Preparing for a job interview tends to be an exhausting and stressful activity; even if you typically perform well when interviewing.  Think about it…you have one shot at making a positive first impression.  In this regard, it is a lot like going on a first date.  There are no doovers.  And that’s just to make it to the second round of interviews.  Many job seekers make the classic mistake of not focusing solely on the needs of the employer.  Rather, they get too caught-up and focused on delivering crisp bullet points from their past accomplishments and experience.  Candidates also have a tendency to prepare scripted answers to particular questions that favor their candidacy.  The problem with this approach is you have no idea what questions you will field or the format in which they will be asked.  I have a great answer for how I define success, but almost nobody ever asks the question!  What’s more, not all interviewers are trained to conduct effective interviews.  The trick is to bridge the gap between the employer’s needs and your talent, qualifications and proven track record.  So, how do you do this?

Well, the easiest way to accomplish this is to treat the interview like a sales call.  As a business development professional, I refer to this as consultative selling.  Except you are the product; you are selling your services.  The good news is that nobody knows more about you than you.  When you prepare for the interview, your focus should begin with the position description.  The hiring company has done you the favor of telling you exactly what they want in a job candidate along with the qualifications they seek.  It is your job to deliver it to them on a silver platter with all of the trimmings.  For example, if the company is looking for a Financial Manager with 5+ years experience, then it is up to you to communicate that you have the aforementioned experience and that you have produced the following positive results, whereby you provide real, concrete examples.  All of your responses should relate your direct experience, including examples that produced positive results, back to the question of the interviewer.

If and when the interviewer inquires about your top skillsets, do NOT simply tick them off.  Provide real examples of how you put these skills to work and produced positive results for your past employers.  By consistently reiterating your proven track record and ability to generate positive results in past (but similar) roles that directly relate to the questions asked, not only will this impress the interviewer, but this will catapult you well ahead of your competition.  Very few job candidates put in the extra effort to prepare for an interview by focusing on the needs of the employer.  During an interview, remember that every candidate is selling.  The approach I have described above will improve your odds of the employer buying from you.   In my next post, I will share my all-time favorite best practice for interviewing.  What are some of your go-to favorites?

Unemployment stands at 10.2% nationally and will likely continue to climb.  When you factor in people who are either underemployed (translation: working part-time) or have stopped looking for work altogether, the rate of unemployment actually stands at 17.5%.  Yes, it is okay to gulp.  I have just over 14 years of professional work experience, and I have NEVER witnessed or experienced this type of declining job market.  To say that it is bad is a complete understatement.  I know too many highly qualified, educated and experienced professional people who have become victims of this recession and declining job market.  Many have had to reinvent themselves and/or change industries entirely.  Changing industries in a declining job market out of necessity is no easy task, especially if most of your experience and professional track record stem from one particular industry.  I consider myself to be extremely fortunate and grateful to still have a job under these adverse circumstances, which is the premise for this entry.

I use to work for a large, national bank headquartered out of Cleveland, Ohio.  I departed in 2007 and joined a very small company.  When I joined the new company, I made a commitment to myself and my new employer that I would not only check my ego at the door (which I will admit was pretty big), but I would remain open-minded and flexible regarding any projects, assignments or tasks for which I would be assigned.  When I departed the aforementioned bank, I was considered a top-performer; in fact, I was the top-performer on a Nationwide Business Development Team.  Joining this new company, I was now the low man on the proverbial totem pole.

I took on and accepted all-manner of assignments, no matter how over- or under-qualified I may have felt.  Now, I am not saying I always enjoyed it, but this mindset I had and still have to this day enabled me to stay employed.  The team that I was proud to be a part of no longer exists today.  And yet, I still remain.  I have a completely different job function today, but the more important thing to note is that I still have a job.  If I were not willing to take on any assignment/project/task, no matter how big or small, no matter how over- or under-qualified I may have been, I am fully convinced that I would be contributing to the increasing unemployment rate.  You will never hear me utter the words, “That is not in my job description.”  As far as I am concerned, my job description is whatever my employer needs me to do.  I am fortunate in that I work with numerous individuals who shares this same perspective as I do. 

As the holidays continue to descend upon us, giving thanks while keeping perspective can help you to make your way and experience the truly positive things that life and work can offer.

In the spirit of the holidays, I want to share a concept that I practice and refer to as reverse networking.  It is really quite simple.  Instead of searching out people within your network and inner circle for ideas and opportunities, this is your chance to give back to them.  For example, if you come across a great idea or opportunity that you think may be of interest to some of your contacts, then share it with them.  Let them know that you came across this information and that you thought it may be of interest to them.  Now, there is a caveat…the idea/opportunity you are sharing really should align with their interests (personal and/or professional), experience and background.  Examples include online articles, job opportunities, sports articles/updates, blog postings, industry updates…the possibilities are nearly unlimited.  Best of all, you are not asking for anything in return. 

How many times have called upon your inner circle at your time of need feeling indebted for their  helping hand?  This is a pretty easy way to “pay it forward.”  Most people do not proactively stay connected to their professional network.  I can’t think of a more selfless and effective way to maintain these vital connections and contacts than reverse networking.  It is important to understand that nothing should be expected in return.  There is an important by-product that will result over time, and that’s good karma.  May your cup runneth over this holiday season.  But by all means, I encourage everyone to reverse network throughout the entire year, not just when it feels like the time to be charitable.  Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

This is my official entry into the world of blogging.  Feels kind of strange, but it seems that social media is here to stay.  I plan to utilize this space and opportunity to both share and present information.  I have a question for you:  What is on your top shelf?  If you answered with “Last year’s bowling trophy,” think again.  Why is this an important question?  And who wants to know?  Well, for starters, recruiters and HR Managers want to know; hiring managers want to know.  I suspect people within your network and/or your inner circle want to know or at least be aware.

The concept of Top Shelf is all about showcasing the best stuff you have to offer.  Most of us have heard the expression “Top Shelf” when discussing premium-brand spirits and liquors, meaning the bartender keeps the most expensive, premium-brand booze on the top shelf.  Well, as potential job candidates, as networkers, as bloggers, we need to think and act in a similar manner.  What is the best stuff that you have to offer and why?