Lessons Learned on the Self-Marketing Journey

Successful Job Seeker Shares Insights on Getting the Job Offer

Last week at the 8 O’clock Job Club we enjoyed hearing from a past member as he returned to speak about the lessons learned on his self-marketing journey.  I thought the message he shared fit perfectly in the theme we have been exploring here and in the 8 O’clock Job Club this month: “Developing a Self-Marketing Mindset.”

Keep in mind, the interview phase of self-marketing comes near the end of the self-marketing cycle. Before the interview, the savvy self-marketer has taken many steps to prepare for the best interview possible. Based on this job seeker’s journey and presentation, I think there are valuable ideas to integrate in your own search, whether you are seeking contract opportunities, new clients, or a full-time job.

Secrets to Interview Success Revealed

Any successful interview depends on discovering and articulating a qualification match and culture fit. Here are some of the best interview strategies employed by one job seeker that created positive turning points and resulted in the desired job offer.

• Influence the interview by showing how you can be a difference-maker for your potential boss. This means conducting research in advance on the company, key players, and potential impact of the job.
• Be pleasantly assertive in asking questions and gaining clarity on the objectives of the job. Focus on understanding how your potential boss will define success in this role.
• Demonstrate forward value to the company by understanding challenges, obstacles, and goals. Once rapport is developed, guide the conversation so you can understand the underlying pain.
• Show how you can have a direct impact and value to company goals.
• If you are not a fit, be honest, and ask who else in the organization might need your help.
• Make every follow up of value to the recipient, versus simply asking the status. For example, share an article of interest, distilling in a brief format the key points that are helpful and relevant.
• Deal in facts, and don’t jump to conclusions if things take longer than expected.
• Remember to evaluate who you are going to work for and be honest about whether it is a fit or not.