No one wears a t-shirt to a job search networking event.  Do they? Well, you shouldn’t.  But if you thought about it and wanted to wear one of these, please pull them out of your virtual closet.  Right now. And burn them. ... Read more

In this challenging market, I’ve heard from many executives, managers, and six-figure professionals who are now pursuing opportunities that don’t exactly match their previous job title. In some cases, the individuals were performing more senior activities than their title suggested. In other cases, they were transitioning into a different role for which they were qualified. In either situation, the job titles they previously held were not conducive to selling their expertise in the targeted position.

If you are targeting career opportunities that match your talents, but not your previous job titles, you can honestly and effectively address the disconnect.

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It’s one thing to be the person asking questions in a job interviews – but it’s completely another thing when you are being asked the questions. Most successful executives have rarely had to sit in an interview. Often, they are promoted into positions or retained purely on the on the name they have made for themselves. So, you can imagine that they may be more than uncomfortable when they are put on the other side of the interview table. When you’re interviewed, do you exude confidence because you know the stories you want to tell? Are you the type of person who practices responses ahead of time? Or, are you one of that rare breed that already knows what you are going to say? Whatever your style, you will find it worthwhile to review the notes you made while creating your resume. Interviewers are likely to ask you to give them more information about the bullets in your resume. So, practice articulating longer versions of your resume bullets using a situation (introduction), action (body of the story), and result (conclusion) that you hope will keep your listeners interested. Chances are that interviewers will also want to hear some fresh examples. So, it’s always a good idea to have more stories than you believe you will need. As you think about that interview, it may help to reflect on the following ideas for using stories to best advantage:

• Knowing how to engage listeners in an interview is pivotal. Reflecting on your brand story is a good jumping-off point. Whether your interviewers actually ask you to tell them why you believe you should be hired over any others or not, be ready with a short opener that tells them what makes you special.
• Telling stories that reflect your passion helps diffuse tension. In fact, when you are totally immersed in a story, you will relax and the content will flow. Some stories will seem to take longer than in practice while others will feel much shorter.
• Listening for opportunities to tell a short story will give you a chance to share more. Even when asked a traditional question like “what kind of leader are you?” you may spot an opening to segue into a story that illustrates your leadership style.
• Checking for reaction and interest is important. All great storytellers look around as they speak. They feed off the energy of their audience. Being aware of the reaction you are getting can keep you going or give you a hint that it’s time to wrap up.
• Keep the momentum – as long as your audience is captivated. If you are not entirely sure, you can pause and say something like, “Have I shared enough or would you like me to continue?”
• Wrap up the entire interview process with a fitting conclusion. Ensure your listeners know how much you appreciated their interest in you and your stories of success, and how much you would enjoy working with them in the future.

Remember: everyone is a storyteller at some level. Whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, once you start in on a story that is dear to your heart and deeply familiar, you will tell it convincingly. Practice makes perfect. Ask a trusted confidante to listen to your stories – a real dress rehearsal. Then, tell your stories to as many people as are interested. Whether you are a confidant storyteller or someone unused to expressing themselves in an interview situation, you may appreciate more guidance in this area. The executive interview experts at Graham Management Group can provide you with consulting, practical suggestions, and even role-playing – whatever will help you most. Connect with me to learn more about interview strategy. Thank you for reading my blog! Please email me if you spot any errors in this post. Post from: www.sharongraham.ca Career Storytelling: capture interest in your executive interview Share/Save ... Read more

Are you fully articulating your soft skills in your cover letter? Hiring criteria for some employers may revolve more  around hard skills, specific areas of expertise and relevant degrees, but there are many organizations interested in those soft skills relative to their corporate culture and conducive to an established team of employees.

 

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Negotiating in a tough economy.  Many people ask me whether they can still negotiate when it’s an Employers’ Market.  The thought goes like this:  If I start negotiating, I’m sending my potential new employer a message:  “I don’t accept the job [yet.]“  Isn’t that dangerous?  Couldn’t they lose the job offer?

In a Job Hunter’s market is’t save because the employer has little choice.  Negotiate or lose the candidate.  In an Employer’s market it’s more like, “You don’t want the job at that salary?  NEXT!”

My coaching encourages candidates make a trade:  give up a little negotiating leverage in trade for “locking in” the offer.   They can say, “Mr. Employer, the offer you just extended is firm, right?”  After the employer assures you that’s so, the candidate says, “Thanks, because there are  a few things I’d like talk about and didn’t want to jeopardize the actual offer as it stands…”  Comments from thought leaders?