Ready for the big game? An athlete prepares for months, even years, with a rigorous training schedule, healthy eating, keeping focused on the end result – the win. Perhaps you need to put your “play book” together and create a career action plan.
1. Network, network, network then network some more. Network using all tools available (personal network, LinkedIn, User Groups, Internet, attending industry events) etc. Tell everyone you meet you are looking for a job.
2. Build a solid resume—fill in gaps, call out successes, relay your value add, and customize it to cater to the job you are interviewing for. Resumes are like a painter’s canvas, there are no two paintings alike. You may take a class—how to interview, how to sell yourself, how to write a winning resume.
3. Build a skills inventory: Candidates need to know themselves and then know how to present themselves.
4. Have a clear idea why you are looking and what your short-term goals are. Clearly understand your long-term goals. Do they make sense with your short-term goals?
5. Do research on the company, position and person you are interviewing with inside and out before you interview.
Cross-reference every lead you get with your network. For example, if you see a great looking job at XYZ Company, check your personal and LinkedIn networks to see if you know of anyone who works at XYZ Company. If so, they often can give you valuable insight into the company and job.
If you know someone who works at a company you are interviewing with, spend some time with them before you interview.
6. Be passionate and persistent. Be yourself and show enthusiasm.
7. Practice interviewing, get feedback, and revise your interview strategy. If you know any recruiters or managers who regularly interview prospective new employees, ask them to give you a mock interview and take their feedback on your résumé and your interview style. This will improve your confidence and performance in real interview situations.
8. Dress professionally and act professionally. Remember, everything counts!
9. Spend time preparing answers to questions that you can reasonably expect to be asked in an interview.
10. Think before answering a question: Take a breath, and then answer the question. This will help you digest the question and have a stronger answer, or ask a qualifying question back before answering the question.
11. Ask questions. You need to interview the company just as much as they need to interview you. Build a list of questions about the position you are interviewing for. If you don’t ask questions, you seem uninterested. The first question out of your mouth should not be about money. Seem interested in the company and the opportunity.
12. Don’t bring up bad experiences or bad-mouth past employers.
13. Don’t be negative. The interview process is slow and frustrating. Don’t let this shake you up.
14. Don’t be a name dropper.
15. Listen and engage: Don’t just talk in the interview.
16. Smile and have good eye contact.
17. Be positive and honest. Don’t try to answer interview question with the answers you think the interviewer wants to hear. Be yourself and be honest. Don’t exaggerate.
18. Build a strong list of references: Ask your reference, before you offer their name, if they would be able to provide a positive reference that would help you secure your next position.
19. At the end of the interview, ask the question, “Do you have any questions or concerns that would stop you from bringing me back for a second interview?”
20. Send follow-up thank-you notes outlining why you feel you are qualified and ask for the job.
1. Network, network, network then network some more. Network using all tools available (personal network, LinkedIn, User Groups, Internet, attending industry events) etc. Tell everyone you meet you are looking for a job.
2. Build a solid resume—fill in gaps, call out successes, relay your value add, and customize it to cater to the job you are interviewing for. Resumes are like a painter’s canvas, there are no two paintings alike. You may take a class—how to interview, how to sell yourself, how to write a winning resume.
3. Build a skills inventory: Candidates need to know themselves and then know how to present themselves.
4. Have a clear idea why you are looking and what your short-term goals are. Clearly understand your long-term goals. Do they make sense with your short-term goals?
5. Do research on the company, position and person you are interviewing with inside and out before you interview.
Cross-reference every lead you get with your network. For example, if you see a great looking job at XYZ Company, check your personal and LinkedIn networks to see if you know of anyone who works at XYZ Company. If so, they often can give you valuable insight into the company and job.
If you know someone who works at a company you are interviewing with, spend some time with them before you interview.
6. Be passionate and persistent. Be yourself and show enthusiasm.
7. Practice interviewing, get feedback, and revise your interview strategy. If you know any recruiters or managers who regularly interview prospective new employees, ask them to give you a mock interview and take their feedback on your résumé and your interview style. This will improve your confidence and performance in real interview situations.
8. Dress professionally and act professionally. Remember, everything counts!
9. Spend time preparing answers to questions that you can reasonably expect to be asked in an interview.
10. Think before answering a question: Take a breath, and then answer the question. This will help you digest the question and have a stronger answer, or ask a qualifying question back before answering the question.
11. Ask questions. You need to interview the company just as much as they need to interview you. Build a list of questions about the position you are interviewing for. If you don’t ask questions, you seem uninterested. The first question out of your mouth should not be about money. Seem interested in the company and the opportunity.
12. Don’t bring up bad experiences or bad-mouth past employers.
13. Don’t be negative. The interview process is slow and frustrating. Don’t let this shake you up.
14. Don’t be a name dropper.
15. Listen and engage: Don’t just talk in the interview.
16. Smile and have good eye contact.
17. Be positive and honest. Don’t try to answer interview question with the answers you think the interviewer wants to hear. Be yourself and be honest. Don’t exaggerate.
18. Build a strong list of references: Ask your reference, before you offer their name, if they would be able to provide a positive reference that would help you secure your next position.
19. At the end of the interview, ask the question, “Do you have any questions or concerns that would stop you from bringing me back for a second interview?”
20. Send follow-up thank-you notes outlining why you feel you are qualified and ask for the job.
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