank You note. Send it in the mail the next day.