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Secrets to Developing Amazing Job Interview Strengths
Of all the attributes that get you hired for a job, your job interview strengths are some of the few that you can directly improve in a short time frame. Your experience, your training, your qualifications, your characteristics are all pretty much set by the time that you go to your interview. However, the way that you effectively and convincingly package all these things together for the interviewer is something that you can get a lot better at in a hurry. Doing so, however, requires that you do quite a bit of work. The process requires that you do a minimum of four steps; research the position, predict the questions, develop the answers, practice the answers. Of these four, the research is the most important. Your ability to perform well in the interview depends largely on the information you put together up front.
Your job interview strengths are going to come from your detailed knowledge of what the company is looking for in the job interview. That knowledge, in turn, is going to come from your research of the target job and company. Some of that research will be of published material, other information will come from people in your network. All of it will be focused on what the job does, what results the job is expected to produce, what environment the employee produces these results in, and what characteristics the target organization prizes most in employees. Putting all this information together gives you a clear picture of the ideal employee. Once you have that picture, you are able to create both a list of predicted questions and a target for what impression your answers should create.
More Job Interview Strengths Strategy
Your job interview strengths will come from your ability to turn your existing experience, qualifications and attributes into proof that you match the ideal profile of the job. This won't be achievable simply by stating that you possess the necessary experience and attributes though. Rather, you should prove your fitness by a series of stories, narratives, anecdotes and examples of how you have exhibited those characteristics and achieved the desired results in your job and personal history. For this reason, a great deal of the preparation that you will undertake will be creating a stash of stories and anecdotes which convincingly answer the potential questions which you have predicted based on your research.
The last step of developing your job interview strengths is to practice these answers until they seem natural. Get together with a friend or job search partner and work on these questions during a mock interview. If possible, videotape or tape-record this interview session and evaluate your responses later. The ability to take questions and turn them into chances to showcase your fitness for the position is the job interview strength that this process will make unbeatable.
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A FINALLY NOTE FROM
US TO YOU |
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Finally we want to remind you that the JLC staff understands how tough being out of work is and we consider you apart of our professional family. Remember to check the BLOG each week on our website for more helpful information and periodically you will even read Mikal Jackson's 'rantings".
Whether you are a paying client or not, we do want you to reach out to us when you need to just connect with people who understand.
Check the website chat room where each of our coaches try to man it when they are not coaching.
Coaching helps you understand that the weight of the world is not all on top of you. Never be afraid of the costs, we will work with you if you feel you need professional assistance in your career search. our web site lays out what we do very well.
www.JacksonLifeCoaching
com
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| JOB TRANSITION NEWSLETTER |
August 9,2009 |
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Hello Everyone
Each of us takes a life/career journey - many of us have learned that success is a mixture of strategy, attitude, and mentoring/coaching. We wish you success in your job transition and if we can be of assistance to you along the way please do not hesitate to contact us. If you know of others who could benefit from this newsletter please forward it to them. It is so easy, just hit the forward button.
Coaching is a confidential service but here are a few comments from clients without the use of their names:
"Alisa is so generous with her time and I feel as if she is a personal friend at this point. I was so impressed that after hearing my story ( I have been looking for work over a year now ) you guys were so willing to give me coaching fees that were based on my ability to pay. Elisa has given me much more time that she should I am sure, but it just goes to show how fab you guys are."
" You have come into my life at just the right time. I had lost hope and did not know which direction to take. You care and have gone way beyond my expectations in helping me define my future goals - I had lost my way and now I believe with your help I am on track. Thanks for helping me understand my value and potential"
"I can not believe have tough you have been on me, but your insistence that I develop a plan for my career search and that I work that plan has proven to be what I needed! With my new resume and a renewed belief in my potential I just landed the highest paying position have ever had and with a company I would have never thought would be interested in me. I would like to keep working with you through the probationary period If you do not mind Mikal?"
"When I lost my job in June I was totally lost and then when it got to be November and I had not found a new opportunity I just almost gave up. When my friend told me about your service I didn't believe anything could help me. With your help Mikal I began to see opportunities in places i had not even thought about. I now have a great job in a brand new field and it is proving to be the greatest job ever. When you asked me what I would do If I was not afraid it was the turning point for me and your coaching allowed me to go after what I wanted. And, through your eyes I saw a new me and my action plan got me to where I wanted to go but was so afraid! Thank you - Thank you - Thank you Mikal."
You might also benefit from working with us, so send us an E mail at mjackson@JacksonLifeCoaching.com and forward your resume and we will in turn respond with a complimentary phone coaching session. Do not be fearful of the cost.. be honest with us and if coaching is something you feel could help you in your search we will work with you on costs.
We know how tough it is,
V. Mikal Jackson
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| COLD CALLING - IS IT A GOOD THING? |
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Have you ever read about a local company's expansion and realized that it was moving into a field in which you're a recognized expert or have you ever received a tip that a company is facing a problem that you are convinced that you can help them solve. How do you approach a company when they are currently not hiring, or should you contact them?
Cold calling is one of the four basic ways to find a job.Although it is not for the feint of heart, it is surprisingly effective in creating jobs for qualified candidates.Even though the company may not have any immediate hiring plans, a professional who can prove his immediate benefit to the company in entering a new market or solving a particularly troublesome problem can find a job created specifically for him.
Success at cold calling is usually reserved for job candidates who have significant experience and a proven, tangible record of previous successes.Since you may be creating a position where none existed before, your goal is to quantitatively and qualitatively prove the value that you alone can provide for the company.
Although cold calling is usually avoided by job seekers, you can warm up the process by internalizing two fundamental beliefs:(1) a belief in yourself and your abilities and (2) an understanding and acceptance of the fact that your efforts may be rejected.Like cold calling in a sales situation, this job search strategy has a high rejection rate ? only 10% of cold calls result in an actual employment offer.However, unlike cold calling in a sales situation, all you as a job candidate need is one sale that leads to a job.
Despite its limitations, cold calling should be a part of your job search campaign.It continues to build and develop your network, leading you to other companies who may be hiring.By using a network referral, you will need to cold call to schedule important informational interviews; not only will you build your network, but you can also speak directly with practicing professionals to develop an insider's perspective of your target market.
By overcoming your fears of cold calling, you may not only realize the potential of a job that is custom fit to your skills and experience, but also expand your network and increase your self-confidence.Use these 5 secrets to overcome your fears of cold calling.
Secret #1:Boost your confidence by knowing what you have to offer and what you are seeking.
Cold calling demands self-confidence and knowledge builds self-confidence.Although most beneficial to experienced professionals, cold calling can be effective for lower level workers by ?being in the right place at the right time? (i.e., contacting an employer before a formal hiring announcement is made).By understanding and illustrating specifically how you can benefit the targeted organization, you will automatically build your sense of self-worth and self-confidence automatically.
Secret #2:Research the target company's history, needs and future goals or plans.
Cold calling to simply ask for a job severely undermines the likelihood of your success.The company is unaware of your potential benefit and dismiss your inquiries as unimportant or desperate.By understanding the historical and future challenges that the company faces, you are better able to identify specific areas of need and describe in detail how you can immediately assist them in their goal achievement.
Secret #3:Speak to the decision maker.
NEVER cold call the Human Resources Department.Depending on the progressiveness of the company, HR usually does not generate hiring decisions for any department other than HR; instead, they screen candidates for openings generated by other departments.Your resume may be filed for future reference or may not be considered unless a formal application is filed.Seek to speak directly with the manager or executive who has hiring authority for your targeted department.(Hint:you should have determined this in Secret #2.)Use your network to develop an introduction to warm the cold call.Then contact that person directly.If they have budgetary control, they can create positions for a worker who is qualified to solve a perplexing problem.If a fit exists, then they will initiate the application process with HR.
Secret #4:Arrange a private, informal meeting with the decision maker.
Your comfort level will determine the method by which you initially contact the decision maker.Whether by telephone, written letter or email, concentrate on focusing on the company's goals rather than your needs.Since your goal is to arrange a meeting NOT an interview, don?t submit a resume with your request a busy executive who skims the contents will more than likely immediately forward it to HR (see Secret #3).Recognize the demands on the executive's time, but follow-up by phone within 7 to 10 days.Cold calling is an aggressive tactic that demands initiative and perseverance.If further information is request, provided it immediately.Be fanatical about following up.
Secret #5:Have a back-up plan.
Realize that, although you may be an ideal fit with the company, a tight budget may undermine the manager's ability to offer you a position at this time.Do not discontinue contact.Realize, too, that you may in fact NOT be a good fit with the company.Do not discontinue contact.Your back-up plan is to develop this new contact into a viable part of your network.Your research and planning in Secret #5 revealed ways in which you can be mutually beneficial, so do not discontinue contact.Market and employment conditions change rapidly, today's rejection could be tomorrow's job offer.
A Final Reminder
Cold calling is not for the timid, but can be a highly successful strategic tool for the tenacious and self-confident.Although your initial attempts could necessitate a strong antacid to calm your jittery stomach, cold calling is simply an extension of networking.If you can network, you can cold call.Use these 5 secrets to help you prepare and warm up to cold calling ? you may just be at the right place at the right time.
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| SOME HUMOR AND SOME JOB SEARCH ADVICE! |
Following are some examples that stood out to survey respondents - for better or worse (mostly worse!) This is sheer humor and the bulleted humor should not be seen as suggestions!!! LOL
� "One candidate sang all of her responses to interview questions."
� "A gentleman delivered his entire cover letter verbally as a rap song."
� "One individual said we had nice benefits, which was good because he was going to need to take a lot of leave in the next year."
� "One job seeker said he should get the job because he had already applied three times and felt that it was now his turn."
� "A person said he had no relevant experience for the position he was interviewing for, but his friend did."
� "One person brought his mother to the job interview and let her do all the talking."
Unique job-hunting techniques can sometimes help you get a foot in the door, but they also carry an element of risk. While you want to deliver an impactful pitch, you don't want to come across as unprofessional or unqualified.
Following are four tips to help you answer the one question all employers want to know - "Why should we hire you?" - with style and grace:
� Know your value.
Before the interview, visit the company's Web site to educate yourself about the firm and learn about its business goals. This information will help you highlight your abilities that directly relate to the position. For example, if you're applying for an accounting manager position and asked why you're qualified for the role, a good answer might be, "I was responsible for overseeing a high volume of accounts payable and receivable records in my last position, so I'm well equipped to handle the scope of work involved."
� Share something personal.
More than two-thirds of executives surveyed by Robert Half said employees who are passionate about interests outside of the office typically perform better at work. If you can tie an outside interest to the requirements of the job, it can be an interesting conversation point. For example, if the position you are applying for requires strong communication skills, you might describe your role as a youth volleyball coach and the issues you face communicating with players, parents and other coaches.
� Show enthusiasm.
Along with describing how your experience can benefit the organization, point out what makes you interested in that particular firm. If you are a graphic designer interviewing with a company known for its use of cutting-edge technology, for instance, explain how excited you are to be working with the latest software applications. Also, smile and be positive - showing genuine enthusiasm for the job can boost your chances of being further considered for the position.
� Be yourself. Adjusting your personality or inflating your achievements in an attempt to make a better impression is bound to backfire. If you are an introvert but claim to be outgoing and assertive, it may be difficult surviving - and thriving - in a highly competitive work environment. Being yourself during the interview is crucial if you want to ensure a good fit with the organization and role for which you are applying.
Job-hunting strategies don't have to be mind-blowing to be memorable. In fact, focusing on more traditional tactics -- researching the company and position, and preparing thoroughly for the interview -- often will yield better results than fixating on developing a clever pitch.
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