To succeed at getting any job, be it minimum wage or one requiring an MBA, you have to successfully complete a job interview. In fact, this is often the ultimate deciding factor in an employer's frequently complex hiring process. Sometimes, because we are so laser focused upon our desire to get a particular job, or perhaps any job for that matter, we lose sight of what's really driving the hiring process and damage our chance of success. What would actually get us this job? Let's look at what's always the driving force determining who is ultimately hired and how keeping this at the forefront of your thinking, can greatly improve your odds of getting hired.

Are you ready to hear this "ultimate truth?" Here it is. You will only get hired because your potential employer is predicting that among all their applicants, you offer them the very best opportunity to get their own needs met. That's it. The decision to hire you has absolutely nothing to do with your needs, how much you need a job, have always wanted this job, etc. Not impressed with this "secret"? This may seem far too obvious to you and I will admit that most people are already aware of this on some level. But that's not good enough. It needs to shape your every move when it counts, under the pressure of an actual interview. Not doing so, can carry a hefty price tag, such as being passed over in favor of another candidate.

So how do you use this knowledge to set yourself apart in an interview? Always position your answers to highlight how you will serve the employer's vision and bottom line, rather than how getting the job will advance your career or financial goals. When describing your particular skills and accomplishments, be as explicit as possible and always link each skill to a benefit it will produce for the company. For example: "My creativity and organizational skills would allow me to quickly set up seasonal displays of "Product XYZ" that are compelling and will invite impulse buying during the holidays. I could easily do this before opening or after closing so it won't interfere with sales during store hours." You can see how just claiming to be artistic, speedy and flexible in one's schedule would carry very little weight compared to painting this specific picture of your abilities in action.

The example above brings up another important way to indicate you are focused on the company's needs. If you had not done a bit (or a lot) of research about your potential employer, you wouldn't have been able to refer to one of their specific products. Referencing a company's product or service says you are serious about being a part of their staff and that you've put time and thought into how you can contribute. Do your homework and find out what's going on with a company, what it offers, and where you see yourself having the most impact. Nothing will get you eliminated faster from the hiring process than showing up completely clueless and revealing you didn't even put forth the effort to explore the company. If you are this unimpressive in your efforts while trying to land the job, how much worse will you be after they are handing you a paycheck?

We now know the correct mindset to have during the entire interview process. Research the company's needs and have that knowledge shape all your input. Be as specific as possible. Your goal is to convince the company that you are the ideal person to fill their position and advance their goals. To accomplish this, you need to stand out and give the company a reason to justify hiring you. In today's economy, the interviewer may have several candidates who on paper appear to be equally qualified, but you can make it easy for them to choose you by keeping your focus on the company's needs. Repeatedly demonstrate during the interview that you are both passionate about, and qualified to meet, those needs. They will feel good about hiring you and you could finally land that perfect job.

Robin J Davis