Every actor knows that verbal messages are enhanced by body language, facial expression, voice intonation and props. Remember the job interview is a one time only performance – so make it a superb one!  When the job interview spotlight shines on you make sure your words, body language, and voice work work together to land you that position!

• Deal with Nervousness:

A little nervousness can actually aid you in being sharp and improve your performance. But heart-thumping, face-twitching, voice-quivering nervousness will reflect poorly on you and your self-confidence.

To rid your body of nervous tension, just before you go into the interview find a private spot outside or in the
restroom, shake out your arms, legs, and hands. Take a couple of deep breaths. This physical exercise releases tension that has built up and helps calm you. Then, close your eyes and visualize a scene about winning, seeing yourself as the “winner.” This visualization helps get you into a positive,  “I can do it” framework.

• Come Prepared:

The night before the interview pack up what you need to bring including a couple of resumes.  Have your list of references. Be sure all addresses, emails, and phone numbers are current and accurate. Include any work samples and the list of questions you intend to ask.   Check Google Maps to be sure you know where you are going.

Be on time; in fact, be there 10 minutes early.

• Pass The First Impression:

Before you even say hello, the employer’s mind is evaluating attire, hygiene, style, and formulating an opinion as to whether or not you fit into their  organization.   Even in today’s more casual, dressed-down workplace, appearance
counts a great deal with employers. Therefore, dress professionally. Greet the interviewer with a smile, and offer a firm handshake.

Nothing creates a poorer impression than a weak, couple-of-fingers handshake.

• Non-Verbal Cues:

Movements, gestures, posture and facial expressions are an important part of your overall performance. A sincere
smile sends a warm, confident message. Eye contact is one of the most important things employers notice about you. It conveys confidence that your message is believable.   Smile often, and be yourself. Douse vocal intonations to make your point so you’ll seem personable.

• Offer Support Documentation:

Every employer loves to see proof that you can do their job. It’s impressive to bring samples that demonstrate your abilities to do the job. Some examples: a spreadsheet that is an efficient tracking system, reports you have written,
materials you have created, brochures that list you as a panelist or speaker, etc.

• Listen:

Listen to the hiring manager / recruiter’s questions, hear their needs, hear their expectations. If you listen carefully, employers often reveal everything you need to know. It is frustrating for the interviewer to ask questions that never get answered, so listen closely. Many employers reveal their “hidden agendas,” those few things that really influence their decision. Paying close attention allows you to really address their true needs and land the position.

Check this HowCast video:

Click here to view the embedded video.

It is logical and common for professionals to build up their network during a job search, and then stop being in contact with their network once they have a job. This definition encourages people to continue networking even when they are not looking for a job.

• Networking is the most effective method for gathering job information from contacts to assist you in a job search. It does not require you to know scores of people or that you only talk to incredibly important people.
• Networking is essentially understanding the nature of relationship networks, talking to people you already know and developing relationships.
• Networking is about getting people you know to introduce you to people who are connected with your targeted organizations.
• Networking should not make you cringe. It is not just for extroverts ….. anyone can network successfully … all you need to do is: prepare, plan and spend the required time.

There are many ways to build your network. It isn’t just about going to after-hours networking meetings to stay connected. It’s about extending your efforts to everyone you know. Choose people you know and ask for introductions of those you don’t know.

Check this CommonCraft video on Networking:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Getting the word out about you and your job search is a very effective job search technique. Be sure to let everyone know what you are looking for, using your marketing plan and target list where appropriate.

Consider setting up a personal Web site. It is easy to build and customize your own professional looking Web site using materials you have already prepared, such as your resume and marketing plan.

Note that body language and how you actually say something are more important than the words you use. Remember, every time you send an email, you forfeit 93% of your communication. We tend to use email a lot, as it’s easier and faster, but remember how it limits real communication. When you talk on the phone, you’re still only getting 45% of the communication.

Telephone Calls: Another tip is when you call someone at the recommendation of someone else, start by mentioning the connection first.

Check this FoxNews video:

You know the saying, “It’s all about who you know.” But how do you network … if you don’t really know anyone yet? This week Adam wonders how he can get his foot in the door at top marketing companies in a new city, without an initial contact. Nicole shows him new strategies to connect with top executives, and how to ensure a call back.

Network Your Way to a Job Offer

BONUS INFO:

Hierarchy of a Network “Database”

• Database – Everyone in all of your contact databases (email, LinkedIn, personal address book, Twitter, etc.).
• Network – All he people who would return your phone calls! They’re people you are in touch with and you trust. Based on statistics, this group shouldn’t be more than 200-250 people, as after that amount, it’s more difficult to stay in touch.
• Inner Circle – People you could go to to ask their advice about what they think you should be doing for a living.
• Personal Board of Advisers (PBA) - These are the people who should champion you in your life. It’s like a Board of Directors, but for you, rather than for a company. You should have about 4-5 people on your PBA each year.
• Friends, Family, or Fools (FFF) – This is an obvious group… that actually likes you.

Competition in the job market is fierce, and if you hope to land a new position, you must stand out from the crowd — but for the right reasons. You want to provide hiring managers with a positive impression, so here are a few messages you should get across right from the start.

1. “I’m professional.”

Potential hires who take the application process seriously will be treated similarly by prospective employers. This means, for example, proofreading your application materials for grammatical or spelling errors. It never hurts to have someone else review your cover letter and résumé as well, in case you overlook something. Also, be careful with the type of language you use. Remember that your application materials are business documents, so avoid slang or casual speech, such as the kind you might use when text messaging with your friends.

2. “I’m a go-getter.”

Because hiring managers are being inundated with résumés, your application materials may get only a cursory glance. That’s why you need to take some initiative. For instance, when you initially contact the employer, instead of ending your cover letter or e-mail with a standard statement like, “I look forward to hearing from you,” be proactive. Try: “I will contact you next Thursday at 3 p.m. to discuss the opportunity and my fit for the position in greater detail.”

Also, unless you’re specifically asked not to, follow up with an employer if you haven’t heard back after sending in your résumé. In fact, 82 percent of executives polled by Robert Half International said job seekers should contact hiring managers within two weeks of submitting application materials. By doing so, you can reassert your interest in the position and remain at the top of the hiring manager’s mind.

3. “I’m an expert.”

Employers want to hire people who can hit the ground running. That’s why you need to demonstrate your expertise from the beginning. Three great methods for doing so are enhancing your online reputation, joining a professional association and earning a certification.

Options for increasing your exposure include starting a professional blog or Web site, submitting articles to an industry publication or even simply contributing to message boards. For instance, blogging about the industry that you want to work in and including the blog’s link on your résumé give prospective employers an easy way to see that you are well-informed.

By joining industry groups and trade associations, you can remain up-to-date with recent trends through interaction with others in the field. Use your résumé to highlight your membership in a professional group and show hiring managers your interest in furthering your industry knowledge.

Finally, consider earning a relevant industry certification. Many employers value candidates who have these credentials because they demonstrate a desire for continual professional development.

4. “I can save your company money.”

In today’s economy, companies are looking for ways to reduce costs. If you’ve implemented successful cost-cutting measures for previous employers, describe how you did so in your résumé or cover letter. For example, when applying for a role as an administrative assistant, you might note that in your last position, you helped renegotiate your company’s contract with an office supplies vendor, reducing spending in this area by 10 percent. Hiring managers will take notice of these types of accomplishments.

5. “I can fill your need.”

To show that you are an exact fit for an open role, make sure your application materials are targeted to each position and company. Use phrases from the job description within your résumé and cover letter, so long as they accurately describe your experience. Many employers use software programs that scan application materials for relevant keywords, so even if you are qualified but don’t use the employer’s terminology, your résumé may never be seen.

Sending the right messages to a prospective employer may not guarantee that you are offered the job, but it will increase your chances of being called for an interview. Then, you can make your case in person.

Source: Robert Half International

Many job seekers spend their ‘job search’ time in front of a computer because of the obvious vast resources available. How else could you possibly find so many opportunities in one place? There’s no question, all of those resources are great! … but they only pay off if you take the information you find, step away from the computer, and contact real people… on the phone and face-to-face!

Using the phone is the most efficient way to keep the momentum going in your job search. Much of your communication with prospective employers will be conducted over the telephone.

Tips for getting the most out of your time on the telephone – talking to recruiters and hiring managers.

• People hire real people – not an email, online connection, or resume!
• Think things out before you call so you can speak clearly and enthusiastically.
• Weave a conversation with the person on the phone and leave room for his or her comments.
• Don’t talk for more than sixty seconds without involving the listener.
• Ask questions early to get a positive response and to maintain the flow of the conversation.
• Establish rapport and mutual interest.
• Start with low-priority companies before calling your most desired prospective employer so you can iron out any kinks in your delivery.

Daily Phone Assignment When Conducting a Job Search

• Make a list of ten to twenty people to call, beginning at 8am. Sales representatives find it most effective to make phone calls in batches of ten at a time.
• Write out a brief outline of your “opening lines.“
• Keep five to ten accomplishment statements in front of you to strengthen your position statement (elevator speech).
• Keep your calendar nearby along with pens, pencils, and paper.
• Get something out of each call. If you’re unable to get an appointment, request the name of someone else to talk with.
• Offer a choice of two appointment dates (e.g., “Would Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday morning work best for you?”).
• Don’t stop calling until you’ve set up at least two appointments.

The Recruiter Perspective – the phone will make the difference between being an applicant and a prospect

When you send an introduction through LinkedIn, become a ‘friend’ on Facebook, send an email, or apply for a position online, you are no more to the recipient than one of the hundreds of other faceless, voiceless pieces of data they receive from the 90% of others doing the same thing. Recruiters will become interested in the candidate who calls, presents themselves professionally, and asks for a meeting.

The only way for recruiters to sort through all those applicants is to scan their information quickly, usually no more than 15 to 30 seconds per resume. If a resume matches the opening, it tells them nothing about the personality, culture fit, or professionalism of that candidate.

The only way that can be determined is over the phone or in-person.

The only way you can be considered for more than 15 or 30 seconds before a decision is made about you, is to talk to someone!

Overall Recommendations:

• When you find an appropriate opportunity, find a contact. Use LinkedIn, Google to search people at the company and find someone with an appropriate title to call.
• Don’t contact them through LinkedIn, but call the company and ask to speak to the person directly.
• Before your call, get prepared. Know the objective for your call and write a script.
• Have a script prepared in case you get their voicemail. Make it brief, professional, and let them know you will try to catch them again later.
• Search for and target companies that are of interest to you, not just job postings. Again, find a contact, call, and build a relationship. Be professional!
• Ask for an informational interview, or who else they would recommend you contact, or for their advice on how to best be considered for a position.
• Use the information they give you to call and meet others face-to-face as well.
• When you connect with someone on Facebook, or Twitter that appears to be a potentially valuable contact for your job search, be sure to call them directly as well.
• When asking for information, wherever possible, use open ended questions rather than questions which are likely to be answered with “yes” or “no.”  Your goal in asking open-ended questions is to start a conversation in which you gain information which will help in your job search.
• But don’t ask questions that you could easily find answered on the employer’s web site.
• The tone of your voice carries a lot of weight in a telephone conversation.
• You don’t have facial expressions, body language, and other non-verbal elements coming through in a phone conversation.  Smiling while you speak on the phone can make you sound more pleasant.
• Practice how you speak on the phone.

Useful Telephone Techniques

Practice, practice, practice with dry runs

Get organized. Write down any information you will need while speaking on the phone, including:
o Company information
o Names and titles
o A list of company needs
o A list of your qualifications
o Copies of past correspondence with the company

Recognize the importance of the gatekeeper (the person who stands between you and the person to whom you wish to speak)
o Listen for and write down his or her name
o Use the gatekeeper’s name in your conversation
o Enlist his or her support (”What would be the best time for me to call Mr./Ms.______?”)
o Thank the gatekeeper for his or her help

Have a reference sheet on:
o Past employment (resume)
o Strengths/accomplishments
o Length of employment in jobs
o Primary responsibilities in past positions

Write a script for each situation

Believe that you can be of value to the listener and the organization

Smile while you’re talking – it will help you sound more comfortable and confident

Practice Phone Scripts

Phone Script for an Informational Interview request

You are setting up a networking interview with a manager who was given to you as a referral. Remember:

* State who referred you
* Organize your thoughts and stay calm
* You are NOT asking for a job
* Your intent is to gather information
* People are generally open to talking about themselves and sharing their opinions
* State how a personal meeting will benefit you both
* You are seeking the advice of an expert
* Get the names of additional contacts
* Confirm time and exact address of any appointment

Practice Script for a follow-up to resume submision

You sent a resume to this company more than seven days ago. You want to know the status of your application and set up an interview. Remember:

* Be upbeat and positive
* Be clear and concise with your request
* Inquire about the process for filling the position
* Do not talk too much – listen for cues and clues
* Be courteous

___________________________________________________

BONUS – a down loadable PDF document:

Mary Elizabeth Bradford Internationally Certified Advanced Resume Writer and Tactical Job Search Coach has written a short ebook called Phone Networking Secrets Reveal after 12 years of experience “phone networking”, beginning as an executive recruiter and ending as a coach and consultant to executive job seekers faced with their own phone networking dilemmas.

• You can apply these techniques to your job search so that your phone networking experiences become easier fro you.
• This “book” contains tips for the steps to take after submitting a resume; the often dreaded “follow up phone call”

Phone Networking Secrets Revealed (click for PDF Document, same window)

To learn more about Mary Elizabeth, check out this 30 minute interview from Peter Clayton, of Total Picture Radio.

http://www.totalpicture.com/shows/success-strategies/mary-elizabeth-bradford-the-career-artisan.html

It is essential to have an elevator pitch – you need to communicate your main message quickly, clearly, and distinctly to a stranger – quickly and under pressure.  The name “Elevator Speech” reflects the fact that an elevator pitch can be delivered in the time span of an elevator ride (for example, thirty seconds and 100-150 words).

The idea of an “elevator speech” is to have a prepared presentation that grabs attention and says a lot about YOU in a few words…   What are you going to be saying?  …  By telling your core message, you will be marketing yourself and/or your business, but in a way that rather than putting people off will make them want to know more about you and your business.

It is imperative to work on this two to three minute presentation until it is perfectly crafted. This is the one kind of speech that should be memorized.  Make it such a part of you that if someone woke you up from a sound sleep in the middle of the night, and asked you what you do, you would smoothly and without hesitation tell them your “elevator speech.”  This speech will serve as your introduction to others, so it has to be good!

Read more how an Elevator Speech - a clear, concise bit of communication that can be delivered in the time it takes folks to ride from the top to the bottom of a building in an elevator - can be put together with this article by Katherine Hansen:   http://www.quintcareers.com/job-search_elevator_speech.html

Here are Katherine’s  Do’s and Don’ts of Elevator Speeches. Follow these simple rules and you should achieve success with this important tool of job-hunting:

• Do make your Elevator Speech sound effortless, conversational, and natural.
• Do make it memorable and sincere. Open a window to your personality.
• Do write and rewrite your speech, sharpening its focus and eliminating unnecessary words and awkward constructions.
• Do avoid an Elevator Speech that will leave the listener mentally asking “So what?”
• Do consider including a compelling “hook,” an intriguing aspect that will engage the listener, prompt him or her to ask questions, and keep the conversation going.
• Don’t let your speech sound canned or stilted.
• Do practice your speech. Experts disagree about whether you should memorize it, but you should know your speech well enough so you express your key points without sounding as though the speech was memorized. Let it become an organic part of you. Many experts suggest practicing in front of mirrors and role-playing with friends.
• Don’t ramble. Familiarizing yourself as much as possible with your speech will help keep you from getting off track.
• Do be warm, friendly, confident, and enthusiastic. A smile is often the best way to show friendliness and enthusiasm, while a strong, firm voice the best way to express confidence.
• Do take it slowly. Don’t rush through the speech, and do pause briefly between sentences. Breathe.
• Do project your passion for what you do.
• Do maintain eye contact with your listener.
• Don’t get bogged down with industry jargon or acronyms that your listener may not comprehend.
• Do be prepared to wrap up earlier than you were planning if you see the listener’s eyes glazing over or interest waning.
• Don’t hesitate to develop different versions of your Elevator Speech for different situations and audiences. When developing an Elevator Speech for a specific employer you’ve targeted, do research the organization and incorporate that knowledge into your speech.
• If you’re cold-calling a hiring manager and get his or her voicemail don’t be afraid to leave your Elevator Speech as a voice message. You may be even more successful getting action from the speech than if you had talked to the manager personally.
• Do incorporate examples and stories to help support your points. Provide examples of successful outcomes of deploying your skills. Stories make your speech memorable.
• Don’t focus just on yourself, an approach that will almost assure a “so what?” reaction.
• Do focus on how you can benefit employers and help them solve their problems. Remember as you deliver your Elevator Speech that the listener may be mentally asking, “What’s in it for me (or my company)?”
• Do use concrete, listener-friendly language, but at the same time, don’t be afraid to paint vivid word pictures.
• Don’t forget to include your competitive advantage — also known as your Unique Selling Proposition (USP); in other words. how you can perform better than anyone else.
• Do end with an action request, such as asking for a business card or interview appointment.
• Don’t forget to update your speech as your situation changes.
• If you are uncomfortable with the kind of speaking that the Elevator Speech entails, do consider joining a group such as Toastmasters to boost your confidence.

_____________________________________________________________________

Elevator Speech  Builder from Harvard Business School:

http://www.alumni.hbs.edu/careers/pitch/

I am sure you will benefit by using this easy-to-use tool for setting up your Elevator Speech.  Here is what I have established for myself:

Hello, my name is Ron Proctor.  I am a Human Resources systems professional specializing in Software as a Service implementations – most recently I was with SuccessFactors – a SaaS vendor – for 2 1/2 years.  Here is my card…

I have over 15 years experience in the Human Resources field and hold an MBA in HR from Golden Gate University. My specialty is to transfer my knowledge to my clients through best practices consulting.

I have a proven background as an effective consultant who can manage multiple projects at one time, have strong business process knowledge and excel at providing excellent customer service.

I am looking for a position either as a Consultant / Project Manager or a SaaS implementator.

May I have your card and call you next week?

Note: This word count is 125,  the estimated seconds is 32 and I have repeated 18 words.  According to the Harvard Business School site, an average Pitch is a word count of 230; an average length is 56 seconds with only 4 repeated words.