A famous coach, of Green Bay Packer fame, spoke frankly when he said, “Perfect practice makes perfect.” Mr.Lombardi’s intent was CLEAR. He wanted his players to concentrate on PRACTICE, drilling on the “little things”, the basics, so that they became instinct during the heat of real life.
Such is productive mindset during any career transition, specifically related to your ability to relate your well positioned “story” to others, answer questions effectively, conduct productive negotiations, and, in general, fine tune your personal salesmanship skills. So what are those basics that will allow you to effectively “close the deal?”
- Practice your two minute drill every chance you get…. it’s the fundamental building material of your communication strategy–your verbal collaterals!
- Practice your exit and qualification statements… most all potential employers and networking contacts will want to know your current situation and why you are available.
- Practice answering both common and tough questions… including pre-offer negotiation tactics.
The most asked question during career transition is, “Tell me about yourself.” Appropriate use of your two-minute drill and related verbal strategies, your “verbal collaterals,” is a key ingredient to personal salesmanship…
- A verbal resume… A tightly focused, upbeat telling of “your story” told in a high impact two minute format. With practice, can be easily personalized to your listener.
- An “elevator pitch”… A succinct summary of your qualifications for a specifically positioned function or opportunity. With practice, can become quite spontaneous.
- Brag bytes… Wordcraft various collections of words, phrases and sentences to capture memorable moments or accomplishments–the best you have to offer. “…saved 80% cost-per-hire…” Used in MSWord Auto Text Format can be quite efficient when building high impact correspondence as well.
- Personal Portfolio… Your collection of certificates, examples of work, reference letters, etc that can bring life and interest (not to mention PROOF) to your story.
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This coming Thursday, June 20th, we will focus on MoneySpeak and interviewing-Pre-Offer Negotiation Approach. This stuff is worth your practice time in anticipation of that terrific offer you’ll get!
We meet at The Egg and I Restaurant (NW Quadrant of Arapaho and Montfort) in Addison.
Come prepared to work on YOUR most difficult or challenging questions that you’re asked either on the phone or within actual interviews.
Who should attend?
- Those who want to perform more effectively in actual interviews–get to the offer!
- Those seeking a systematic, focused, more predictable way to conduct any interview and discussion of salary;
- “Regulars” who need a ‘booster shot.’… and bring a guest;
- New Comers and tire kickers… this is a great session with which to supplement your job search effectiveness!
