The job interview is make or break time.

There is so much to cram into that hour or

so with the hope of convincing the person on the other side of the desk to hire you
– to trust you, essentially, to give you a title and tasks, and to regularly give you
money.

Increase your chances by saying all the right things (and none of the wrong ones).
While answering the most common job interview questions, like “What’s your
biggest weakness?” and “Why should we hire you?” do your best to utter as many
of the following phrases as you can.

“I’m excited about this opportunity because…”

We once asked hiring managers, what the one quality was, all things being equal
with skills and qualifications, that would set one candidate above another. The top
answer by a landslide was “enthusiasm.” Demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role
by spelling out that you are excited and why.

“I really enjoy [insert product or service offered by the company]”

Employers want you to be familiar with the company and its products and services.
Even better if you’re a fan. Coca Cola is more likely to hire people who consume
Coke products than those who don’t. Apple is probably less likely to hire PC users.
You get it.

“What I can contribute to your organization is …”

What do you bring to the table that makes you valuable? Don’t just say that you
have ten years of experience. Spell out what you can do. “I can grow your traffic
through social media, SEO, and newsletters,” or “I can increase efficiency and
productivity…”

“If I were in this role, one of the things I would keep my eye on is [insert industry
trend]”

Whether we’re talking about finance, fashion, or fishing, it’s imperative that you
know what is going on in your industry. What technological disruptions or
challenges are presenting themselves and how are they being handled, for
example? Show that you are on top of things.

“I admire the way you…”

Demonstrate with this phrase that you have noticed something the company does
well. Everyone enjoys a compliment, and it shows that you’re paying attention and
are familiar with what the organization does.

At the end of the day, the hiring manager wants to know one thing: are you the
best person for the job?

The best person for the job, regardless of what it is, will have to demonstrate that
he or she knows what’s happening in the industry, has researched the company and
role, and possesses the skills and qualifications to do the job and help the company
grow.

Those are the key elements – combined with cultural fit – that will land you the job.
Be ready to show that you’re the one.