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Newsletter
Greetings!
 
Welcome to your latest issue of the Interview Expert newsletter.

Every issue explores the key elements of a successful job interview - so you can master your skills and land the job you really want!
 
In this issue we give you the nuts and bolts of how to tell stories that stick in an interviewer's mind.
Making stories stick
 
Responding to interview questions with stories rather than with simple facts makes a huge impact on interviewers, who will remember you in a positive way.  One of the best ways of making stories stick in the minds of interviewers is by painting mental images. It's not as difficult as it may seem because most of us think in pictures quite naturally. For example, think of an elephant. Did you visualize the elephant or use words to describe it? Most of us see the elephant rather than thinking of ways to describe it.
 
Because we think in pictures, that's why first impressions make such a difference. 
 
Telling stories is an effective way to share your mental pictures. The more vivid your stories, the more memorable you'll be in the minds of interviewers. Here are some simple but powerful ways to help you paint pictures that show you're the best candidate for the job.
 
When you tell a story...
 
1.  Be specific about the time.
Instead of: "A few months ago..." say, "In January, 2009..."
 
2.  Use first names.
Instead of: "My boss said..." say, "John, my boss said..."
 
3.  Specify the context.
Instead of: "I was an outstanding performer ..." say, "In my last performance appraisal, my boss said...."
 
4.  Use numbers to state size, but make sure they're relevant to the hiring organization. Small companies won't see the relevance of big company numbers and vice versa. For example: 
Instead of: "A large number of staff..." say, "50 staff members..."
Instead of: "significant savings..." say, "$500,000 in savings within two months..."
 
5.  Quantify the results. Where possible include sales numbers, revenue, cost savings, number of new clients etc. As in the examples above, make sure the size is relevant to the hiring organization. If it's not, leave it out or change the numbers to percentage increases. For example:
Instead of: "I increased sales...." say, "I increased sales by 20 percent in four months."
 
Finally, write down your stories to solidify them in your mind. But don't memorize them; just remember the key points so you when you speak, you sound natural.
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Questions?  Comments?  Topics for future newsletters?
Feel free to e-mail us anytime at the Interview Expert newsletter.
 
 
And don't forget to check the Interview Expert blog for more free resources including information on how to answer standard interview questions. 

Can't get past the first interview?
Are you always a close second in the final round?
It could be your interview skills.
 
We help you master your job interview skills by providing you personalized,
professional, one-on-one coaching so you can land the job you really want!
 
Sincerely,
 
Heather
 
Heather McNab
the Interview Expert 
 
416-239-4406
 
Your resume got you in the door, but your interview skills can get you the job.
Learn how to master your interview skills so you can land the job you really want!
Personal Branding
Heather
How do you stand out
from the crowd of other job candidates?
 
It's critical to create a solid, market-focused personal branding statement that takes everything about you and makes it everything about them.  
 
This step is so important that I've  designed a special package to help you create one -- fast.  
It's called Make Me Memorable.  We work with you to create your own unique brand so you stand out from the crowd. 
 
And you don't have to wait for your next interview --
do it now, use it now. Dramatically increase
the power of your networking.  
Just click Make Me Memorable to get the details.
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