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Hi I'm Bob Parsons. Here with Brenna and Reva. Welcome to episode 30 of my video blog.

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Understanding how to interview is crucial to landing a new or better job, or getting an important promotion.

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An individual who does not interview well, can have outstanding credentials, but often won't get the job.

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*crying*

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After being interviewed and interviewing hundreds of prospective employees over the years, I've learned a few things about what makes a candidate memorable, and ultimately what it takes to get the job.

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So, how do we make ourselves memorable, Bob?

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Great question Reva. Here are my rules for successful interviewing.

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Understand the purpose of the interview.

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Number one, and most important, you got to get it through your head that the interview is not about you.

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It's about selling yourself as the best person for the job. It's your one chance to impress the interviewer and show them that your skills and experience are a perfect match for the opportunity at hand.

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Understand what makes an applicant, you, stand out.

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You'd be surprised how many people come to my office for an interview without doing their homework.

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"U.S. Americans are unable to do so. And I believe that our education like, such as South Africa and the Iraq, everywhere like such as."

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There's no excuse for not having a good understanding of the company you want to work for.

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So before the interview, go to their website. Read and remember the company history. Check out recent press releases. Google company executives and the person you're interviewing with. And be sure to reference what you've learned.

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Your preparation will inspire confidence in the people you meet with, and it will show that you're truly interested in being a valuable employee.

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Be energetic during your interview.

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Sounds obvious, but if you're not excited about the job and the company, how can the hiring manager be excited about you?

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Be positive during the entire interview. Avoid talking negatively about anything, any previous employer, or anybody.

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Be excited about the prospect of getting the job.

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*dog yelping*

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Show your future employer that you'll tackle everything with enthusiasm. Enthusiasm sells!

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And don't let nerves get the best of you. It's important that you believe that you are the best person for the job.

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When you come in there, and you actually believe you're the best person for the job, and you're willing to fight for yourself during the interview, that will come across to the interviewer, and that confidence will go a long way in getting you a job offer.

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Be inquisitive.

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When the interviewer asks if you have any questions, be ready!

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Have some good questions prepared in advance about the future of the company, or what you can do to do a good job. Your questions should always be about the company and have nothing to do about what's in it for you.

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Employers want employees who solve problems. So, be a problem solver.

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Go into your interview with some understanding of the challenges the company faces.

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Better yet, make it a point to ask your interviewer what those challenges are.

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Be prepared with some thoughtful solutions. Brainstorm ideas. Even if the employer has been down that road, it'll make them think that you're invested, and already thinking like one of their team members. And that goes a long, long way.

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For me, problem solvers are always the people who get the job, and move up the ladder quickly.

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Spend no time talking about what's in it for you.

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Employers believe if you truly want the job, because you're excited about the opportunity, and really want to work there, you won't ask about salary, or vacation time, or bonuses, or health insurance during the initial interviews. If you do, it shows that you're in it just for a paycheck. And that's not what an employer wants to hear.

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"I'm not listening."

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So practice patience. Prove you're the right person for the job first, and the rewards will soon follow. You'll get plenty of time to talk about what you need to come to work for the employer, after you get an offer.

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Use good old fashioned sales techniques.

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Use the principal of exclusivity. Let the interviewer know that you have other options you're considering. That you are not going to always be around. But that the opportunity in front of you is special.

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Give reasons why the job you're interviewing for is perfect for you, and why you're excited about working for the company.

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Follow up to close the deal.

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A quick thank you email or handwritten note goes a long way. Make sure you reinforce how excited you are about the opportunity. Use these techniques in your next interview, and watch your stock rise.

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Remember, your goal is to convince your future employer that if they don't hire you, it will be one of the biggest mistakes they've ever made.

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Well that's a wrap for this episode. If you any comments or questions, please post them here. I'm always interested in what you have to say.

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For Reva, Brenna and myself, thanks for watching.
See ya next time.

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During my life, I've assembled a collection of 16 rules. Most of them, I learned the hard way. These rules helped me in business and my personal life. Hopefully, they will help you too.

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Today's rule is #13. Never expect life to be fair. Life isn't fair. You make your own breaks. You'll be doing good if the only meaning fair has to you, is what you pay when you get on a bus (i.e., fare).

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