Don’t Be Out Performed In An Interview

A friend CEO recently reminisced about a conversation he had with his executive team. I thought this directly related to so many candidates that I felt compelled to share it with you.


The CEO said to his team, “In order to survive this market without cutting back we must “OUT” our competition. We must, out deliver, out perform, out service, out sell, out market, out price, out satisfy, out prepare and out them with every thing we do. We can’t leave anything to chance. If we don’t, many of our team will be out and ultimately we may be out.”


WOW, pretty powerful stuff. So how does this relate to you – the candidate.
You have to “out” your competition too, or as the CEO said, “You will be out.” In this case, out of the running for the job you not only want, but need.


So how do you “out” your competition? Two words, “Proper Preparation.” This in my opinion is the all time biggest reason candidates fail. The optimum word is “PROPER.” I didn’t say candidates don’t attempt preparation. I believe they do. The problem is that the preparation is so superficial and vague it is worthless.


Here are a few tips on how to properly prepare:

1. Proper preparation is NOT about researching every “trivial pursuit” fact about the company since it started in 1950. Good stuff to know, but when was the last time in an interview you were asked, “Tell me everything you know about the company?” I suggest never. Instead prepare for the questions you will be asked.
2. Proper preparation is writing out complete and detailed answers to commonly asked questions. In case you missed it, writing out. Just to stress the point, writing out.
3. Practice, practice, and then more practice. Just like all professional speakers, entertainers, professional sports players, and performers you must practice. They practice so much that it looks easy, unrehearsed, unscripted, succinct, points clearly articulated and engaging. Few candidates are good enough to wing it.
4. Did I mention writing out the answers to the most commonly asked questions?
5. List multiple accomplishments for every position. Multiple because an accomplishment for one company may not be an accomplishment in another. Accomplishments MUST include quantifiable results. Forgetting this part would be like forgetting the punch line in a joke.
6. Video yourself in a mock interview. This will be a real eye opener for many.

If you want to “out” your competition you must be so well prepared and practiced that you stand out. You can’t leave anything to chance.


Final note for all of those now thinking, “I already know all this stuff.” Great, but are you doing it? We all know a lot of things, the problem is doing them. The bigger problem is doing them at such a high level of skill that they look easy.


To help you “out” your competition we provide a wealth of free resources and tools. Our free audio library is full of helpful subjects, the articles are free to download, our Linkedin discussion group expands the wealth of resources to other qualified people, and we constantly post new stuff to help you “out” the competition. Consider bookmarking our candidate FREE Resource page and check back at least weekly.
Our comprehensive job search workbook is FREE to read and implement the preparation tools and templates included. This will ensure you have the right preparation process. With a reader rating 4.25 out of 5 it is certainly worth considering.


If this was helpful please share it with your friends so they also benefit.
We encourage comments and look forward to your thoughts.

Brad Remillard, an executive recruiter with over 25 years of experience, has conducted over 10,000 interviews and been involved in more than 2,000 executive searches. Brad previously served as President of CJA Executive Search, which was recognized as one of the top search firms in Southern California. In 2005 he co-founded IMPACT Hiring Solutions a retained executive search firm and best practices hiring company. He is co-author of two books on hiring. http://www.impacthiringsolutions.com/index.php/products/tools-for-hiring-managers/our-award-winning-book target">You’re NOT The Person I Hired. His second book helps candidates dramatically reduce their time in-transition is, http://www.impacthiringsolutions.com/index.php/candidates/candidate-products/not-the-position-i-accepted- target">This Is NOT The Position I Accepted. In 1999, Brad co-founded the American Association of Senior Executives (AASE), one of Southern California's largest career management and business resource organizations exclusively dedicated to VP and C-level executives. The AASE has assisted more than 1,500 corporate executives manage their careers. Brad has personally coached many of these executives on success-based interviewing, 21st Century networking techniques, and career transition. He is a frequent speaker on the subject of career management and executive networking.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/interviews-articles/dont-be-out-performed-in-an-interview-1576455.html

Why Can't I Find a Job?

by: Frank Traditi

If you earned a dollar each time you asked yourself that question, your money problems would disappear, right? 

There's a good reason why. It's the alarming fact that most people are never taught how to look for work. They may learn how to interview, write their resume, or take a career assessment, but these are individual skills useful at some stage of the process. The job search process itself is rarely included in school curricula or taught at career and placement centers. So instead of designing an effective job search campaign, the typical job-seeker begins looking for work by reading ads in the newspaper or postings in the Internet. 

Sadly, the U.S. Department of Labor reports that between 74-85% of all jobs are never advertised.

According to a Forrester Research study, 73% of the people who find work locate their job by a method other than applying for an advertised position. It's no wonder that job-seekers spend so many months on their job search, or become so frustrated that they give up looking for work. They are looking in all the wrong places. 

Successful job-seekers refuse to ask that dreaded question of themselves or others. Instead, they consistently employ four key principles throughout every job search. Each principle is critical on its own. But to successfully land the job they want, they know that each one interacts with and supports the other. 

The Four Key Principles of Successful Job Seekers 

 

1. Use job search strategies that work. 

Two of the biggest challenges job-seekers face are knowing which job search approaches are the most effective, and figuring out where to start in finding job opportunities. Successful job-seekers know that any approach that helps them find and connect with the right people will eventually land them the job they want. Answering want ads and Internet postings are a waste of time. Developing relationships through networking, referrals, informational interviewing, and recruiters gets them closer to, if not right on top of, their ideal job. They know that in a competitive job market, they cannot rely on passively looking for positions already advertised. They actively market themselves to the people who are likely to hire them.  

2. Stick to a step-by-step, action-oriented process. 

The typical job-seeker quickly becomes overwhelmed by his or her job search. There are million things to do, places to look, and people to talk to, but they don't have a system for putting the pieces together. Job-seekers who know the score, design and implement a game plan that includes setting a specific and attainable goal, actions steps to take every day or week, and a system to track their progress. If they don't realize the results they want to achieve, they don't abandon this plan. Rather, they make adjustments that get them back on track. 

 

3. Stay motivated in face of frustration and rejection. 

Rejection letters, no return calls, and outdated information are all part of the normal working day of a job-seeker. Most people get frustrated and angry with this every-day occurrence and give up. The successful job-seeker sees this as opportunity or a positive learning experience. They don't let the fear of rejection get in the way of their progress. By sticking to their plan, they don't give up during the job search. They are motivated by the goals they've set and nothing will deter them from that accomplishment.  

4. Know when to ask for help. 

Looking for a job can sometimes be the loneliest job in the world. Uncertainty and doubt set in with many a job-seeker when things don't go right. Perhaps even a sense of pride sets in and the thought of asking someone for help makes them feel like a charity case. Conversely, successful job-seekers know that they cannot do this alone. They stack the odds in their favor by adding some outside help to their job search campaign. They want to be accountable to someone other than themselves. They need to get a different point of view, or perspective, on their progress or challenges. And, they seek out support from people who care about their progress or help them develop the tools they need to win. 

The next time you ask yourself or someone else, "why can't I find a job," you now know all is not lost. Implementing a solid action plan, sticking to your goals, and seeking help when you need it most, puts you in charge of your destiny. Simply put, you are just a few steps away from being a success.  

Copyright © 2005, Frank Traditi 

Frank Traditi is the co-author of Get Hired NOW!: A 28-Day Program for Landing the Job You Want. He is an author, speaker, career strategist, and executive coach with more than 20 years of experience in management, sales, and marketing for Fortune 500 companies. Frank works with talented professionals to design a game plan for an extraordinary career. For a copy of his free guide "How to Find a Job in 28 Days or Less," visit www.gethirednow.com

Read more free articles by C.J. Hayden and Frank Traditi or subscribe to the Get Hired NOW! E-Newsletter.

Basic Resumes are Detrimental to Your Career

Written by Teena Rose, a columnist, public speaker, and certified/published resume writer with Resume to Referral. She's authored several books, including "20-Minute Cover Letter Fixer" and "Cracking the Code to Pharmaceutical Sales."


With technology advancement, a resume that lacks keywords or key phrases relevant to your career field may hinder your job search.  Referenced in Resumes in Cyberspace, written by Pat Criscito and published by Barron's, she writes, "According to U.S. News & World Report, more than 1,000 unsolicited resumes arrive every week at most Fortune 500 companies, and before the days of applicant tracking systems and resumes canning, 80 percent were thrown out after a quick review."  Mrs. Criscito also informs readers, "Instead of opening and reading thousands of resumes, companies can now scan them and sort them by keywords."

What do you do if you're a new graduate with limited experience?  You dig deep, VERY deep.  Covering all the bases will ensure your resume reflects key information that is relevant to your career.  It's important to focus on the assets you bring to the table, and it's even more important not to forget every career tidbit.  Here's a checklist with some select experience you may possess, but may have forgotten:

¨ Technologically advanced equipment and tools

¨ Advanced writing courses

¨ Computer platforms, software, LAN/WAN capabilities, and so on

¨ Volunteer work, externship, and internship positions

¨ Research or college projects (e.g., mock marketing plan for a small business)

¨ Special assignments

¨ Family business positions

¨ Leadership positions, such as coaching

¨ Foreign languages

The contents of this list will not apply to everyone, of course.  In order to take full advantage of the experiences you possess, dissect your entire history.  Of course, I have tips that will recognize valuable resources for tracking down all relevant experiences.

Related Resume Articles & Resume Samples

Myth of the 10-Minute Resume

Basic Resumes are Detrimental to Your Career

Resume Writing Services for Managers, Supervisors, Consultants, and Executives

Resume Mechanics: The Basics of a Resume

Sample Resume for Executive Sales Rep

Sample Resume for Human Resources Executive


First, refresh your memory by reviewing a date book or planner in search of seminars or committee participation (among others) that you might have forgotten.  You'll be surprised at those things you did over the last 12 months that slipped your mind.  Select only those elements that reflect leadership or other aspects important to your short- and long-term career objectives.


Second, access your personnel file at your current employer or personal copy at home.  Superiors, in addition to evaluating your performance, sometimes make small notations as thanks for helping with project deadlines and so on.


Third, talk to your friends and family.  Individuals tend to enjoy giving their "two cents" on topics concerning other people, so ask their thoughts on the types of skills they feel are critical.  Make notations concerning your conversations.  Log every bit of free advice that you didn't receive from your previous interviewee.  Run with it!  Cross off those that you've already considered, and research and include those that slipped your mind.  Concentrate on those satisfying your current career agenda and put others towards the bottom of the resume.


Incorporating focused keywords and key phrases in your resume will allow for beefier content and enhance the return of your resume.  A better return means that it will get more show time and ultimately increase the number of interviews you attend.  The only purpose of the resume, after all, is to produce more interviews.

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