Why do interviews intimidate people so much? The worst that can happen is that the company you are interviewing with will not hire you! If that is the worst that can happen, then how do you make an impression, say the right things and win the job?

Well, a good way to start is to turn the interview process in your favor.

First Turn. Do your homework. Research the company and its people. And most importantly, look at the news releases recently published. A great source for this information is OneSource.com,  and all candidates with CPI receive access to it through our web portal.

Second Turn. Prepare a dynamic positioning statement or two-minute presentation so that you can “tell them about yourself” when you get the inevitable first question.

Third Turn. Ask a final question at the end of the above statement. “Is that the kind of person you are looking for?’

Now you have turned the interview around so that  you are asking the questions, and the company interviewer is responding. You learn what the key requirements of the job are. If you have really good accomplishment statements and stories, you can convince the interviewer that you are the person for the job.

This process does not happen without practice, and the best way to get that help is to work with a “professional” career counselor. A good place to start is with your local career firm. Let me know what other tips you have to help turn the interview in your favor…

Jim Davidson

Over the past five years Dr. Don Hanratty, the President of Optimance has participated in the Grant Thornton Business Leaders Council. At the most recent meeting numerous company CEOs and Presidents met at Comerica to review the current and emerging business challenges. The leaders reviewed the results of a recent survey conducted by the Advanced Strategy Lab.  

With some comments of concern, and also of optimism, and emerging issues were categorized.  Those identified as most critical…  

Assessing where future growth might come from.        

Prioritizing capital requirements and planning.       

Rebuilding morale and recognition within the organization.       

Doing a serious audit on our people and  their skills.       

Developing a set of strategic planning scenarios for the next 6 to 18 months.      

Keeping things lean as business improves.   

We are interested to hear if these are your most pressing issues. Let us know what else you see on the horizon.  Don would be happy to speak with you.

In Dan Brown’s latest book (author of The Da Vinci Code) The Lost Symbol, the reference to bringing order out of chaos comes up again and again. While I was reading the book, a senior executive in transition made the comment, ”Now I see what I have to do; you have made it clear what I have to do. It was very confusing before.”

With so many people searching for the best way to find their “next best work” there is so much chaos out there that it can be overwhelming.

• TV stations are offering fast, 15-second tips on how to find a job.
• Local churches are holding career sessions on how to improve your resume.
• Monster, Career Builder, and a host of other marketing sites are using jobs to sell their space.
• Government has their “help” programs.
• Some companies promise to market you to major companies for ONLY $10,000!

Where should a person go to get the best advice? Well, if you are sick you go to the doctor. If you have a plumbing problem you go to a plumber, a legal problem you go to a lawyer. With career issues, the connection should be to the expert in the field, a career counselor.

New Year…. New Image……Image is Everything 

Everyone knows that your voice changes when you smile, but did you know your voice changes when you stand up over sitting down. Now tell me how people perceive you when you have that inner glow of confidence. You feel different don’t you. After a long job search that glow can sometimes fade and you wonder if you will ever get it back. Sometimes a look at your image, or a check on your perception of yourselfis a good thing which can in turn jump start your job search. Sometimes knowing where to start causes the problem. The following steps may help you succeed in modifying your image for 2010. 

What do you think your current image is?  Take a few minutes to write down what you think you present to others. Think about how you dress, your posture, your voice, your presentation. What do you say? How polished is your two minute drill? 

What do other people say about your image? Go ahead and ask them. Get candid feedback. Prepare for a few surprises, just like the last 360 results you were given. 

Now, do you want to make some changes to your image?  This is where you have you have to be honest with yourself. Think about what the consequences are of you do not change. What is the worst thing that could happen if you make a change? 

Why should you want to change your image?  This depends on the feedback you received from others and whether you think a change would assist in your job search. 

If there was one thing you could change to project a better image what would it be? It could be hair, clothes, improving your network, revving up your two minute drill, or many other things, athleticism, sophistication, fashion, intelligence….. 

Select one and then identify someone you would like to emulate. Ease into it slowly. There is no need to rush and make a dramatic change. Take it slowly. 

Take stock. Did it make a difference? To others? To you? How do you feel now? 

Keep it going. 

Good luck for 2010.