Regardless of whether you are a new grad or a veteran job seeker, interviews can be nerve-wracking. It is essential that you show up at the interview with the right mindset. Some job seekers are under the impression that they simply have to share their educational credentials or recount what they did in a previous position and magically the interviewer will know they are qualified. No so! The shortest path to “you’re hired” is to forget about landing the job and instead focus on addressing how you will solve the hiring manager’s problems.

Job seekers should arrive prepared to answer the key questions that are on the hiring manager’s mind: “What have you done lately that is relevant to this position? What can you do for me? Why should I hire you?” Not every interviewer will come right out and ask these questions, but you can be sure they are thinking about them.

Let’s address them one at a time. “What have you done lately?” The hiring manager wants to know if your successes are current or if you have been sitting on your laurels. Prepare examples of recent accomplishments or smart risks you took that paid off. Describe the problem or challenge you faced, the specific actions you took and the results you achieved.

If this is your first career position or you’ve been out of the workforce for a while talk about a personal achievement such as completing your undergraduate degree, earning an MBA or running your first marathon. Describe how your drive for success in that situation translates into solid on-the-job performance.

When sharing relevant experience include its significance whether asked about it or not. Don’t assume that the potential employer understands the importance of your actions; tell her in clear, concise language how it is applicable.

“What can you do for me?” This question gets to the heart of every manager’s hiring dilemma. The interviewer wants to hire the right person. He is concerned about his problem, challenge or need and wants a guarantee that you are going to take this issue off his plate. He has limited resources, a finite amount of time and doesn’t want to make a bad hiring decision.

And finally, the bottom-line question in every interview is, “Why should I hire you?” Some hiring managers will ask this question point blank, others will not. Regardless, answer the question. As the interview is wrapping up, reflect on the qualifications or requirements the interviewer described as especially important for success on the job and offer two or three reasons why they should hire you. “Based on what you described as important components for success, I am an excellent match for this position because…”

Don’t fall for the question, “Why should I hire you over any other candidate?” You have no way of knowing enough about the other candidates to comment on them. The question the hiring manager is really asking is, “Why should I hire you?” Don’t be shy about telling him why you are a great match for the position.

Mary Jeanne Vincent, career expert and strategist, has a coaching practice in Monterey. She may be reached at 831-657-9151, mjv@careercoachmjv.com, or www.careercoachmonterey.com