Category Archives: Value

“WHY SHOULD I HIRE YOU?” < The Bottom Line in an Interview

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Contributor: Nadya_Art / Shutterstock

 

Do you dread this question?

Do you know what how you would answer it? What would you tell an employer that highlights what you can do for them? While many variables are assessed in an interview, this particular question is the bottom line that every employer and recruiter wonders about with each candidate – even if they do not ask it directly. It is central to their decision-making. Understanding what a candidate offers can help them make a good selection. And, having a strong answer – one that speaks to the bottom line – can get you the offer.

So how should you respond to the question? Be prepared – the more you know about the employer and their specific needs, the more you will be armed with relevant insights to connect to your talent.

Here are 3 steps to help you get there:

Step 1 – Know Yourself. Be ready to address your strengths, experience, and accomplishments. Make sure you are prepared with examples and stories that support your responses. Re-read the job ad. What expertise are they looking for? What do you need to be sure that you address in the interview?

Step 2 – Know the company and players. Take time to research the specific company of interest. Look at their website and key people. What are their products and services? Who are their customers? What do they promote? Read press articles to uncover successes and challenges. Who is your interviewer? Google them and/or find them on LinkedIn.  What insights might be helpful to bring up in the interview?

Step 3 – Connect the dots. Practice summarizing why you are a strong candidate for this particular position (keep key points in your head, not a memorized paragraph). Be sure to address (a) why you are interested in this specific job, (b) the relevant strengths/experience you bring to the table, and (c) what you can do for this company….the bottom line that can help them.

What do you do if you are not asked this question?

Take the initiative and bring it up! Make sure they understand the bottom line of what you offer. Oh, and always make sure to convey your enthusiasm for the job. Wishing you the best of success!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Job Search Surprises > 5 ways to be prepared

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Sometimes job seekers are pretty surprised…ok, shocked, to learn that their job is ending. Perhaps there is a merger and suddenly the job is cut. Or a top performer feels their job is secure but a new manager is just not in sync with their style and they are surprised by a pink slip. While we cannot always avoid such surprising news, we can be prepared and therefore be one step ahead…just in case.

How to Prepare:

  • Resume – Keep that resume up to date. Be sure to keep notes on important accomplishments and projects for easy updates.
  • Network – Networking on an ongoing basis one of the most important things you can do. Look for ways to keep in touch with contacts and do things for others. What goes around comes around.
  • Life-long Learning – Seek out learning opportunities both on and off the job. This makes you a valuable player.
  • LinkedIn – Keep your linkedin profile up to date. Review your summary to see if it conveys your brand and your relevant strengths. Your “headline” should market you, not your company.
  • Target Preferred Companies – Be proactive in finding companies that fit with your goals and find ways to network with people who work there. If you only focus on posted jobs you are missing out on the hidden job market.

If you ever do get an unwelcome surprise, be professional about your relationship with your employer. You never know what the future holds. And, in the meantime, you will be prepared to go forward.

 

Best of Success,

Diane

Reading the signs – Is it time to start job hunting?

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By guest blogger, Leora Kanner 

 

Is it time to start your job search? A few ways to find out!

Do you feel comfortable in your job but not completely happy? Are you contemplating better opportunities, but can’t decide if it’s the right time to take the leap? We have all been there – content in our positions, yet somewhat yearning for something new. The question is, when is it the right time to take the job hunt leap? Your job is fine, but is it time to move on?

Especially for people early in their careers, it is important to remember not to get too smug, and to know the right time to seek the next great thing.  Although there can be a plethora of reasons to begin job hunting, below are some basic signals to look out for. If any of these seem familiar, it is time to actively jump back in the application game (because the right job isn’t going to fall into your lap without a little effort).

1 – You don’t have the best relationship with your manager

Sometimes, the people you work for don’t have your best career interests at heart. They may not give you constructive criticism, or delegate responsibility properly. Whatever the specific issue, if you dread your manager’s voice it’s probably time to look for someone new – your manager should be someone that you can turn to for mentorship, not someone that you avoid interacting with.

2 – You don’t know how to advance in your career

This happens to almost everyone. Your supervisor or boss has no plans to leave, but until they do your job and responsibilities will remain the same. Don’t bide your time, waiting for the magical moment when you will get promoted despite the fact that your team member is still around…it probably won’t happen. Most companies have specific team structures and unless someone quits, you won’t get that unheard of promotion.

3 – You feel like you aren’t learning anything new

The first few months, or even years, of a job, or overwhelming because you are likely learning a huge amount of new information. The minute you feel comfortable its hard to imagine starting the whole process over again. But if you are new in your career, it’s important not to get complacent. If you feel that there is more for you to learn, but your current job isn’t giving you the opportunity to grow, consider moving on for the sake of your future.

5 – You are jealous of coworkers who quit

This might seem like a no brainer. If the minute you hear a coworker is leaving your first reaction is “I’m so jealous,” it’s time to begin your search seriously. Don’t chock it up to a bad day at work; your gut reaction is confirming that the next person out should be you.

Leora Kanner is a media buyer/planner working, playing (and sometimes job hunting) in NYC. She loves entertainment, travel, and music and can often be found drinking too much coffee or walking in the park (even in the cold!) 

 

 

Combatting Ageism…Can It Be Overcome?

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Sadly, one of the challenges in job search today is having to deal with Ageism. And even sadder, is age discrimination for people who are about 45+. Not that it is fair to discriminate based on any age, but the problem has expanded to the “younger, older” people if you will. To complicate matters, many people who are now classified as the “long-term unemployed” often fall into this category of 45+ and must endure the biases about being out of work for a long period as well as the fact that they are “mature” workers.

Sometimes the discrimination is somewhat discreet, with a job seeker sensing the problem in action… or via awkward questions during interviews.  Other times, the bias is very direct with an interviewer stating the age concern as a reason the person is being ruled out. Even better, I have seen a couple of emails where a candidate is told that they are too old! (Can you imagine that someone would be foolish enough to put that in writing?!)

Is it possible to overcome ageism? Well, as I always say, there are some things we can control and other things we cannot, whether we are talking about ageism or anything else in life. The priority is to focus on what you can control and do whatever you can to increase the odds that people will see you for your VALUE and not focus on your age.  After that, commend yourself for a job well done and take pride in your efforts.  So here are some ideas that may help:

  • Physical Appearance:  It is important to present a professional, up to date image – is your haircut dated? Is your clothing in style? Your wardrobe does not need to cost a fortune but it should be in sync with the times.
  • Technology: Be aware of what today’s standards are and what is accepted as general knowledge. If you do not know what a tablet, iPad, or kindle is, then you appear dated. Are you using a smartphone of some sort? Do you know what FaceBook is? Do you know what LOL means?  Do you know how to use email? You do not need to be an expert on all of these but if you want to be viewed as cutting edge, then you need to understand the jargon and usage of such items.
  • Résumé and LinkedIn Profiles: How far back do you go? More than the last 15 years is usually not necessary, unless there is older experience that is relevant to your current target. If that is the case, there are a variety of ways to present that information without reflecting how old you are. (And please, delete words like “seasoned” from your résumé!)
  • Energy: Do you reflect an energetic image or a tired one? Be sure to regularly participate in physical activities that improve energy levels and foster a youthful image.
  • Salary Flexibility: Sometimes employers and recruiters fear that older workers will want too much money.  And while it is always nice to have a salary increase, job seekers need to show flexibility. Keep in mind that your paycheck is not just about salary – there are usually various other benefits that you may be able to negotiate (health benefits, vacation time, etc.)
  • Market your strengths: Be targeted. Focus on your strengths and how you can help the employer. Showcase the value you bring to the table. It is about what you can do for THEM.

Do you have any other ideas? Please share them!

 

Time to refresh your elevator speech!

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Most of you have heard of an “Elevator Speech,” right? The story goes something like this – let’s say you have an interview for a job you really want. You get into the elevator on the first floor of the building and find out the other person in the elevator is the head honcho who is going to have the final say in whether you get hired.  You now have about 60 seconds to ride in the elevator with her to the top floor.  When she finds out that you are the candidate under consideration, she seems curious about you. What “speech” can you give her in that elevator ride to peak her interest and ensure that you get the offer? Ahhhhh! If you don’t know, then you need to figure this out – and fast!

You meet people all the time, especially if you are networking, attending professional organization meetings, and actively pursuing job leads. Sometimes, you really only have about an “elevator ride” worth of time to impress someone or not. So what can you do? Try to identify what you really want to market about yourself and what sets you apart out there.  What value do you add? What do you want other networking professionals to remember about you? Practice your “elevator speech” out loud. Listen to other people’s answers when you ask them what they do – what impresses you? Who do you remember and why? These are not easy questions to answer – but investing some time and careful thought into your “elevator speech” can create a lot of opportunities for you.

If you are at a networking event, be sure that your interaction is not “just about you.”  It’s important  to focus on building relationships, too.  So show interest in the other person and ask how you might be able to help them. You will certainly be remembered for that!