What Employers Can Deduce 30 Seconds into the Job Interview

Most candidates have a checklist of things they want to convey in an interview: (a) where they've worked, (b) how much they want the job, (c) how productive they are, and (d) a reiteration of all of the above. Too bad managers don't hire based only on these things, says Kay. "They're going to hire you because you can solve their problems." Go back to the job description and draft a new checklist, with a focus on how you'll be able to handle each responsibility on it, as well as support your boss in whatever way she needs.