How to Sell Yourself in an Interview

There is a sales mentality that goes into finding a job, and Frank from Illinois is trying to discern the similarities in his question to the WorkInSports Podcast:

"I had a mentor tell me recently that no matter where you are in life, you are always in sales. I nodded my head and acted like I knew what he was talking about. I've been pondering this for a while, but I still don't really get it. I'm trying to get my career started, but I don't want to work in sales – what do you think they meant?"

Not every job is in sales, but getting every job requires that you successfully sell yourself to the hiring manager. That process begins when you apply for a job and submit your resume in the hopes that it sells you well enough to get an interview. Here is what you're selling:

• Your skills
• Your ability to get the job done
• Your ideas

The most intense sales pitch happens in the interview when you directly communicate with your hiring manager and prospective colleagues. Utilizing the STAR interview method and having a strong list of questions can help your preparation.

Beyond preparing for the details of a job interview, your sales pitch also involves projecting confidence through open and alert body language and limiting vocal pauses (such as “um,” “like,” and “you know”). Additionally, it's important to give specific answers that tell the story of the type of employee you will be if hired.

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Listen to the full episode for more job interview tips, and subscribe to the podcast for more sports career advice. You can view additional content on our YouTube channel.