Accelerate Your Search™ Now

“Make each minute count!” – Dave Edwards

There is much collective wisdom about interviewing for your next position.  Wisdom will be shared by:  job seekers, coaches, HR professionals, mentors, hiring managers, recruiters and, of course, friends and family.

The quote above is not simply about interviewing or even working.  It is one I learned from a leader and COO that I admire.  It is known by all in his organization and by those touched by the organization.

I have shared this quote before and, odds are, I will share it again.  Why?  It is not only a quote about a method of leadership or running a business, but a quote about a way of life.  It is four little words that bring focus to what is important right now.

I share it now because it is central to embracing the secrets of interviewing — secrets that are rarely shared and even when known, often overlooked.

If a client tells me, “I get interviews, but I don’t get hired,” my first questions, as a coach, are about interview preparation.

The secrets to interview preparation that are often not shared and even less often practiced are:

• Knowing and understanding how you are feel about yourself, the interviewer and the particular position.
• Knowing how your personal energy and power radiates and then using that energy and power to your advantage.  The four key times to leverage this secret are:  the day before the interview, during the interview, in the minutes after the interview ends and the day after the interview.
• Being open and aware of the guidance and information provided during the interview.

If you are struggling to move into your desired position or land a second interview and feel you are well prepared and qualified for interviews, you may be overlooking these secrets.

Realize that leveraging your experience, skills and collective wisdom might not be enough.  You may need to pause and review how you prepare for interviews.

“Make each minute count!”  By using the secrets minute-by-minute you will land a new position faster and with less stress.

If something isn’t working, pause, reflect and adjust.  If you need help with pausing and reflecting, seek some support and guidance.  One of the fastest ways to avoid the pain and disappointment of repeated failed interviews is to discover quickly what to adjust.

It need not take you months of heartbreak and stress and mulitple job interviews to discover what to adjust.  Often small changes can make big differences.

One option to consider is to have a focused dialogue with a coach to help you see what you might be missing.  A small tweak or simple technique may be all you need to transform your next interview into an offer and a job you love.

Do you have a question or comment?  Post it below or give me a call.  I am happy to help you find the answers to your questions.

Ready to transform your next interview?  

A few weeks ago I was with an amazing group of colleagues who share my passion for helping others move their careers forward.  This group, The Institute for Career Transitions (ICT), is deeply concerned and passionate about the long-term unemployed.

We want to impact long-term unemployment with facts, data, and compassion.  We want to bring light to the concerns and issues of talented professionals who experience long-term unemployment.  We want to determine, via research, if coaching support does or does not help professionals who have been out of work more than six months improve their well being and/or return to work.  The group’s founder Ofer Sharone, Assistant Professor in the MIT Sloan School of Management, is someone who understands the importance of both courage and support.

Our conversations are always robust.  One recent discussion included the concerns and questions many talented professionals deal with when unemployed for six months or more.  Rising to the top, was how to discuss, share and/or explain what you have been doing for the period of time since your last job.

Among the top questions I receive as a coach is, “How do I explain being out of world for a long time?”  This question is almost always asked with a high level of fear or trepidation.  Odds are you will be faced with the question, “What have you been doing?”  Whether asked in an interview or while networking, does this question strike you with fear or puzzlement?

The time between jobs is often referred to as “the gap” — and I have a unique way of dealing with “the gap.”

I began using a phrase to help clients, workshop attendees and people in general to understand a simple process to help you move away from all that fear, concern and puzzlement — it’s called “mining the gap.”

Mining is, in its simplest definition, the process of looking for gold, silver and gems. And, “mining the gap” is the process of unlocking the gems you uncover during your gap, your time of unemployment.

This concept came to me several years ago after visiting an abandoned silver mine.  I got a few feet into the mine and froze.  Had my guide not noticed my fear I would have missed an amazing experience.

My guide offered support, information, and asked questions.  The support and questions helped me determine my options and select a direction.  His support insured me I was not alone.  It allowed me to reach inside myself, decide want I wanted and find the courage to step deeper into the mine.

I was so grateful for his care and concern that day.  The experience is one I will never forget.

The experience was so much more than just learning what silver ore looks like and how its beauty is brought to the surface to be unlocked and transformed into amazing products — it also provided a way to put all the days’ sights, smells and emotions into context.  It also provided a community to share the experience.

My silver mine guide offered me the same thing that career coaches and coaching communities offer clients — care, concern, guidance and somewhere to turn when we are unsure how to move forward.

I love silver and every time I look at pieces of silver jewelry or other useful everyday items, I think of that day, that community and those connections.

It took courage for that guide to help me.  It took courage for me to step into the mine, to see and to share the experience.  I could not have found courage on that day (or many other days) alone.  I believe we are hard-wired to connect, to support one another and to journey together.

Someone stepped close, saw my fear and did not exploit or criticize me.  That someone offered support, asked questions, and let me chose what was best for me.

If you are looking for support in your job search, or in anything you do, look around, odds are support is within reach.

Here are 3 tips for tapping support as you are “mining the gap:”

1.  Have the courage to be honest with yourself about the fear, the emotions, the concern or puzzlement you feel.  Say your fears, concerns, or emotions out loud and write them down.

2.   Ask and answer, “What is it I that want?”  Do you want:  help or support, answers to your questions, information, or someone to listen to your concerns/emotions?  Whatever you want, ask for it out loud and write it down.

3.   Look around for what your want.  It is within reach.  If you ask for help or support, listen, say thank you and then decide what you will do.  Take the best action for you.  Results come from action.

Whether the gap you need to mine is comprised of what you have been doing since your last job or your gap is a career you want to transform, take action.  The action you take by stepping in and “mining the gap” will be an amazing experience.

Do you have a job search question or a question about “mining the gap?”  Post your question or comments below or give me a call.

Do you remember how enthusiastic and excited you were after your first interview?  I hope so.  You will need to continue to share that level of interest with the hiring manager as the process continues.

Candidates who fail to communicate sincere interest throughout the process are certain to miss out.  It is difficult to stay interested when an organization has a different timeline than yours.  It is easy to let the voice in your head tell you that the company is not really interested in you.  When you are in career transition and want to return to work quickly two weeks can feel like two months!

Instead of waiting for “the” phone call, use your time to pursue other opportunities.  Focusing on only one opportunity at a time may extend your search by months.

Also use the time to learn additional information about the position for which you interviewed and the company you are looking forward to joining.  Doing this prepares you for your second interview — preparation is rare at this level and it will set you apart from the competition.

Here are some easy ways to make the most of your second interview:

1. Read the company website and press releases.
2. Learn about the company’s products and services.
3. Read LinkedIn and online profiles of employees, leaders, and managers who work for the company.
4. Connect with appropriate people in the organization, online and in-person.
5. Read and learn about the company’s competitors.
6. Practice interviewing.
7. Know how you come across and how you demonstrate interest, eagerness, and enthusiasm.

Being able to authentically communicate how you fit and how your experience will help the hiring manager achieve his/her goals will help you ace the second interview.

It is a challenge to wait for the next interview.  Make the most of the time and prepare.

If you liked this post, please share it with your friends using the links below!  Post a note, share your questions and thoughts in the comments.

If you want help accelerating your search and landing the job you want contact me HERE.

Even before you interview for a job, you and others have influenced the opinion of the interviewer.  Do you know what others are saying about you?

The easiest place to start?  Google yourself.  Your online presence can be friend or foe.  It can open doors to amazing opportunities -or- it can slam doors shut, sometimes forever.  Things like your endorsements, number of contacts, recommendations and your photo on LinkedIn allow people to “get to know you” before you even meet.

If you are contemplating a change, do yourself a favor.  Before you spray your resume worldwide, stop and take a careful look around.  Gather a little data from your peers, co-workers, bosses (past and present), friends and family.  Understand what people are saying about you.  If you are a little fearful to do so, my bet is you will be pleasantly surprised at what you hear.

Then take a hard look at your talents, skills and experience.  Decide how you want to use and share what makes you valuable to an employer.  Ask yourself where you want to be in a year, three years and five years.

Now (and not before), update your resume.

By doing these simple activities — before you jump into the job market — you will accelerate your search and move forward faster.  Even though the press is highlighting the gloom and doom, there are many opportunities for you to do what you love and the land the job you want at the salary you deserve.

It is easier and faster than you think to land the job you want when you understand who you are and what others are saying about you.

Do you need interview assistance to speed up your career transition?  Post a question or contact me.

Do you know what the best companies look for during interviews?

In a January post (“What It Takes to Get Hired at One of the Best Places to Work“) China Gorman, the former COO and interim CEO of SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) and current CEO for Great Place to Work Institute shared several insights from high-level recruiters.

These four interview pointers, from the post, will help you stand out and impress:

1.  Being able to articulate your alignment with the company’s mission and values (and explain why they resonate with you);

2.  Doing exceptional “homework” and truly understanding the business and key competitors going into an interview;

3.  Being able to discuss how you plan to impact the company; and,

4.  Demonstrating passion, curiosity, and (a big one!) innovation.

Employers and recruiters consistently share that interviewees who look good on paper (resumes and online profiles) don’t always impress in an interview.

Are you prepared to interview?   Are you ready to articulate how you can impact the company and why the organization’s mission and values resonate with you?

Don’t walk into another interview and immediately be knocked out of the running.  When you are prepared to interview, the interview becomes a great business conversation culminating in a plan to move forward.

I invite you to join me for the next one-day Interview Boot Camp at the end of March — or feel free to contact me if you have other questions on acing your interview.

What is your fear?  Telling the truth?  Sharing your truth?  Or, perhaps, of being rejected?

Fear can stop you in your tracks.  Why?

First, it is not easy or comfortable to step into your truth.  Second, telling and sharing your truth and what makes you unique makes you vulnerable.  Third, some will reject you for your truth.

“When you are true to yourself, people will love the truth in you” – Stacey Martino

The above quote is from an amazing woman I am honored to know.  She has built a business that few would dare to.

Additionally, she is sunny, bubbly, warm, open and highly excitable.  Stacey can be loud and describes herself as “overly-loving.”  To be in her presence is like unlocking a door and walking into a room filled with pure joy and fun.

So what does this have to do with you securing your ideal job?  Absolutely everything!

Stacey Martino is a person who knows herself.  She discovered she wanted to be herself all the time and she stopped hiding her strengths and talents because of fear.    A few weeks ago, in her blog, Stacey shared she was afraid of, “getting crushed by people who wipe the floor with OPEN people like me.”

Stacey didn’t ask me, but if she did, I would absolutely tell her to include that she is a sunny, bubbly, warm, open and sometimes loud and highly excitable person in her résumé.  Would this screen her out of some jobs as a marriage counselor?  ABSOLUTELY!

Why?  Simple.  There are workplaces, that no matter her skills, education or experience, her unique style would not be appreciated and in the end it would not serve the organization or her.  The result?  You guessed it — rejection!

If any of these fears are holding you back, consider this:  when your resume is one of 200 (or more!) being considered for a single position, it is not only your skills and career history that are reviewed.  Résumés need to be sifted and sorted and the pool narrowed to the select few who will be granted an interview.  In the end, your “unique truth” plays a huge role in securing an interview, a second interview and an offer.  Each applicant brings a unique and different dimension to a potential position, in addition to their skills and experience.  Remember, hiring is a process and not a perfect science.

Believe it or not, hiring managers are looking to make the best decisions using the facts they have or can obtain.  Every organization and every hiring manager needs to narrow the field and the methods used to do this vary.  Some immerse themselves in the pile of résumés, others search LinkedIn profiles or request recommendations from key contacts — some do it all.

Although there are proven methods to improve your results, getting your resume to land atop the pile can be a frustrating process.  And, while everyone understands how maddening the process can be, few are willing to do what it takes to positively impact their results.

The truth about who you are, what you do and how you do it helps in this process.  So does the truth that you are loud and fun!

Yes, many résumés are filled with lies.  Many lies are easy to spot.  Such as when a résumé states “excellent writer” and then the résumé is filled with bad grammar and misspellings.   Many more résumés simply omit the truth.

Have you neglected to help the hiring manager say “Yes!” to you?

Have you omitted your unique value and your truth in your résumé?

Are you pursuing a search of limiting your rejection rate in lieu of a search to land the job you want?

If you are unsure how to add your unique value to your résumé or you need assistance landing the job you want, contact me.

This year is quickly coming to an end!  In this season of go and do, it absolutely takes focus to keep your career moving forward.  You need to find a way to keep your value visible among all the glitz and glitter of the lively fourth quarter.  With that said, it is a great time of year to leverage your personal brand.

Whether you are preparing your year-end progress report (a.k.a. your performance review), putting the final touches on your 2014 plans or seeking a new position, you want to be well-positioned to leverage and discuss your value.  Your personal brand and workplace contributions directly effect the salary you command.

Your personal brand is what sets you apart — and it is the fastest way to get noticed in a crowded field of solid performers.

Leveraging what makes you unique (your “special sauce” if you will) helps others quickly connect to you and better understand your value.  However, this does not just happen.  You need to engage the process.

Without leveraging your personal brand, you may not get the offer you desire.  Your skills and experience count, but what makes you different matters the most in any selection process.

Imagine you are searching for a Christmas tree at the local lot.  There are many trees to chose from and most look similar, are in the same price range and will serve the purpose.  To find the “right” tree, you narrow your selection by considering the qualities you most desire and then you look at only those trees.

Finally, you look for a unique feature — something only one tree possesses.  You end up selecting a tree because it fits your wants, needs and has something special — a signature strength, element or specific look.

The tree that goes home with you has become a resource to help you create exactly the holiday experience you desire!

Getting hired, securing a promotion or building your career is very similar to the tree selection process.  Those who best leverage what makes them unique are the ones selected for an interview and ultimately hired.

The tree you chose was selected not only because it was, in fact, a tree, but also for what made it different and unique.

Are you leveraging your uniqueness — that special part of your personal brand?  Yes?  Great, share what you are doing below.

In my next post I’ll share the steps to help you focus on your unique strengths.  You don’t want to miss it!

In January, I am hosting a 3-part workshop:  Identify, Leverage & Own Your Uniqueness.  The workshop is designed to help you quickly identify your strengths and see how others view those strengths, so that you can stand out in the eyes of hiring managers.

If this opportunity speaks to you, drop me an email.  I will send you the details and information on how to sign up for the workshop.

Have an amazing week!