1. Choose your attitude. You are allowed to feel sorry for yourself for a short period of time and then move on. Force yourself to smile and be an inspiration to others. Act like job hunting is the greatest thing that has ever happened to you.
2. Approach your job search as if it is a full time job. Would you be willing to work 12-14 hours a day at what may be the most important job of your life? The answer, if you want the job is “YES!”
3. Make your resume stand out. If you don’t know what makes a resume “sing”, find out. Read all about it or consult an expert. Make it easy to read. Sometimes a professional photo of you helps. Remember to check for typos.
4. Salespeople are driven by goals, so set yours with regard to daily or weekly interviews. Make some cold calls. They are effective! Make calls to demonstrate your professionalism and leave resume packages behind. Prepare for the inevitable interview questions;” long term goals . Greatest accomplishment . Strengths and weaknesses.”
5. Brush up on your body language and communication skills. Maintain eye contact, lean in when you should to show interest, watch for signals given by your interviewer; e.g. crossed arms, facial expressions and checking emails or texts.
6. Should I try to close on the interview? Absolutely! Some interviewers may want to see if you approach the job interview like you approach a prospective sale. You may want to do a trial close or two. Also, make comments on what you can do to bring value to the team and speak as if you are a part of the team.
7. Paraphrase JFK. “Ask not what they can do for you, but rather what you can do for them.” It’s all about the value you can bring to the organization.
8. Are you talking to the decision maker? If not, why are you talking to someone who can’t hire you?
9. Avoid discussing income and benefits unless it seems appropriate to do so.
10. Pose questions to the interviewer, such as “What’s the next step?” “When will you be making your decision?” “What additional information can I provide to you?”
11. Dress for success. Shine those shoes, clean your nails and make sure there is nothing in your teeth. Watch the perspiration index and please, no extra perfume or cologne.
12. Be on time, or another way to put it, don’t be late. Aim for 15 minutes early (“Lombardi Time”). Allow for traffic, parking, etc. Remember what Gandhi said: “Being late is an act of violence.”
FINALLY . Follow through. Send an email message specifically addressing something discussed in the interview. Then, send a handwritten note of appreciation. The time you spend on this will be well worth it!
