Interview Tips: Results Guaranteed When You Build Value
Posted: Wednesday, May 07, 2008
by RL Stevens
RL Stevens & Associates, Inc.
Guaranteed Interview Tips: Even before the interview, build value and you are guaranteed to be using the most effective methodology to find the right job.
Step 1: Revise your old ideas about job searching and commit to a step-by-step value-building process. 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.
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: Identify and target ten companies that are large enough to afford your salary and have a need for your skills. 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 receive stockholder information.
Step 5: Research the opportunities. Look for movement and follow the money. New contracts, announcements of new products and services, awards, grants and relocation can be found in many trade journals.
Step 6: Based on your research, develop a finely-tuned letter to each decision-maker and a promise to follow-up next week. It will not be automatically routed to human resources since it's not a resume. 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. Perseverance is a much sought-after quality in a potential employee. How you perform in your job search is a strong indication of how you will perform 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. Many doors of opportunity will open within the firm if you are viewed as a tough negotiator.
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! Secure in a new position, be on the lookout for the next better position, inside or outside the firm. Manage your career or someone else will do it for you!
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Randolph L. Stevens, President and CEO, incorporated R.L. Stevens & Associates in 1982 based on a strong desire to help people succeed and built on a 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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