Tag: interview preparation

Six Ways to Land The Interview You Want

by jsl_web_admin

Have you ever wondered why you didn’t get a follow-up e-mail or call for an in-person interview? At some point, you should dig deeper and really understand why you aren’t getting called back. This article provides six steps that are critical to your job hunt. These steps are often overlooked when candidates move too quickly to reach the interview stage. Like anything worth working for, you need to put in the ground work to be successful. If you are having trouble getting an interview, seek no more. Here are six ways to land an interview:

 

  1. Build a strong personal network. Put in the effort to develop a personal network. Be proactive and attend in-person networking events. Do not rely entirely on the internet and simple one-click submissions, like Monster and Indeed. It is important to establish meaningful relationships with decision makers, and a great way to do this is through professional networking events, such as industry meetings and mixers, university recruitment programs, and career fairs. Your chances of being hired will increase significantly if you establish and leverage internal contacts within your target company.

 

  1. Polish up your LinkedIn profile. Now that you have developed your physical, in-person network, you can shift your focus to online networks: LinkedIn and other professional networking websites. Start making the right connections online. In other words, advertise yourself to your target company, including talent acquisition, hiring managers, and other key stakeholders.

 

You may be perfect for a position, but if you are not in close contact with the hiring manager (think first or second degree within a professional social network), you might be out of the equation entirely. LinkedIn can give you a leg up on the competition. Secondly, as you develop your LinkedIn profile, ignore the phrase “don’t judge a book by its cover”. Recruiters and hiring managers want to see polished candidates, and that starts with your profile on LinkedIn; think about adding a professional photograph. Your accomplishments may be great, but if you do not present yourself well, you may be passed over for another candidate.

 

  1. Research the company. Research the company and your target position. Hiring managers need to know that you can handle the role; and more importantly, that you have the relevant skills to succeed. Researching the company and position will show effort, and help you adapt your skills to meet the specific needs of the company. Familiarity with the company’s goals and values will be very effective during networking conversations and prescreening interviews. Researching the position is also critical to developing a great resume and cover letter.

 

  1. Develop a winning resume and cover letter. Polish up a winning resume and cover letter. Read your resume and ask yourself: “What unique skills do I possess that will enable me to add value to the role?”. In today’s job market, many applicants offer similar skills – make your resume and cover letter stand out by using action words followed by strong, goal oriented statements. In your cover letter, be sure to explain how you have impacted your previous company positively. Include performance achievements, awards, and clear quantitative data that illustrates your success. Lastly, explain why you are the best candidate for the job, and how you can contribute to the goals of your target company.

 

  1. Follow-up. If you have contact information of a recruiter, employee, or other relevant network contact, it is helpful to send a follow-up email after submitting your application. Although you may think this is coming off as pushy, reaching out may put you at the top of the list. Note, one follow-up message is generally sufficient, as you do not want to seem overly eager. Also, if you are told you are not continuing to the interview phase, be sure to ask for feedback on your submission in order to improve for your next opportunity.

 

  1. Develop a clear career pathway. Develop a career pathway toward your target position. Be selective about the interviews and positions that you accept. Structure your career moves to show growth and continuous professional development toward a clear goal. Keep in mind, as Thomas Jefferson said, “I’m a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more luck I have!”

 

Overall, remember to never give up. Wishing you the best of luck in your search!

Read more: 10 Things You Need to Know to Ace an Interview

 

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SearchWide Global is a full service executive search firm, placing hundreds of executives, primarily for companies in Destination Organizations / Hotels & Resorts / Venue Management / Experiential Marketing, Tradeshow & Exhibition / Industry Associations / Sports & Entertainment. Specializing in C-Level and Director level executive searches for companies ranging in size from Fortune 500 corporations to mid-sized public and private companies and associations. Headquartered in St. Paul, MN, USA and several regional offices, SearchWide Global is able to serve clients and candidates nationwide. Founded in 1999, they have remained focused on four core values for almost two decades: INTEGRITY, ETHICS, PASSION and RESPECT.

 

10 Things You Need to Know to Ace an Interview

by jsl_web_admin

We’ve all seen that perfect job and wondered how cool it would be to work there!  Some of you were lucky enough to land “that” interview…now what?!?!

Well relax!  Take a deep breath, compose yourself and then take a step back.  It takes time and practice to ace a performance in the interview room.

After seeing hundreds of interviews, most do well, some fall hard and a few simply nail it! The candidates that nail the interview were certainly the most prepared.

 

Here are some thoughts for interviewing preparation for success…

 1. First off…evaluate yourself:

It is not about the hardest worker or the one that arrives early and stays late that will get that position… Know your strength and weaknesses; know them well enough so you can effectively communicate these to the hiring party.  They will ask…believe me…         Most importantly, you really should know this for your own personal growth.  Ask yourself some really tough questions and you may want to ask others you know and trust.  You’re really only as good as the information you get and “not knowing that you don’t know” is not a strong trait.  Lastly, know WHY you want this job…practice how you communicate this…ears perk up when candidates respond to WHY!

 

2. Know the company:

Do your homework!  Not only is it important to know the company but know their competitive set and have the ability to speak about those comparable strength and weaknesses at least at a surface level.  You can’t get into the nitty gritty until you can conduct your own internal assessment but online can provide a surface level view to give you some talking points.  Go for it!

 

3. Know who will interview you:

LinkedIn…BAM!  Look to connect your life with theirs.  This will give you talking points and can break the ice out of the gate when you walk into the room.  Look at the cities they’ve lived in, former companies, college, groups, etc.  Play it safe when looking at common connections because your friend may no longer be their friend.

 

4. Be a good listener:

You can’t just listen with your ears…USE YOUR EYES; body language can tell you everything.  Listen carefully to the question and answer the question.  Do not fill in silence with speak.  I think we’ve all interviewed somebody and asked one question and received a 30 minute response…not good!  Watch for body language to know when to wrap it up.

 

5. Confident but humble:

Know you…know what you can do…be confident but humble…it’s all in the delivery.  B and C players are indecisive.  Good leaders are decisive and factual.  If you want to be considered as leadership material, you have to possess a confident but humble characteristic.  Be confident in your judgment and believe in yourself.  Has anyone heard the saying…you’re good enough, you’re smart enough and dammit…people like you.  They probably do until you give them a reason not to…

 

6. WE…Us…the TEAM:

The old saying is true, the letter “I” stands alone.   Share credit when a project goes well. One of the most powerful and rarely discussed success factors with career success is the ability to share wins with others.   “We” vs. “Me” will help the interviewer understand your ability to work well with others. This doesn’t mean refrain from sharing your individual responsibilities and accomplishments, but be clear about how those things benefitted your team.  Helping your colleagues succeed is a sign of self-confidence, self-trust, teamwork and collaborative leadership.

 

7. Communication style:

The basics here…energy, polished and on point.  Effective communication in a sufficient amount is VERY important.  Careful not to ramble on and on and on and on…you get the point. Whether you bump into a CEO in an elevator, the guy on the loading dock…your ability to speak and engage with a wide variety of people is an absolute essential.  I always found it extremely beneficial to ask the receptionist how a candidate interacted with them…pay attention to your verbal and nonverbal efforts.

 

8. Dress the part:

If you look good you feel good and that is contagious.

 

9. Have a few questions for the end and a brief closing statement:

Questions can prove that you’re prepared and have done some homework.  Ask the questions you need answered so you can evaluate the position just as much as they evaluated you.  But, read body language and know when it’s time to close.  A closing statement should reiterate you want and desire to make a change.  Don’t overkill this…keep it to the point, simple and polished.

 

10. Lastly and super important…be you:

You never want to sell yourself into a position that is over your head or where your experience won’t provide success.  Nobody wants to scratch their head after 6 months and ask “what did I do…?”

 

Take positions that stretch your ability, will keep your interest so you stay motivated.  Look for companies that can provide growth and an opportunity down the road.  Look for a culture fit as much as a professional fit.  Don’t sell yourself short…go for it and remember…success comes most to those who are surrounded by people who want their success to continue.

 

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SearchWide Global is the leader in executive search and recruitment for public and private organizations in the convention, hospitality, tourism, lodging and event industries for almost two decades. We specialize in executive recruitment at all levels. Our knowledge and experience help us fully understand and interpret your business, competitive set and individual dynamics related to your business. With offices across the country, we remain connected at all levels while valuing our client and candidate relationships which in turn will build a solid bench for future success.

 

Contact us to learn more about our services.