Why hire me?

Solid read on the WSJ blogs on why you need to “ABC” “A, Always B, Be C, Closing” on you. Another great tidbit from over the weekend, “Do not focus on the role. Focus on you. If they are looking only for requirements on a job rec, you will be unhappy within 6 months — if you get the job.”

WSJ Blogs: Advice: After Years With an Employer, Jumping Back Into the Interview Process

Perfect the Elevator Pitch

Some great advice for your next interview. Pitch yourself. Inevitably you will be shuffled from place to place and interview to interview. Why not craft your own elevator pitch?

Check How to Perfect an Elevator Pitch About Yourself.

I found this via LifeHacker Get Comfortable Bragging to Perfect Your Elevator Pitch.

“I” before “We”.

Do you have any questions…

If a candidate is qualified, I tend to judge by the questions the interviewee asks. It shows the level of interest and a slice of the behavioral aspects of the individual’s work approach. People that ask no questions or questions about compensation before an offer never get the job.

Check Seven Great Questions to Ask at a Job Interview for some insight into questions that you can tailor to your next interview.

Prepared = Luck = Success

The new phone screen…

More than ever the phone screen is making deep dives into questions typically reserved for the interview. In reality there is really no difference between a phone screen and a sales call. Present yourself in lieu of a product and land the face-to-face. Here are some tips that help me present over the phone:

  • Look in the mirror. You will have a more conversational tone if you can see your own face.
  • Talk with emotion. Stand up. Walk around. Your activity will help you be expressive and “up”.
  • Let the interviewer finish the question. Repeat the question. Know when to stop.
  • Be deliberate in your words and slow down.

Being prepared is the best luck.