(Cont. from LinkedIn…) Then, I asked, “What’s your process for Interviewing, or networking – what do you say?” As we all know, for many – these two dimensions of a Job Search experience (social platform), is difficult. Imagine…almost on queue, you’re technically selling your skill-set, experience and competency – it’s not easy. I asked her to tell me about her Interviewing capabilities. You’ve had a couple interviews, I said, and you say nothing happened. She said, “I have read all the books!” So, I respectfully asked, “How do you open and close an interview?” And, “What’s your business story, or how do you speak to your strengths and key differentiators?” “Do you have a 90 Second Commercial?” She replied, “A what?”

Ok, if you’re in job search mode, re-inventing yourself, or “In-Transition,”  Keep the following in mind:

1.) Results-Driven Resume: Have a results-driven resume – irrespective of whether you drive sales or profitability 

2.) 90 Second Commercial: Have a polished (NOT MEMORIZED), 90 Second Commercial (Tell your business story around key contributions, growth and value creation – genuinely – nothing canned.

3.) Purposeful Interviewing: Be prepared! YOU’RE ALLOWED TO BE NERVOUS, YOU’RE ALLOWED TO FEEL AWKWARD…BUT, YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO BE UNPREPARED. Open your interview by (respectfully), asking permission to offer a brief over-view of your background – your 90 Second Commercial (Don’t call it that, and do NOT take over the interview). Know how to follow up and ask about next steps.

4.) Poised Networking: Put a game-plan together. Be selective, know your 30 Second Networking Commercial, be genuinely interested in others, plant seeds for curiosity and potential future informational meetings. (i.e., introductions). Don’t try to convey your life’s story, nor job search challenges. 

5.) LANDING: 20%-80% of jobs around are found via Networking – but, depends on how much and how effective. 

6.) NEGOTIATIONS: This for later…too much to say here…SKIP.

7.) ON-BOARDING: Put your 90 Day plan together: Rule #1 – Understand the business, growth goals and role. Rule #2 – Listen & Learn. Rule #3 – Value Creation (set goals, metrics and create alignment) 

What’s missing for many is structure, discipline and a solid strategic search plan. Remember, the more prepared you are, the faster the recovery should you feel out of sorts when interviewing. “Be in Character.”

Now, allow me to be non-PC…if you’re attending in-transition groups/Forums (and, I had, as some of you know, The ProForum for many years), don’t park there. You want to be around people who are working, positive and forward-moving. 

Lastly, while you visualize your ideal job, feel the gratitude around it – as accomplished. Focus only on what’s working. PERIOD.

For More Information: www.syntesisglobal.com/contactus/

FULL ARTICLE:

STRATEGIC JOB SEARCH
Effective Resume (CV), Interviewing & Your Story:

The other day I was speaking to someone about their job transition and she told me what she was doing – all sound job search practices. Like, calling people she new, an updated resume and networking. She showed me her resume. “Does it work she asked?” Sure…I think all resumes work to some degree. (DISCLAIMER: If you ask 20 people about your resume/CV, you will get 20 different opinions – be careful).

What was missing on her resume, was a powerful Summary (and, if you currently lead with an “Objective” line, I hope you know this is obsolete – perhaps used in very few select cases). I asked her if she knew how much time hiring people (HR, Recruiters, etc.,), spend on reading countless resume & CV submissions. Arguably, 11 seconds, I said. So, your Summary better shine and tell a quick business and competency story. The other thing that was missing were strong results-driven/accomplishment-driven statements. Keep in mind…your resume is just the initial piece of paper/calling-card that might get you in the door, a phone screen or an interview.

Then, I asked, “What’s your process for Interviewing, or networking – what do you say?” As we all know, for many – these two dimensions of a Job Search experience (social platform), is difficult. Imagine…almost on queue, you’re technically selling your skill-set, experience and competency – it’s not easy. I asked her to tell me about her Interviewing capabilities? You’ve had a couple interviews, I said, and you say nothing happened. She said, “I have read all the books!” So, I respectfully asked, “How do you open and close an interview?” And, “What’s your business story, or how do you speak to your strengths and key differentiators?” “Do you have a 90 Second Commercial?”  She replied, “A what?”

Ok, if you’re in job search mode, re-inventing yourself, or “In-Transition,”  Keep the following in mind:

1.) Results-Driven Resume: Have a results-driven resume – irrespective of whether you drive sales or profitability 

2.) 90 Second Commercial: Have a polished (NOT MEMORIZED), 90 Second Commercial (Tell your business story around key contributions, growth and value creation – genuinely – nothing canned.

3.) Purposeful Interviewing: Be prepared! YOU’RE ALLOWED TO BE NERVOUS, YOU’RE ALLOWED TO FEEL AWKWARD…BUT, YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO BE UNPREPARED. Open your interview by (respectfully), asking permission to offer a brief over-view of your background – your 90 Second Commercial (Don’t call it that, and do NOT take over the interview). Know how to follow up and ask about next steps.

4.) Poised Networking: Put a game-plan together. Be selective, know your 30 Second Networking Commercial, be genuinely interested in others, plant seeds for curiosity and potential future informational meetings. (i.e., introductions). Don’t try to convey your life’s story, nor job search challenges. 

5.) LANDING: 20%-80% of jobs around are found via Networking – but, depends on how much and how effective. 

6.) NEGOTIATIONS: This for later…too much to say here…SKIP.

7.) ON-BOARDING: Put your 90 Day plan together: Rule #1 – Understand the business, growth goals and role. Rule #2 – Listen & Learn. Rule #3 – Value Creation (set goals, metrics and create alignment) 

What’s missing for many is structure, discipline and a solid strategic search plan. Remember, the more prepared you are for a Networking experience or for an interview, the faster the recovery should you feel out of sorts. “Be in Character.”

Now, allow me to be non-PC…if you’re attending in-transition groups/Forums (and, I had, as some of you know, The ProForum for many years), don’t park there. You want to be around people who are working, positive and forward-moving. 

Lastly, while you visualize your ideal job, feel the gratitude around it – as accomplished. Focus only on what’s working. PERIOD.

For More Information, visit: www.syntesisglobal.com/contactus/