The first step is to approach the problem from a positive standpoint and leave your fear behind. Whenever you meet with clients or hiring managers, speaking with confidence is a requirement.
The manner in which you express yourself is how you are initially identified. In other words, how you communicate, including attire, verbal, facial, body language, and your choice of words, work in unison to begin building your brand. Given the importance of communication, it is wise to practice telling a short story for you to get the feel of how you come across to others. However, when you deliver your story in person it should sound natural and not rehearsed.
Whenever an objection arises in your meeting, such as you have been unemployed for a long time, cheerfully acknowledge the statement with a smile on your face. This is referred to as “Agreeing with the objection.” The person interviewing you will be pleasantly surprised by your calm demeanor and will appreciate the forthcoming open dialogue.
Now it is your turn to shine by telling your story in an honest, open manner. This improves your brand and standing. For example, in your own vocabulary, describe how you took the time off to vacation, rest your mind and do some soul searching. During the process you recognized your true talents and interests. You took it upon yourself to self-educate further in this new direction to ensure a long career.
The next step is to apply the information you found about the company and its industry, prior to the interview, and your updated interests, to the job described. Keep your story to two minutes or less because people do not like to listen to long-winded explanations.
The final sales technique is to finish your personal story with a “buy-in” question such as, “Do I sound like the type of candidate you are seeking?” Buy-in refers to getting the other party to say, “Yes.” Sales experts agree you need 3-5 “buy-ins” or mini-agreements to make a sale or advance the interview. What transpires is the other party, by agreeing with you several times, will begin to talk themselves into recognizing you are the best person suited for the job.
Remain truthful at all times, and do your best to appear and sound relaxed and happy. No one wants to hire someone who seems desperate for the job. Once you are on the premises of the hiring company, the job is no longer about you but it is about how you will help the company solve their problems.
This method of conducting meetings and interviews builds your brand on many levels. Among them, you demonstrate leadership, confidence, and creativity, and these are traits usually sought after.
Applying these sales techniques to the interview will help you advance toward hearing HIRED!
Last quarter of 2011, job seekers will be treated, at no charge, to an online career convention. It is a community effort arranged by companies and sponsors to help get Americans back to work. The only requirement is that you register to attend the sessions by clicking the following link: http://bit.ly/AmericaHires360.
Upon gaining employment, remember that working on a grander level with others will enable you to enjoy far greater visibility and many ‘a Smooth Sale!
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”. She 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.
