Have you ever worked in a remote office where your opinion was considered remote, as in, “not valued”? My own experience has shown that the people at Headquarters enjoy the most exposure, freedom and reward from their careers.
On the other hand, benefits may be derived from being in a remote office. It is possible you will have more autonomy in decision-making and team building. Your ideas may be more readily accepted and implemented. This would enable you to more quickly develop your personal brand for all to see.
In the case this particular spot turns out to not be long-term, you will still be able to move your branding effort forward to a better position elsewhere. In either case, you may find a win to further your career.
Given the remote office opportunity may go either way, positive or negative, the best sales technique to apply upfront, on the interview, is to “qualify”. By asking diplomatic and open-ended questions, you will be able to get a clear idea as to how the opportunity might play out should you choose to come on board.
Example questions phrased in your own vocabulary are: “Please describe how the two offices work together?” “How involved is headquarters with the day to day operation of this office?” “Are there occasions where all of the offices work, team build or train together?”
The biggest error most people make, whether for a sale or an interview, is to assume the answer to their burning question. Very often surprise answers come your way. By asking the open-ended questions, you avoid all assumptions and provide the hiring manager with the opportunity to provide an in-depth answer.
On a side note, most people doing the interviewing enjoy the opportunity to explain how they perceive the company being run. Most people prefer speaking rather than listening, so you will do the hiring manager a favor by providing the opportunity. That person will then look more favorably upon you, particularly if your follow-up to their answers presents the qualities they seek. You will want to demonstrate having carefully listened, connect the job description with their answers, and show appreciation for their reply.
Applying their answers to how you will perform on the job will paint the picture of you being a top-notch candidate. By clarifying everything that is shared, you will be empowered to make a better decision of whether or not to move forward with the company.
Further questions may revolve around the reporting structure, whether you will need to travel to headquarters on a regular basis or at all, and gaining familiarity with the people on your team. You will want to know how everyone interacts and supports one another.
On the other side of the table, the hiring manager will appreciate the prior thought you gave to the job posting and the interview. These sales techniques demonstrate strength in critical thinking, and leadership potential given you are seen leading the conversation. Should you desire a spot where you may work your way into management, it will be far easier to achieve by implementing these steps from the beginning.
Author:
Elinor Stutz, CEO of Smooth Sale, LLC authored the International Best-Selling book, “Nice Girls DO Get the Sale: Relationship Building That Gets Results” and “HIRED! How to Use Sales Techniques to Sell Yourself On Interviews”. Elinor delivers inspirational keynotes at conferences, team training, private coaching and finds joy in helping her clientele turn their dreams into reality. Elinor is available upon request for consultation.
