“The shortest distance between two points is a diagonal line.” How would you like to find your diagonal in securing your desired job?
Using sales techniques, it’s possible. “Prospecting” to “Fill the sales funnel” increases the possibilities and decreases the time to secure your desired job. Here are proven sales techniques:
1. Practice speaking in front of a mirror prior to meetings.
You have 2 seconds to make a good impression. Check your reflection for smiling as you speak, soft body gestures and erect posture. All of these practices contribute to conveying confidence. Create a personal story of 2 minutes or less as to why you are seeking work, the talent you have to offer, and why others should care.
2. Be clear on what you really want in your next job.
Frequently associated aspects are included that you may not enjoy. In fact, some may be painful causing you not to want to go to work in the morning. Be honest with yourself. For instance, a big city remotely located may offer triple the salary, but do you really want to commute 2-3 hours per day? Tough questions need to be answered before you go seeking work.
3. Research your ideal companies thoroughly.
Learn what is important to each company, who their clientele is, and what you have to offer that will be a great fit should they hire you.
4. Set a goal for the number of companies to contact per week.
An exciting job posting may say “Do not call”. You have to follow orders. Note: it does not say, “Do not visit”. Stop by to have a friendly conversation with the receptionist, hand over a clean copy of your resume with a short cover letter addressed to the executive you wish to reach. Convey your purpose for introduction.
This technique is powerful because few have the courage to do this. It’s possible an executive will briefly meet you on the spot or more often a phone call will come your way as a preliminary screening. This technique alone builds your personal brand before their eyes.
5. Call the executive in charge of the department in which you wish to work for introductory purpose. Apply your talent to their perspective.
When you hear, “We have no open positions now”, the best reply is, “That’s perfect!” (They will be listening.) Quickly add, you believe it would be worthwhile for a preliminary meeting to put a face with a name so when they do have a need, they will know who to call. Meetings are granted many times in this situation. However, if they say, “not now”, ask “when”. Your determination will be admired.
6. Persevere.
Contact all of the companies of interest in your desired location. Keep repeating the techniques outlined above. Activity will pick up and so will your enthusiasm making you an even better candidate on the interviews.
These are the sales techniques that are your diagonal line to hearing HIRED! You will find the right job more quickly and it will seem as if it were a 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. Elinor offers inspirational keynotes for conferences and is available for consultation.
