Rabbi Yitzhak Miller Basic Keys to Job Search By: Michelle Dumas.

In recent months, the job market has become increasingly competitive. But even as the economy slows, and there are increasing numbers of job seekers in the job market, there are many professionals who have been incredibly successful in conducting fast, effective job searches. What do they have in common? How are they doing it? Here are nine tips to speed your own job search and drive it to a fast, successful conclusion.

Know what you want and go after it. Starting a job search without knowing what you want will almost certainly end in frustration. Think about it: If you don’t know what you want and what your job target is, how will you know who to contact and how to conduct your search? If you are uncertain about your career goals, it is critical that you spend some time and energy now – before launching your search – on self-introspection and analysis. Knowing what YOU want, what YOU are passionate about, and what YOU bring to the table will provide you with a confidence that simply can’t and won’t be matched by many of your competitors in the job market. This is the crucial first step to any job search and is essential for long-term career success as well.

Know and sell your personal brand. When you think about your next career move, how would things be different for you if employers and recruiters actually sought you out? Personal branding (the process of clarifying and communicating what makes you and your unique value proposition different and special) allows you to make a name for yourself. It differentiates you from your peers and helps to position you as a leader in your field – as a specialist and an authority who knows how to do a job and fill a particular niche in the workplace better than anyone else. Once you are clear on your personal brand, you can use it to project a cohesive brand image and value proposition throughout all your job search activities, and do so in a way that addresses the specific concerns of your target audience. By knowing and promoting your brand, you achieve instant, precision-like focus that positions you as the ideal candidate for the specific type of opportunity that interests you. You gain immediate competitive advantage.

Be able to clearly articulate who you are and what you have to offer. While this may feel uncomfortable to you, the simple truth is that a job search is a sales and marketing campaign: a sales and marketing campaign in which YOU are the product. Through the process of personal branding, you must identify what differentiates you and paint a compelling portrait of your unique value proposition. But, don’t stop with just promoting this in your resume and then become tongue-tied when someone asks about you and your candidacy. You will hear the “what do you do?” or “tell me about yourself?” questions over and over, both during your job search and throughout your entire career. Don’t wing it! Preparation is the key to confidence and the key to making a lasting, positive, and memorable first impression. Be ready with a 30-60 second pitch that immediately and confidently conveys to the listener who you are as a professional and what it is that you offer.

Make their first impression your best impression. Take a hard look at your resume. Like it or not, your resume is your first introduction to most employers, and your only chance to make a good first impression. Effective resumes are highly focused marketing pieces that are strategically written and designed to sell YOU as THE best solution to a potential employer’s needs and problems. Your resume should be written to convey and illustrate your unique value proposition, with succinct “stories” that differentiate you from your competitors in the job market. Does your resume accomplish these goals? Is it focused effectively? Does it accurately present you in the way that you wish to be presented? If not, it is time to rewrite.

Network, network, network…and then network some more. At least 80% of all the jobs are found through the “hidden” job market, also known as the “unpublished” job market. These are jobs typically landed through word of mouth and referrals as opposed to answering ads, posting your resume to internet databases, or other techniques meant to target the remaining 20% of all jobs in the published market. It stands to reason that if the vast majority of the jobs are to be found in this hidden market, that you should spend the majority of your job search time working to crack it. There is no more effective job search technique than networking. So, even if it feels a little uncomfortable at first, just get out there and do it. Make networking a part of your daily routine and plan to spend the majority of your job search time on networking activities (approximately three-fourths of your time is a good estimate). The more you network, the faster your current job search will come to a successful conclusion and the faster and more successful any future job searches will be.

Plan and execute a multi-pronged job search campaign. Yes, networking is essential, but other job search techniques are also important. An effective job search campaign is a multi-pronged one that includes the strategic, planned, methodical use of a variety of job search approaches. Answering ads alone is almost never enough. Neither is working with headhunters, using internet job search sources, or researching and targeting specific employers. But, when you combine all these approaches with networking, carefully evaluate and prioritize the approaches based on relative effectiveness, and then launch an integrated, multi-pronged job search campaign, you will always come out ahead. The best job search is one in which the job seeker approaches it as if it was a job itself.

Build a support team. While your preparation will certainly ease the whole process, job searching can be a grueling and very stressful experience. So, I want to remind you that you don’t have to go through it alone. You should build a support team around you of people who can help you stay motivated and on track while giving you honest feedback and helping you stay accountable to the goals you set for yourself. Family and friends, past and present managers, your peers and colleagues, financial advisors, and professionals in the careers industry such as career counselors, coaches, and resume writers all make excellent people to add to your team. By assembling a good mix of people to support you, from a diversity of backgrounds and professions, you will receive a variety of different perspectives, ideas, and insights that can be very helpful. You should consider joining a job search support club or group – a local one if one is available or an online one. If you have been provided with outplacement services by your former employer, by all means take advantage of the office space and resources offered. The point is that you don’t have to and shouldn’t conduct your search in isolation. Surround yourself with a team that will help and support you. Above all, recognize when you need support and don’t be afraid to ask for assistance and guidance.

Always follow up. Following up on all of your contacts and your activities can do more to influence your success in achieving your job target than anything else. A hand-written thank you note or a more formal, typed thank you letter after speaking with a networking contact, attending an informational interview, or after attending an actual job interview can make a lasting positive impression that gives you a distinct competitive advantage. A follow-up phone call on every resume you send, whether it is a resume sent cold, in response to an ad, or based on a referral from one of your networking contacts can make all the difference in whether your resume is actually read and considered or not. A consistent method of follow up is key and you must make the time in your schedule to do so. Follow up will positively influence decision-makers, it will help key the process moving along, it will show your interest and your professionalism, and it will position you above the competition.

Rabbi Yitzhak Miller Advice For Freelance Writers By Niall Cinneide.

Sometimes the freelance writing jobs available are those that no one wants. Or, they are those that new businesses are looking to fill. You will not find postings for the best jobs and employment because many of those jobs go to individuals who already have an established career or a good working relationship with those businesses. For those looking for career advice to find the best freelance writing jobs available, they can find a few things here that will help them get the experience they need or at least get a foot in the door.

* The most important aspect of getting the jobs that you want is to present a well written portfolio. Any writer can create pieces of work to show to individuals who want a sample. You do not have to be commissioned to write, you can write just for the sake of filling your portfolio. Just remember to put the best of the best work you have in there.
* Secondly, there are many types of freelance writing jobs available. Yes, it is not just the book or prized article that you should look for. Look for vacancies in smaller areas as well. This will help you to develop relationships in the field.
* Strive to meet the client’s needs. This will mean that you meet deadlines. It will mean that you offer the best material you can. But, it needs to meet the client’s specified requirements, not necessarily what you think they should be.
* Be professional, and build a website. Most businesses these days are centered around their websites. Being professional means presenting yourself in the most appropriate way.

In any case, there can be be many freelance writing jobs available to you once you are in the know. When you learn how to write to your clients needs and meet those needs properly with each and every assignment that you do, employment will be available to you. To find the assignments to start with, you may have to present yourself outright. Simply always do so in a positive, professional manner.

Rabbi Yitzhak Miller Passionate By April McCallum.

Take a minute to think about your personal strengths. Oftentimes we box ourselves into a much more limited space than we deserve. For example, just because your last two jobs were in sales, doesn’t mean that you don’t have other skills or qualifications that you use on a regular basis. It’s likely that those skills could transfer into another role or job title quite nicely.

As an example, your main job may be as a sales person, but within your position, you spend a lot of time negotiating contracts, building rapport with customers and vendors, marketing and promoting your company or brand. To apply that to your S.W.O.T. analysis, in the category of “Strengths”, you may write down “Relationship Builder”, “Negotiator”, “Cross-Functional Communicator”, or “Marketing & Promotions”.

Don’t overlook or minimize the significance of non-functional qualities. Someone may have a stellar educational degree or years of experience, but be miserably lacking in people skills, creativity or the ability to think out-of-the-box. These might well be noted in your “Strengths” category and on someone else’s “Weaknesses” category!

If you think you might be ready for a change, take a serious look at your strengths. Would they be a good fit for another department, a different job title or function, or even another industry that you have an interest in? Have you updated your resume lately to reflect your strengths? Consider asking colleagues, customers or industry partners for referrals that highlight those strengths. Sometimes asking a trusted source for input helps. Oftentimes they are quick to point out strengths that are obvious to them, but not so much to you.

Weaknesses

Sometimes what we view or label as a weakness is really an opportunity in disguise. An opportunity to learn, upgrade or advance. We may already have 75% of the puzzle and just need to focus on enhancing the other 25%. That’s why the analysis is so helpful. It serves to clarify opportunities possibly hidden as weaknesses, as well as highlight areas that may be ripe for improvement.

If you are uncomfortable with new technology or giving presentations, for example, you can always improve through learning and practice. Take classes, get a mentor, study and practice. The best career advice is to get intentional and take responsibility for your future success.

On the other hand, if you consistently have a bad attitude, are late for appointments, or lack integrity, you just need to get with the program. Those are areas well within your control. In which case, you just need a good swat! Don’t self-sabotage your own potential.

If you have a legitimate weakness that can’t be helped, just focus on the areas you can improve, along with your legitimate strengths and opportunities.

Opportunities

Look at this category beyond “job opportunities”, or merely functions or duties. Try to expand your brainstorming into personal areas of opportunity. Do you long for relevancy, to have a voice, to express your creativity or to make a difference? What are you passionate about?

What do you want your opportunities to be – To make more money? Take on more responsibility, increase or change your job scope? Become more knowledgeable in order to add greater value in the workplace? Release your innovative passions? Become self-employed?

Now connect the dots. How can you position yourself to turn your opportunities into reality – Get more education? Work harder or smarter? Start being more intentional about networking, volunteering or getting your name out there? If you have a dream, nurture it. If you need coaching, find a mentor. If you have a goal, do what it takes to reach it. Be your own best advocate. It’s your ticket – find a way to write on it what you want it to read.

Threats

This is an interesting category. Some threats are out of our control, but not all. Threats might be things like “the economy”, “downturn in the industry, or the need for our products or services”, or “competitor has a superior product”. In a business scenario, these are things that threaten our success and there’s not a lot we can do about them other than take a good hard look at them and address the parts we may have minimal control over.

But when it comes to stepping back and taking a good long look in the mirror, what are your personal threats? What is keeping you from becoming the best you can be? Do you lack self-motivation, self-esteem or personal vision? Do you ignore known faults and repeat the same mistakes or negative behaviors? Do you need an attitude adjustment? Do you sabotage your own success? Are you able to identify fears that may be holding you back?

It all comes down to how much you really want to succeed; and, it all comes back to you personally. No one is going to hand you a golden ticket – you have to want it, and you have to go out and earn it. The good news is, whatever your personal threats are, you can take the reigns and pave a new and better path any time you are ready and willing.

Rabbi Yitzhak Miller Career and Life By Ev Nucci.

Over the last ten to fifteen years, have you worked for the same organization? If so, are you motivated by new accomplishments year after year? Do you still love your job and the people you work with? Do you exude optimism? Are you elated with your career prospects and your boss?

Or are you in a different chapter and unaware of it? Has your excitement been replaced with monotony? Is your life comprised of routine tasks and boredom? Do you remember what it was like to excavate the unknown within?

If any of the above rings true, you could be stale. Unfortunately, most people do not recognize this unnerving chapter in their lives–going through the motions without an ounce of passion or excitement. You no longer live in a world of possibility. Your enthusiasm has transformed into complacency. You have metamorphosed from a passionate apprentice and achiever into a detached and aloof employee.

The truth is you are bored, burned out, or frustrated. You keep doing the same thing, whatever it is. It’s what you know. You are in your comfort zone. And you do whatever it is with your eyes closed. Life is simple.

You know what I’m talking about… you have experienced those burned out teachers, or nurses, or doctors, or front desk clerks. Or better yet, the bitter postal clerks that make you want to scream. My personal favorite is the school administrator that tells a parent that they are parenting wrong instead of saying they can’t deal with a special needs kid.

Or the engineer that spent his cross country flight harassing an African American couple in the seat in front of him. Or the housewife that introduces herself by telling you what her husband does for a living, “Hi, how do you do, my husband is a doctor…” That’s the saddest statement of all. She defines who she is based on her husband’s occupation?

So what do you do? Do you do nothing because you hope the feeling will pass? Do you buy a sports car and trade-in your spouse for a new model thinking that it is just a mid-life crisis? Or do you change careers, look for a new job, or move to Africa and work as a missionary?

Consider managing your career and life as CEO of You, Inc. Your life is filled with chapters. In each chapter, the CEO explores new challenges, experiences new feelings, establishes different priorities, and stretches themselves beyond their own expectations.

Who is responsible for managing your career? Is your boss responsible? Is your company responsible? There is only one person responsible for managing your career—-and that is you.

Frequently, people delude themselves into believing their boss is also their daddy. They obscure reality—mask their intentions and expectations. And often forget that it is business. No matter how much your employer cares about you, his primary responsibility is to his stockholders. He has a fiduciary obligation to them. Nothing more, nothing less.

A classic example of the “paternal myth” is Jim Smith who work for ABC Company for fourteen years. When another company bought ABC, Jim was extremely upset. He was angry, felt betrayed and was incredulous that his boss “would do this to him—how could he?” His anger and rage overwhelmed him-he had been loyal, he had done a great job and ABC was trying to destroy him. The treachery was beyond anything he ever imagined. The company did nothing to him; they simply made a business decision.

Another classic example of the veracity of corporate promises and business realities is the case of Bill, Chairman of the Board, of Smith, Inc. NCG pursued Bill and his team for a lift-out for one of our clients. Another firm bought Smith during our discussions with Bill. Irrelevant of what was said; Bill was convinced the take-over companies’ promises would be met. His people would receive equity, compensated handsomely, expand their services worldwide and no one would be laid off. Unless you get it in writing, it never happened

Within twenty-four months, every business decision we had predicted played-out throughout Smith worldwide. In other words, most of Bill’s staff was laid off, they never achieved worldwide expansion, no one received equity, and compensation was less than impressive.

Rabbi Yitzhak Miller Career Planning Guide By Elizabeth Lengyel.

You’ve been going 6-to-late; exhausted by running the supersonic treadmill of life and wish you had a different job. But you can’t because you have no time and you’re left spent at the end of every day. Conversely, you’re gut tells you that everything would be different if you could only find the right career match. You could stop hitting the snooze button every morning and get back into enjoying the game of life.

You might be surprised to learn that thinking like a CEO will teach you a lot about career planning. Wonder how? Then read on and learn how being a CEO has everything to do with mapping out a successful career.

1. As a Chief Exploration Officer, your first step is to engage in self-exploration. It is the key to career planning and decision-making. The better you know yourself, the more informed career decisions you’ll make. One of the best ways to hone in on your natural talents, interests and strengths is to re-visit your childhood years, dreams and passions. What did you love to do? Who did you enjoy being with? What did you like to play most? What were your favorite sports and interests? Did you have any hobbies? Where did you picture yourself in the future? The past often holds the best clues. You might also want to seek the help of a trained career counselor or coach to help you define career options that fit your talents and interests, and help you explore current and future labour markets and trends. Narrow down the choices and seriously examine one or two career options that fit you. Trust your heart or intuition. It most often leads you in the right direction.

2. As a Chief Educational Officer, you need to examine the competencies and skills required in your choice of work. Once you determine one or more career options, list the skills and competencies you need to move forward. What do you need to know? And what do you currently know? Make a plan to fill the gaps whether through school, apprenticeship, reading, volunteering, etc.

3. As a Chief Experiential Officer, you need to talk to the people who are actually in the career you’ve identified for yourself. It takes you from dream mode to reality check. Seek out at least 5 people who are working in the career field you have identified. Hint, the more people you interview, the better. You will find common themes and information that will be invaluable to your career planning process and final decision. Don’t hesitate in making the calls. Most people love to talk about themselves and their expertise. If possible, ask to meet with them in person. It provides a more high touch approach. When you meet, be candid and curious. This is your opportunity to learn from people who are working what you’re still thinking about. Preplan some questions carefully. Do they enjoy their job? What kind of education and experience do they recommend? What do they like and dislike? Ask for their recommendations and what they think you need to be successful in the career. You might also want to think about inviting one of them to be your mentor as you move forward in your personal career aspirations and goals.

4. As a Chief Engagement Officer, you will have to stay on top of your game. Stay self-motivated, energized and engaged in the career planning process. Here’s the truth. Career planning, exploring and making career choices take energy and time. Think about what you will need from yourself, as well as from your environment, schedule and support network to keep yourself engaged and moving forward. Think about what nourishes and nurtures you. What feeds your energy level?

5. As a Chief Employment Officer, you are your greatest resource in finding the right employment. In the end, the career planning process leads you to finding the right job for the right money. A combination of statistics and interviews continue to prove that networks are the number one resource to finding your next job. Stay well connected and share your plans. In the end it is you who’s going to turn career planning and aspirations into reality.

Rabbi Yitzhak Miller Business Career Advice By Paul Megan.

Are you sitting at your desk dreamily imagining yourself on a South Seas vacation? Or maybe a rollicking holiday with the family? Or maybe you’d prefer to stay home and watch some DVDs.

Wanting to take some time off shouldn’t make you feel guilty. In fact, in her new book, “Time Off for Good Behavior,” Mary Lou Quinlan writes that seven out of 10 people fantasize about leaving work for a few months.

What’s more, she reports that taking a break can help you feel less burned out. It can help you organize your life goals. Most people don’t realize that taking time off–guilt free–isn’t as difficult as it might seem.

So don’t feel like you’re condemned to remaining chained to your desk. Here are six options you can check out:

1. Make a plan. Think about why you want time off. Do you just need a few days to relax? Or are you looking to completely assess your career?

2. Figure out how much time off you’ll need to come back fully refreshed.

3. Count your days off. Figure out how many vacation days you have. Add in any remaining sick or personal days.

4. Check out company policy. You may be eligible for a sabbatical with full or partial pay. Or you may have the option of re-entering the company after an unpaid leave.

5. Talk to your employer. If the company doesn’t have a policy or spell out the details of flexible time off, now is the time to find out what the company can offer you.

6. Negotiate for what you need.

The point is you shouldn’t be afraid to take some needed time off. It may be just what you need to get your life back in focus and prioritize what really important.

Furthermore, if you are a valued employee, your boss expects you to come forward with recommendations that show how the company will benefit from your time off.

Rabbi Yitzhak Miller Top Career Advice By Roger Clark.

Why Career Advice Is So Important

Choosing a career presents a nerve-racking decision, as it can have a life-long impact on you. Do not fret, as you can gain a clearer outlook into your future by thorough career planning.

Having a clear vision of the future can guide you by helping you set career goals and helping you on your way towards attaining them. Whether you are starting out on a new career or looking to change your current career, you will benefit enormously from taking sound advice.

Don’t Spend Most of Your Life Doing …

Chances are that you will be spending a great deal of time at your job, about 40 hours a week. Career advice and career profiling can guide you to a job that is enjoyable for you and matches your interests.

There are many reasons people change their careers and career advice can help them along the way. Some frequently cited reasons are:

· Stuck in a dead end job.

· Lost interest in current line of work.

· Gained a new interest in a different career option.

A Job For Life … Not Anymore

In today’s world, there is increased job rotation … also with the down turns in the economy, many people can be laid-off.
Good career advice for unemployed persons would be to consider a career change. Some of the fastest growing occupations are Medical Assistant, Network Systems Analyst, Physician Assistant, etc. Occupations that are struggling to gain workers can be a suitable option for currently unemployed individuals.

People often back off from changing careers if they are unsure of the effort it might take to start a new career and learn a new trade. If you are one of these people, career advice from professionals can help you make a knowledgeable decision.

How To Identify Your Career Choices

When choosing a new career field, career advice and career planning can help you figure out your career choices. When embarking on a new career, you need to take into account your previous education and work experience.

You should start thinking about the skills you currently possess and how they can be beneficial in each of the new career options available to you.

Have You Considered a Career Test?

Valuable career advice can come from career tests as they can help in identifying suitable job options. Career tests include tests such as personality profiling, leadership skills, motivation, management style, etc.

The results of such tests can give you the career advice that can direct you to a suitable career, by matching your interests with career options.

Many career tests are offered online. They may be free or available for a small fee. Many experts provide the career advice to employment seekers to take some time to plan their career and set their goals. Knowing your career goals can provide you with valuable guidance.

Remember that career planning and goal setting is an on-going process, changing as you continue on your career.

The web can be a great source to find valuable career advice. It can provide you with many resources to research new career choices and find out information on a particular career field such as average salary, work environment, job responsibilities, etc.

Use Resumes That Give You an Advantage

Whether you are starting a career, changing careers or looking for a different job in your present career, the best career advice is to have a great, eye-catching resume.

You may be thinking about using your old resume, maybe the one you made after graduating from college. However, you will have to make changes to that resume to make it relevant to your present situation.

Upgrade your resume with the additional skills and experiences you have acquired. People going through a career change, need to present the skills they have acquired through the years in a way that makes it relevant to the new career jobs for which they are applying.

You may not have all the standard education for that career, so you need to convince potential employers that your previous education and work experience have given you the skills that make you a suitable candidate to transition into that job.

Rabbi Yitzhak Miller Methods of Job Search By: Barbara Safani.

There are four core methods of job search and I encourage job seekers to use all of them. When you are in search, looking for a job is your full-time job and you should plan to dedicate 35-40 hours per week to your search or a percentage of that it you are searching while employed. Here’s a quick rundown of the four methods of search.

Job Boards – When using the boards, you need to be as strategic as possible in your approach, because there is an enormous amount of information posted on the boards and employers receive multiple responses for each position they post. One of the best strategies for managing your presence on the job boards is to stick with niche boards that best match your professional level, industry, or job function rather than spending time on a board that claims to be all things to all people. This allows you to be a big fish in a smaller pond and potentially garner more immediate recognition from a hiring authority. For example, a senior-level executive is generally better-off creating a presence on a six-figure job site than on a general job board that posts jobs at all professional levels. Another way to optimize your time spent on the boards is to set up job alerts based on keywords and geographical preferences to streamline the amount of time spent on the boards and optimize the amount of relevant leads.

Recruiters – A recruiter can be a great ally during a search, but keep in mind that recruiters are generally only going to be interested in your candidacy if your skill set matches a position in their current job requisition portfolio. In addition, recruiters can only expose you to the positions from the companies that are willing to pay a recruiter to manage the search process. When you partner with a recruiter, you only get to see a small percentage of the available jobs in the market.

Cold Calling – People in search often find their jobs by cold calling on potential decision makers in companies. By creating a marketing letter that communicates your skills, accomplishments, and value-add, you can attempt to forge relationships with key people in the companies you would like to work for. The goal of the letter is to build a relationship with people in companies where no relationship existed before. If you can create and nurture a relationship before there is a need to fill a position, you are much more likely to be considered as a candidate when there is an opportunity because you are now part of the inner circle of contacts within the company. This method takes work and may not yield immediate results, but if these new relationships are nurtured over time, they can grow into opportunity with the company down the line.

Networking – Networking is the art of exchanging information continuously and graciously with members of your professional and social communities. People are more likely to share information with people they know and trust. Sharing information about job leads comes naturally in networking circles. Attempt to give more than you get and don’t keep tabs on your goodwill versus someone else’s and eventually you will find that you can almost always find a connection for whatever you need…whether it’s a recommendation for a great restaurant, advice on a project, or a tip on a job lead.

Rabbi Yitzhak Miller Career Development By Abhishek Agarwal.

If you answered YES to the above question, then you just might be the best person to offer sufficient and viable solutions by assisting these tired souls locate what they need, and you may as well be sure of making big success in this career development business. But one thing that you need to learn before plunging deep into the world of career development and planning business is management studies. The Function of management studies course in career development is mostly overlooked by people already in the business of career management. They tend to focus more on getting their clients any old job position they can disregard of the function of management studies in those careers. It’s to understand that people personalities differ greatly and some maybe best fit for management positions than they are as regular employees. If you understand the functions of management studies in career improvement good for you, because you will be better positioned to place your clients in right job positions that please them with your services.

The very first thing you should think about when it comes to the functions of management studies in career development are the core characteristics required for a job in management role. A good example is that fine and excellent managers are often good leaders. If you come into contact with a person at your career management establishment that says they posses fine leadership skills, then consider them fit for managerial position. Another characteristic of good managers is the ability to motivate others. If they are adept at making people feel competent about their jobs and also lead them to getting some good work done, then they are most likely to make excellent managers. You will discover that the function of management studies in career development is an essential one. Some personalities are better suited to certain business roles than other. If a person best fit for a management role is placed in a non-management career, they are apt to end feeling very underutilized and unfulfilled. Should this happen, then you would have done a very bad job, because you placed matched them with a wrong career.

Functions of management studies in career growth can be learnt from different places. Books are available on the subject in most libraries and bookshops. They are mostly located in the business, career development and management sections there. A wealth of information on the same can also be obtained from the internet. We have sites that have been specially designed to focus in the career development business.

Rabbi Yitzhak Miller Guaranteeing the Next Interview By Rick H McKnight

In today’s economy job interviews are fewer and farther between so when you have one, is there a way to guarantee an offer or at least getting the next interview? The answer is yes and I have proved it. I have had offers on each of my last 5 job interviews. All of those involved multiple interviews for fairly senior positions. I learned that after one set of interviews that turned into a job offer that I was the first interviewee of 32. This article is about how to use some of the concepts that I have used in your own interview process. There are really only three.

People hire people they like. The fact that you have an interview means that your resume opened the door or that you networked into the situation or the recruiter put you in the mix for the position. The chances are very high that you have the skills and experience that they are looking for since you were called in for the interview. Now it is a question of do you fit in to their culture. Do you have similar characteristics as the people interviewing you? Do they like you?

So the question is how do you get people who do not know you to like you when you may have only half an hour to an hour? The answer is that you have to genuinely care about the person that is interviewing you. This gives you the perspective that you are there to help them make a very important decision-who to hire. If the person who is interviewing you gets the sense that you are more interested in helping them make the right decision than you are of getting an offer it helps them accept that you are not just selling them on you. Interviewing is about sales and sales is about having people understand that you are not selling them. The difference is subtle. Yet profound. If you really care about the person would you have them hire you even if you were the wrong person for the job?

How do you actually do this? Number one is that you have to lose the self-concern, nervousness, and anxiety about how you answer their questions. How do you do this? Preparation. This means you have to know what is important to them so you can anticipate their questions. Read the job description carefully, use your network to find out what the company is like, who the hiring manager is and what is her perspective. What does the website tell you about the company. Talk to customers of the company. So doing all of this makes you better prepared for the interview and it gives you confidence. Confidence allows you to calmly listen to the question, respond to the question with your own question when needed and to show some enthusiasm. I was in an interview for a career consulting position and at the end the hiring manager said to me, “I don’t know much about you, but you are my number one candidate”. Hearing that helped me go through the next 4 interviews, do a public workshop and group coaching session before, finally the job offer came through.

The other element of preparation that many people miss is the mental preparation. This is vital. What this involves is taking some minutes to visualize the outcome that you desire. Close your eyes, breathe deeply and see yourself calmly chatting with the interviewer. See the interviewer warming up to you. See her smiling and the rapport build. At the end watch her shake your hand and invite you to the next stage. Involved all of the senses that you can in this visualization as they make it more real. You can do this the night before the interview and right before it as well. If you calmly say to yourself that you are going to get an offer and know this to be the case, this is what will happen. The interview that I mentioned where they were interviewing 32 others, I told myself that I was going to land this position and I saw if happening in my mind clearly before the interview. I was asked to prepare with a role play for the interview and before that started, I asked the interviewers (a panel) if they were prepared to make a decision today. When they said that they weren’t, I stood up and suggested that we do this another time. They immediately said that they were prepared to make a decision. It takes a lot of confidence to threaten to walk out of an interview but it also can create a lot of desire on the part of the interviewer to keep you there. Shortly thereafter I was asked to come for a lunch and was given an offer.

Confidence, preparation and caring are the cornerstones of having a great interview.