Interview Tips: guaranteed. By building value even before
the interview, you are guaranteed to be using the most
effective methodology to secure the position of your dreams.
Step 1: Commit to a step-by step value-building progress
and cast off your old ideas about job searching. There will
always be the desire to just blast out resumes, believing
that the new or revised resume will pre-sell you and the
phone will be ringing off the hook. Many of us had
previously used this method successfully, years ago, but
the market has changed.
Take responsibility for doing this right. No one is going
to "get" you a job. Develop and hold yourself accountable
for a marketing plan, complete with objectives and
timeframes.
Step 2: Identify what you bring to the table and what you
enjoy doing. Ask yourself, "If money was not an issue and I
had no family responsibilities, what would I do?"
One of our senior executive clients responded to this
question with, "I like wine." After a deafening silence, we
learned that he was actually a wine connoisseur; a
certified expert in every area of winemaking, from growing
to bottling. We found a way to turn this hobby into a
partnership at a winery desperate for his executive
talents, where he eventually exceeded his original
executive salary while enjoying a higher quality of life.
Step 3: Research and identify 10 target companies that can
use what you bring to the table and can afford your salary.
Confirm decision-maker names.
Step 4: For the 10 target companies, research their
competition, the industry, and any market changes that
could affect business. Have real-time alerts delivered to
your email or cell to keep up with breaking news.
Annual reports are among the most valuable and easily
attainable of all resource documents. Typically, they will
have information on threats and legal issues, as well as
vital accounting data and expansion plans. You can also
request promotional materials geared towards attracting new
stockholders.
Step 5: Research the opportunities. Look for movement and
follow the money. Trade journals are also filled with
hidden opportunities, including promotions, announcements
of new products and services, awards, relocation, grants,
new contracts, etc.
Step 6: Based on your research, develop a finely-tuned
letter to each decision-maker and a promise to follow-up
next week. Since it's not a resume, it will not be
automatically sent to HR by either the gatekeeper or the
decision-maker. It will get through.
Make sure all your written materials, including resumes and
letters, are professional in design and incorporate proven
styles that speak properly to your target employer's needs.
Step 7: Follow-up. Persistence is a fine quality in a
potential staff member. How you conduct your job search is
a direct reflection of how you will perform under pressure
as an employee.
Step 8: Turn the interview into a business discussion. Be
prepared to show a well-rounded understanding of all
aspects of the company and the industry.
Get the job offer *and* destroy the competition, leaving
the company no second hiring option. This increases your
negotiation position.
Step 9: Negotiate. It's expected! The tougher the
negotiations, the higher the degree of perceived value.
Your image as a tough negotiator will open many doors of
opportunity within the firm.
Step 10: If you were unable to secure an offer, use the
experience as a networking opportunity. Owners and VPs know
other executives. "Who do you know?" might be the most
rewarding question of the interview.
You started the career search campaign as a person of value
as opposed to a desperate, hat-in-hand person. You bypassed
HR and connected with a decision-maker that could
understand your worth to the firm. You showed expertise in
your area and a global understanding of the business. You
negotiated a higher salary, more perks, larger benefits,
and a title two levels higher than what you expected.
You're exactly where you want to be. Get focused and
create success. Become the Rookie of the Year! Now is the
perfect time to keep looking for the next better
opportunity, either inside or outside the firm. Manage your
career or someone else will do it for you!
----------------------------------------------------
In 1982, Randolph L. Stevens, President and CEO,
incorporated R.L. Stevens & Associates based on a strong
desire to help people succeed and built on an unwavering
commitment to helping executives achieve their career
goals. To find out how we might help turn interviews into
job offers, contact us ==>
http://www.rlstevens.com
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