Here's how you can showcase relevant experience in small business interviews.

Small businesses are always looking for people who are willing to go extra mile and they are required work in different areas at times. Many times challenges are unique, one may not have enough experience to tackle situation but who who shows willingness to work in solution finding mindset would help tremendously in small business. So showing similar previous experience definitely is great add on.

As Stephen Underwood, a Global Peacemaker and expert in Spiritual Intelligence, I recommend showcasing relevant experience in small business interviews by highlighting your ability to Measure performance, Monitor progress, Adjust strategies based on feedback, and Control outcomes through mindful leadership. This approach demonstrates authenticity, creativity, and relevance in today's dynamic work environment. For academic insights, refer to "Spiritual Intelligence in Business Leadership" (Journal of Business Ethics).

Small businssess is the trenches of business. Small business operators are jacks/jills-of-all-trades, and masters of several. Showcasing and demonstrating a varied skillset, eclectic background, or leadership experience from a different line of work might be the keystone that sets your CV apart. Entreprenuers are investors, we're looking to fill a specific role, but also looking at the right candidate to invest in, and how that investment will help the employee as well as the organization grow.

Tailoring your CV is important, but don't forget the power of a good story. Instead of just listing skills, weave them into anecdotes that showcase your personality and passion. Share a time you faced a challenge and how you overcame it. Let your potential employer see the human behind the resume, and you'll build a connection that goes beyond the bullet points.

??Tailor Your Stories:Match your past experiences to the job you're applying for. Highlight projects where you made a real impact. ??Use Concrete Examples:Share specific examples and measurable results. For instance, “I increased sales by 20% in six months.” ??Show Problem-Solving:Talk about challenges you faced and how you tackled them. Employers love a good problem-solver. ??Be Honest:Be genuine about your experiences. Authenticity always stands out. ??Highlight Versatility: Small businesses often need jacks-of-all-trades, so show off your varied skill set and how it’s a perfect fit. Keep it clear, keep it relevant, and let your experience shine! ??

Understand through research the values of the company you are interviewing at .... good. Stop to reflect to see if your own values align with the company's values ... priceless.

My first job was a dud and when searching for another one, I needed to dig down deep to fully understand what kind of job would be meaningful to me. There were lots of choices but my interviews with them left me flat. I took the time to think about a career that not only had all the perks but spoke to me as well. I knew I could fake it in an interview but it wasn't until I interviewed with the FBI that I knew my purpose—to seek justice. So yes, be clear about the values of the company but just as importantly, be clear on your own values. If they are in alignment, the job search becomes an adventure.

Preparing for your interview? Remember to delve into the company's values and mission statement beforehand. Knowing what motivates the organization helps you connect your background with their fundamental beliefs. For instance, if they prioritize community involvement, highlight your achievements in managing community initiatives or backing local causes. This not only showcases your skills but also showcases how well you could blend into their company culture.

Often people are very excited to apply for and start a new position, especially in a small business environment where that could mean a promotion or advancement in their career. Unfortunately many people apply for and are hired for management positions they simply are not qualified for. Having a good skill set and being diligent in your work and a good employee, simply are not good enough criteria to make a management leap into a small business. An employee should feel comfortable 1. engaging in useful and beneficial conflict on a regular basis. 2. Being a part of a team, leading, contributing and receiving feedback. 3. Displaying solid character and integrity in business relationships and everyday work environment.

Researching a company's values is important, but don't just parrot their mission statement back to them. Instead, use it as a springboard for insightful questions. Ask how they're actively living those values, what challenges they face in upholding them, and how they see those values evolving in the future. This shows you're genuinely interested in their journey and not just trying to fit in.

If you're like me and believe your work speaks for itself, it's all a lie to help you avoid self-praise. This is no time to undersell and over-deliver. The only way for people to know how great you are is to show them. And the only way for them to verify you're real is through validation of your peers. Start creating stories around the problems you solved and reach out to the people who received your work. Real problems and real solutions showcase your knowledge and ability to get the job done.

Absolutely! Sharing specific success stories using the STAR method is a fantastic way to highlight your relevant experience during small business interviews. This structured approach not only helps you present a clear narrative but also emphasizes the tangible impact of your actions. Small businesses value candidates who can demonstrate problem-solving and critical thinking skills, as these are crucial for driving growth and improving processes. By preparing well-crafted stories that showcase how you've overcome challenges and delivered results, you can effectively convey your ability to contribute meaningfully to the organization's success.

People do business with those they know, like, and trust. What better way to communicate success stories than by having your clients speak for you? Word of mouth from those who have obtained success from your product or service is by far the most effective way to grow your business. Client referrals, testimonials, and even having videos of clients singing your praises will help establish trust and will keep you in consideration for more contracts, engagements, and more valuable relationships.

Success stories are the evidence needed to support your case about why you can do the job. Think about using success stories like you are building a case. Each story highlights a positive result that impacted a client, a value that you added, a crisis you helped avert, or an opportunity you helped to exploit. Keep an evidence binder of your success stories or testimonials that you can share with a potential employer. You've done the work and should be proud to show what you're capable of, especially if it solves a problem the employer is looking to solve.

Success stories are examples of how you can contribute to a particular role. Being able to talk about and blow your own horn, so to speak, is something that speaks to your level of confidence as a business consultant. In my case, having been a small business owner shows that I understand what's involved in both acquiring a business, operating a business and dealing with the many issues related to being successful, or not, through the process. Experience is invaluable and being able to talk about it regarding overcoming challenges and improving processes towards being successful will be positively received.

Don't just list skills, narrate accomplishments! Think of past experiences where you used these skills to achieve results relevant to small businesses or companies you've worked for before. For example, "In my previous role, I streamlined the onboarding process, reducing training time by 20%. This can be crucial for a small business needing new hires productive quickly." Also, since small businesses need immediate impact. Highlight how your skills translate into quick wins for them. "My experience in social media marketing can help us launch targeted campaigns right away, attracting new customers and boosting brand awareness." Flexibility is important for small businesses. Let them know you're a multi-tasking pro too!

Immediately upon completing graduate school I was approached by a friend I hadn't seen for a while on campus. He asked how I was doing. I responded honestly. "I feel like a failure!" Why? Because I was a wife, a mother, and the age of some of my professors. To me, all I did was complete a matrix of courses to have "a title" without "a place to display what I knew I was good at doing." My friend told me that I should walk all the way across campus in the opposite direction where I was parked on that humid August day, and investigate. a position had absolutely nothing to do with my degree in journalism. So, long story short, simply having faith and being relatable, landed me a position that helped shape me into the person I am right now.

It's great to highlight transferable skills, but sometimes the way you present them can be more impactful than the skills themselves. Instead of just listing them, think about how you can showcase your "small business mindset." Small businesses often need people who are resourceful and willing to go the extra mile. A great way to show this is by sharing an experience where you had to problem-solve creatively or adapt to unexpected challenges. These stories demonstrate your ability to think outside the box and contribute value beyond your initial role. It's about showing them you're not just a worker, but a problem-solver who can help the company grow.

This is so huge! Skills related to dealing with customers, peers, supervisors, and direct reports where you lead yourself well are golden. Don't underestimate yourself! Reflect on daily tasks and job description lines. I'll bet they are transferrable to the small business position that you are interviewing for. Another approach: ask your interviewer what transferrable skills from your past positions would they value in their business. You got the interview for a reason!

Asking insightful questions demonstrates more than a superficial interest and potential understanding of the company you want to be involved with. Questions show deeper levels of knowledge and understanding and bring your experience to light in the process of learning more about the company. It also crosses a bridge that brings you closer to potential team mentality and that you're thinking about yourself as a good contributor, even at this level of conversation. Questions from you also show transparency about many things you do not know about the company and will allow you go gain more insight into what they're looking for. It's not just about them thinking you're right for this position; but allows you to determine if you want it.

Posing meaningful questions during an interview can truly underline your sincere interest in the company and reflect your thoughtful consideration on how you can add value. Ask about the company's hurdles, upcoming initiatives, or the potential evolution of your role. This not only equips you with crucial insights but also signals to the interviewer that you're actively picturing yourself as a team member and contemplating how you can contribute meaningfully.

Asking insightful questions is great, but don't just ask for information—show your understanding of the company's needs. Instead of simply asking about challenges, ask how they're actively tackling those challenges, what strategies they're using, and what kind of impact they're seeing. This shows you're not just curious, but you're thinking about how your skills could contribute to their solutions. It's about demonstrating a genuine interest in their journey, not just your own.

To do this, you have to do your homework on the company you are interviewing with. What are their mission, vision, values? Check their website. While you're there, what industry associations do they belong to? What local organization memberships do they have and do they support? What are they talking about on their various social media platforms? Who could you talk to who works there or has worked there?

I agree, staying in a mode of exploration and discovery through asking questions to me is number one the most importance for a successful outcome.

Not put in the way I understand, no doubt finding out how the biz works properly would deliver and definitely start the track to being enjoyable I would suggest.

Be specific about why you're excited. Don't just say you're "passionate about the work." Instead, tie your excitement to the company's mission, values, or even a specific project or challenge that you find particularly compelling. Show them you've done your research and are genuinely interested in their unique journey. This shows a deeper level of engagement and makes your enthusiasm more impactful.

One way to do this is to ask for the job. If you believe you are a good cultural fit, say so and say why. Put answers to these and at least 3 questions that you've prepared to ask them on the second page of your notepad. Leave the top page for notes you take during the interview. And do take notes! That shows enthusiasm too!

I agree! Passion cannot be purchased or taught. When passion is displayed it often implies a sense of loyalty and purpose. Companies are always on the lookout for people who are passionate about their area of expertise.

I'm always interested in seeing a candidate's enthusiasm shine through. Hiring is about being additive, both quantitatively and qualitatively. Expansion isn't just about headcount, it's also about the passion and unique perspective a new employee can bring to a team. Innovation is the fruit of a dynamic organization, not a stagnant one. As a hiring manager, if we aren't leading with our own enthusiasm and reflecting that of the candidate, we're doing a disservice to the candidate and the process.

Earning an interview alone should be a confidence boost! Confirm what they already know about you in this phone, virtual, or in-person interview. If you are a college student, take advantage of the mock interviews that your school's career services department has. I've known students who are hired by volunteer mock interviewers, who are often alumni.

2 other items: 1. Infectious enthusiasm. Many times, how you say things and your demeanor while speaking can register more strongly with the listener. Demonstrating excitement and a positive attitude when speaking goes a long way. I don't always remember specifically what someone said, but I remember their positive "can do" energy. 2. Think like an owner. Put yourself in the shoes of the business owner and imagine their challenges. Articulate that you understand that and show a level of compassion and empathy. People like people who are like themselves. With that mindset, identify problems before they happen.Suggest solutions. And yes this can be done in interviews.

Please note, small business is a very different from larger corporations. Policies often are much more flexible, but you are also are often asked to be flexible at the cost of your free/family time. Research the business you are planning on joining. Are they members of any local community or civic organizations? Joining business “with a heart” may signal they will also treat their staff well. What is the turnover? If high, are you ready to join the list? Is it family owned with multiple family members in operations and you potentially being the only outsider? Often dynamics between family members may look weird, unfair to you as an outsider and put you into uncomfortable situations if not caught timely.

Know when to leave. Small businesses often have limited growth opportunities and if you cannot figure out why exactly you want to work at that particular company, not likely that those revelations will come later. Have a good reason(s) to join the small business from the start.

One way to demonstrate relevant experience is to understand a pain point the business experiences and speak to how you have been able to effectively address and solve a similar problem. The goal is to add value. If you have the skills to help address and possibly alleviate an issue they have, it demonstrates having relevant experience. It will cause you to stand out as a potential asset. More importantly it can help showcase an area the business may not have considered that can help strengthen and build the business.