the Interview Expert Newsletter

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

Every issue explores the key elements of a successful job interview and strategic job search techniques - so you can master your skills and land the job you really want!
 
In this issue we identify an approach you can use to break through the crowded job market so you land more interviews.
 
Want More Interviews?  Send a Solution
 
You've submitted a resume for an advertised position.  You are fully qualified for it and it's a job you really want.  But, here you are again waiting, waiting and growing more and more concerned that you aren't going to get a call for an interview.  You know that there are many qualified candidates in the marketplace.   So, what can you do differently to land an interview this time?   Try the Send a Solution approach - sending a letter or e-mail directly to the hiring manager telling them exactly how you can help them solve their problems with your expertise.  
 
Here's how to do it:  
 
Identify the hiring manager     
  • If you don't know the name of the hiring manager or can't get the information when you call the company, you can find out by reviewing current business directories, searching internet sources (such as the company website and LinkedIn) and asking people in your personal and job search networks.  Just be sure to call the company directly to confirm that your information is up-to-date and remember to check the spelling of their name along with their job title.  You may even discover someone in your network who knows the hiring manager personally.  Ask them if you can use their name in the opening of your letter.    

Understand the key challenges    
  • What challenges is the organization facing now and in the future?  How does the position contribute to solving these issues? Do your research. Talk to people in your network.   The key is to present them with a solution that's specific enough to capture their attention, without identifying problems they haven't quite figured out yet. If you do that, you may confuse them or worst - turn them off. 

Frame your solution with proof.    
  • Give brief examples of exactly how you've helped other companies solve similar challenges.  That is a powerful way to prove you have the expertise to help them solve their problems because you've done it before.
     
Here's the
Send a Solution approach
in action.

I suggested this approach to one of my clients. She sent her solution by e-mail to the hiring manager late one afternoon. At 9:30 am the next morning, she got a call from the company acknowledging the e-mail she sent to the hiring manager and asking her to come in for an interview!   
 
Here's her Send a Solution e-mail:
"Hi Joanne [hiring manager], I haven't talked to you since we met back in 2006 when I applied for the XYZ manager position.  I noticed the recent posting for a Metrics Manager [A new position created by the hiring organization.] and had some thoughts for you.
 
You may wish to consider managing the data by creating a specialized database to bring all the data together in one place. In my experience, Excel just doesn't cut it when you have mountains of data to manage. [She made a guess that they were probably using Excel.]
 
The data can populated with monthly flat file feeds from suppliers and internal data sources.  
 
I created a specialized intranet database to track detailed costs for ABC Company (working directly with their IT resources on the design, testing, implementation and two subsequent system upgrades). Part of the challenge of the database was convincing the suppliers that it was possible for them to give us monthly flat data feeds.  And, guess what, I got the new system to pay for itself. It uncovered errors in the supplier fee calculations that paid the entire programming cost ... and they were incorrectly calculating taxes too. ...
I'd be happy to talk to you in more detail about this.  I applied for the Metrics Manager position because I believe that data warehousing is the key for making solid, supportable business decisions.  And, it looks like really interesting work! 
 
Hope this gives you some food for thought! 
 
[Name & Phone number]"
 
If you want to get more calls for interviews, I recommend that you try the Send a Solution approach.  It gives you a fresh, proactive way to help you land more interviews and get the job you really want! 

Heather
-----------------------------------------------------------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 Expert blog for more free resources. 
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 the language of results, solutions and outcomes 
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
[email protected]      
 
Training top professionals who give their best,
to get their best:  Promotions. Jobs. Careers. 
Learn to Sell Yourself as the Solution
So You Can Land The Job You Really Want!
 
Small Group Coaching Workshops
A Small Group Coaching Workshop is an easy and affordable way to learn the foundations of mastering your job interview skills.
 
Working in a small group setting of three to five other job seekers, you'll get all the individual attention you need to take your skills to the next level - without the expense of private, one-on-one sessions.
At the end of this workshop, you'll have the skills and confidence to land the job you really want - and deserve.
 
You'll learn how to:
  • Make your message resonate by thinking from the hiring organization's perspective.
  • Prove you can do the job by relating memorable interview stories.
  • Increase your confidence by learning how to handle the most-asked interview questions with ease.
This 3-hour Small Group Coaching Workshop is available to NOW for only $234 (plus GST).   When you sign up,  you receive 2 free bonuses.  Just click Small Group Coaching Workshops for all the details.
Our next workshop is being held:
Thursday, April 29th.  We also create custom workshops for job hunting groups.
What Top Professionals Need To Know - Your Guide to Answering Job Interview Questions
Ebook
  What If You 
Aced Your Next Interview?
 
 
The Interview Expert has created this eBook to help you respond to typical job interview questions with confidence.
 
What you'll receive:
 
 12 most-asked interview questions
 
 Sample answers to help you land the job you really want
 
Coaching tips and guidelines to prepare you for the most difficult questions
 
To learn more and receive your download copy today, click eBook.
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Interview Skills Assessment
How do your interview skills really stack up?
Find out before your next interview.
 
You can get an objective evaluation of your current interview skills by requesting a professional assessment.   
  • During a 30-minute phone interview, we'll ask you questions that help us assess your current skill level and your preparedness for upcoming interviews.
  • Within 24-hours, you'll receive a detailed personal report that tells you exactly how you can polish your skills.
The Interview Skills Assessment is available for a discounted fee of $97 plus GST (regular value - $300).
Just call 416-239-4406 now to schedule your assessment.