Have you ever had a job that you wished you had not accepted?
The follow-up question is, did you take the time to analyze if signs were present that you chose to ignore?
Poor job selection happens to the best sometimes, but it is from these lessons that repeat scenarios may be avoided. Consider the following strategies to help you do better in the future:
1. Itemize your perfect job
Do you sometimes wish you could find a job that…?
The next time this type of thought occurs, list every element of the job associated with that thought. Two important reasons exist for this suggestion. While on an interview, and with your list in mind, you will quickly recognize disqualifiers as an in-depth description of employment requirements is provided.
On a more positive note, although it may seem a stretch that your visualized perfect job exists, on occasion it will appear. Excitement takes hold and your enthusiasm will serve to make you the preferred candidate.
2. Hunt, qualify and match opportunities to your list
The specifics of your perfect job will serve to help you communicate to others what you are seeking. Once understood, your peers will be in a better position to help you. So let everyone know the details of what you are seeking.
When possibilities arise consider the commute, job and travel requirements, potential stress, company personality and environment, as well as monetary consideration. If you have ever purposely ignored any of this because you needed the job, I’m sure you will agree these are important factors before saying yes in the future.
3. Schedule practice interviews and ask for feedback
If a long while has passed since your last interview, you may not have the comfort level required for conducting a friendly insightful conversation. Specific questions to keep the interviewing process on track may have been forgotten. Keep these questions in mind as you interview:
– “What are the next steps in your process?”
– “What is your timeframe for filling the position?”
– “Do I appear to be the type of candidate you are seeking?”
As the saying goes, practice makes perfect. Each succeeding time, you provide improved examples of your capabilities and are able to ask more insightful questions. You may also receive multiple offers for enhanced negotiation.
4. Why do you want the job?
Somewhere in the interview process, you will need to either volunteer or answer what attracted you to the posting. Enthusiasm is an important ingredient for attracting further interest in you.
Your talent gets you in the door but your personality is typically the deciding factor. Create a one-minute story including the highlights of your ideal job and how the opening appeals to your interests and talents. Relay your story with excitement in your voice and on your face for the other party to hear and see the dynamics and benefits you will bring to the company.
5. Get the offer and the better package
By incorporating these tips into your repertoire with your personality stamped on them, you will also identify your personal brand. Allowing hiring managers to gain familiarity with you and your talents, the awaited offer will come more readily. It is in this moment where you are able to negotiate an improved package.
Reviewing your transition to hearing “Hired”, it will seem as if it were a very Smooth Sale!
Author:
Elinor Stutz, CEO of Smooth Sale, LLC, (800) 704-1499, was honored by Open View Labs with inclusion in their international list of “Top 25 Sales Influencers for 2012.” Elinor authored the International Best-Selling book, “Nice Girls DO Get the Sale: Relationship Building That Gets Results”, Sourcebooks and the best selling career book, “HIRED! How to Use Sales Techniques to Sell Yourself On Interviews”, Career Press.
