How to Sell Yourself in an Interview

Whether you are self-employed and looking for clients, or you are seeking employment working for someone else, you must be able to sell yourself. What about you is going to put you heads and shoulders above someone else? What you do and don't do is as important as what you say and don't say. In the next paragraphs I have asked some questions. These questions are an assessment of what you should take note of before and during the interview.

How do I look?

Your appearance is everything. It goes without saying that you should show up for an interview neat and clean. Your hair needs to be neat, and out of your face. When being interviewed, your prospective client or employer wants to see your eyes. That old saying "the eyes are the window to the soul", bears a lot of weight when you are asking for a job. You can tell a lot by someone's eyes.

Show up to an interview looking business-like. Wear a blue or black modest suit of clothes. The interview is not the place for mini skirts, and halter tops. Nor is it the place for shorts and flip flops. I was taught in business school to wear a modest white top with a navy suit. There is something about a skirt or a slack outfit and a suit jacket to match that will speak to the client or employer that you mean business.

How you sit is just as important as how you dress. Sit straight in the chair, do not slouch. Sitting on the edge of the chair says, "I'm nervous", so be sure to sit back and straight with your feet flat on the floor. You want to look calm, cool and collected, even if you are scared to death. Fake it till you make it. You might even practice your approach to an interview in your mind many times before the actual event. You must make an impression to be chosen over someone else for the job.

How is my eye contact?