5 SIMPLE TIPS FOR ANYONE
As a Career Coach and Resume Writer that speaks with job seekers every day, I have a deep understanding of what’s going on “in their head.” Looking for a job is stressful enough. And so, sometimes, I often find this leads job seekers to “overthink” the process/es of landing their next job. Therefore, tips here tailored around the theme, “Keep it Simple Stupid!”
#1 Is there a visual analogy you can give for how a typical interview should flow?
Yes. Like a nice, friendly conversation during a short road trip! The driver (the interviewer) is leading the conversation.
As the passenger (the person being interviewed), you are engaging with the driver as you muddle through traffic to your destination. Yet the traffic does not bother the driver or you, the passenger. Why? The conversation has “distracted” you from the traffic. Because you’re discussing topics of mutual interest (in this case, a job!). And because you’re answering the drivers’ questions and there’s been opportunity for you, the passenger, to ask questions. You’re simply having a nice, friendly conversation!
The next thing you know “the drive” is coming to a close, so you summarize your interest in the position. That’s it, in a nutshell.
“But Joe that sounds ‘so simple.’”
Recap here: sometimes job seekers really do “overthink” an interview. You, the job seeker, are interviewing the employer just as much as the employer is interviewing you! Remember, this is about “a match.” I provide this analogy because I had a client this week ask for a simple visual analogy. Remember, the employer has chosen to call or email you for an interview – which means they want to talk to you! And that’s all it is – a nice friendly conversation. Don’t overthink it! Just like you wouldn’t overthink a short road trip with your family member, friend or co-worker to a friend’s house, etc.
#2 Give me the straight dope: what are the three keys for landing a job?
These three are essential, but these are also not the end-all, be-all by any means (so yes, keep reading!).
A) Knowledgeable – unless an entry-level role, no one is landing a job without establishing knowledge/expertise. That’s the main purpose of the resume – make the reader feel too guilty not to call you for an interview because you knock their “knowledge socks off!” If your resume is not doing this now, call me for a free consultation. During the interview, the employer will “confirm” the candidates’ knowledge but really an interview is about:
B) Likeability – no employer will likely hire a candidate they don’t like or “perceive” they don’t like. Smile. Build rapport. Be friendly and polite. Ask questions. Engage. Be yourself. In short, be likeable;
C) Passion/Authenticity – not every candidate has an outgoing personality or demeanor and that’s totally fine. We are all wired differently. But even a soft-spoken candidate should display some measure of passion in their tone or body language – some level of authenticity that they genuinely enjoy what they do for a living and why they’re excited about the role they’re interviewing for! Talk about what you love about your job – and why you got into this line of work. Be relatable. Use examples the interviewer can relate to.
Remember, “perception” is often “reality” and non-verbal communication (body language and tone) can often override what a candidate actually says. Always be self-aware of your communication – and your messaging. I say this because I’m helping a client now in sales – sales! – who wasn’t “self-aware” that his tone during mock interviews was flat (e.g., he sounded monotone, boring and uninterested). Why would I hire someone to sell my product if they don’t sound interesting? Answer: I wouldn’t! And, yes, you are “selling” yourself in an interview. So be self-aware and if you need help with interviewing, I can help and provide a free consultation.
#3 Why are you better than your competing job seekers?
Demonstrating knowledge, likeability and passion/authenticity are essential, but may not put you over the top. Why? Your competition is likely doing the same thing. So why are you better than your competing job seekers?
Because you are a “solution provider.” Think of every job description you read like the employer is in “pain” or has “pains” (plural). Why are you the solution provider to heal their “pain” or “pains”?
Often, the candidate that lands the job has come across as the best solution provider.
#4 Is there a visual analogy for an elevator pitch (short one, two sentence statement), aka, being a solution provider statement?
Yes. A 30-second type direct response television commercial – one that convinces you not to click the mute button! Because something caught your eye, perhaps an image, joke, laughter – yet the message also probably got your attention, too. But why? Chances are because the message was a solution, likely one that would be of benefit to you or someone you care about! A good example is something like “buy this super glue, it solves every household problem in minutes!” Because the solution is also “relatable” – household – and “solves problems” you are watching and perhaps even buying!
Let’s use that analogy for a job search. Every job is based on performance.
Example: I write resumes (what I do) that result in interviews (positive outcome) – which is true, by the way!
So what do you do best? What problem/s do you solve? Your elevator pitch (short one, two sentence statement) must showcase you are a solution provider to differentiate yourself from your competitors. It can be the difference between the landing the job – or not.
#5 I need help narrowing or simplifying how I am a solution provider. Suggestions?
I am helping a client right now with this very issue – because the role he is interviewing for, there are many ways he can be a solution provider (not just one). And he is very analytical. So how do you narrow it down?
I like to use the problem-solution concept – based on priority. Visualize: the left side are the company’s primary problems or challenges. The right side are the solutions to those problems or challenges. Prioritize them, like 1, 2, 3. Use that as your basis for your elevator pitch.
Remember, during the interviewing process, you are like an investigative reporter of your own job search. Why is this job available? What are the company’s current challenges? How can I help outsmart their competitors? A smart job candidate ask questions to get at the root cause of problems and how to solve them.
I’ll use myself again for this example.
A job seeker calls me the other day and tells me she is not getting interviews. I review her resume, find it unpersuasive and come to learn her networking efforts (reaching out to co-workers, etc) has not yielded interviews either. When I ask her what she does best or what compensation she is looking for, her answers do not radiate with confidence or certainty. I conclude she needs a lot of help. So my “commercial” to her is as follows (parentheses below is mine):
“I will write a resume (what I will do) that results in interviews (how you will benefit – solution 1) or your money back (no risk). I will also work with you on improving your elevator pitch (solution 2), determining your salary worth (solution 3) and boosting your confidence during the interviewing process (solution 4). I have helped clients like you. If you’d like to speak with any of them, please let me know (validation of claims in solutions, 1, 2, 3, 4).”
Try this approach. If you still need help, I provide a free consultation: joecsd@gmail.com.
