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BEING PREPARED FOR BEING INTERVIEWED

Wouldn't it be great if you knew all the questions you were going to be asked while networking or being interviewed?  You could then prepare cleverly worded responses aimed at securing your next right work.  In fact, if you prepared well for your career transition, you would be prepared for networking and interviewing effectively.  You see, as you design your resume and other written collaterals to convey your "message," the same communication strategy will be employed in your "verbal collaterals."  It is critical to the process of career transition that your written message be in synch with your spoken "story."

The most asked question during career transition is, "Tell me about yourself."  Appropriate use of your two-minute drill strategies, your "verbal collaterals," is a key ingredient to personal salesmanship...

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A verbal resume...  A tightly focused, upbeat telling of "your story" told in a high impact two minute format.  With practice, can be easily personalized to your listener.
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An "elevator pitch"...  A succinct summary of your qualifications for a specifically positioned function or opportunity.  With practice, can become quite spontaneous.
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Brag bytes...  Wordcraft various collections of words, phrases and sentences to capture memorable moments or accomplishments--the best you have to offer.  "...saved 80% cost-per-hire..."  Used in MSWord Auto Text Format can be quite efficient when building high impact correspondence as well.
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Personal Portfolio...  Your collection of certificates, pictures, examples of work, reference letters, etc that can bring life and interest (not to mention PROOF) to your story.

A famous coach, of Green Bay Packer fame, spoke frankly when he said, "Perfect practice makes perfect."  Mr. Lombardi's intent was CLEAR.  He wanted his players to concentrate on PRACTICE, drilling on the "little things", the basics, so that they became instinct during the heat of real life. Such is productive mindset during any career transition, specifically related to your ability to relate your well positioned "story" to others, answer questions effectively, conduct productive negotiations, and, in general, fine tune your personal salesmanship skills.

  1. Practice your two minute drill strategies every chance you get.... its the fundamental building material of your communication strategy--your verbal collaterals!

  2. Practice your exit and qualification statements... most all potential employers and networking contacts will want to know your current situation and why you are available.

  3. Practice answering both common and tough questions... including pre-offer negotiation tactics.

 

Bob Maher, CMF... The Careerpilot

Bob created his online presence, www.careerpilot.com, in 1994.  He has over twenty years of successful experience in Corporate Recruitment, performance management and Career Management Services.  He is an entrepreneur and innovator in the use of information technology in the recruitment and employment process.  On the Founder's Council of the Association of Career Professionals - International and quite active in their Professional Development, Technology and Chapter Growth initiatives--a frequent speaker at industry conferences and seminars.  Awarded the prestigious "LIFE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD" in 2006.