Acing Your Executive Job Interview

ExecutivesOver the years, countless executives have said to me that all they need to do is get the interview and they’ll land the job. Really? If everyone feels this way, including your competition, how can it be true?

I’ve worked with hundreds of very capable and competent executives over the years who excel at improving profits and stakeholder value, enhancing operating efficiencies, reducing costs, launching successful start-ups, orchestrating turnarounds, and myriad of other complex competencies, but for many, they’re just not that great at communicating that information.

Just because you’ve excelled in your executive role does not necessarily translate into being a stellar communicator. Case in point, who can forget BP CEO, Tony Hayward’s famous words regarding the 2010 Gulf oil spill, “There’s no one who wants this thing over more than I do. You know, I’d like my life back.” A PR nightmare, he took a beating in the media for those words at a critical time for his company.

That’s just one very public example that illustrates even C-suite executives can use some coaching to brush up on their communication skills. interviewing, whether it’s with the media or for a job is a skill in and of itself. When it’s for a job, interviewing involves effectively communicating your strengths while avoiding highlighting any weaknesses and like most skills, it’s something that improves with practice.

I frequently work with clients who epitomize the saying “you don’t know what you don’t know.” What I mean is, frequently clients don’t realize that how they’re answering a question is not furthering their own cause until they’re role playing with me and I point out how their answer plays and a better way to frame it.

The bottom line is if you want to ace that job interview, put some time and effort into your preparation. Do some role playing with a seasoned coach who can help polish the diamond in the rough that may be your rusty interviewing techniques.

~Linda

 

The Outplacement Alternative

LifesaverNo one wants to lose their job. Actually, I have run into some clients who were unhappy at their jobs and were thrilled when they were downsized. But that is the exception rather than the rule.

As a country, we’ve been riding the great recession wave and in its wake there have been thousands of lay-offs, downsizings, and job eliminations. Whatever you want to call it, it’s usually tough to take if you’re caught up in the changing tides. There is one good thing that comes out of some corporate reorganizations . . . outplacement.

Some companies, who care about their people (or at least want to give the appearance that they do) offer a lifeline, they provide outplacement services for the employees they’ve displaced. But what if you’re company doesn’t offer that benefit, can you still compete in today’s job market? There is an alternative, you can hire your own career transition expert to help with your career transition.

At The Imagemakers, Ink! LLC, we do provide outplacement services for companies, but our core business is providing exceptional career services to individuals whose companies have left them adrift. You can expect outstanding resumes & cover letters and customized coaching on performing effective job searches, interviewing techniques and negotiating tactics.

Working with a career search expert offers the displaced employees a chance to not only keep their heads above water and land on their feet, but also to land in a better place. Many people ask why companies offer outplacement. It’s a win-win because while it helps the employees who’ve been let go, it also let’s those left behind know their company cares and won’t just leave them adrift should they be on the next workforce reduction wave.

That’s one plus for the companies who provide this lifeline. But what are some other reasons companies choose to provide outplacement? Besides treating their employees with dignity and respect, it’s just the right thing to do. Also, in these times teeming with tweets, viral videos and people crying foul on Facebook, it can help keep a company’s image and reputation from being tainted. Not to mention going a long way to provide goodwill, thereby heading off any lawsuits from especially embittered employees.

But whether it’s provided by the company or you decide to invest in yourself and your future, working with a career search strategist will enable you to come out on top in today’s competitive job market. Whether company provided or your own personal investment, working with an expert will ensure yourself a smoother career transition and go a long way to calm the waters of today’s turbulent times.

~Linda

Thank You For Interviewing Me

Thank You NoteClients frequently ask me if they should send a follow-up thank you note after an interview and if so, what should be included in it.

Years and years ago (OK, more years than I care to admit), when I first graduated from college, I was told to send thank you notes after interviews. My response, “They should be thanking me for the opportunity to interview me!” For those of you who don’t know me, I’m not really that cocky and arrogant, but I may have been when I first graduated. Isn’t everyone?

Since that time, I’ve changed my tune significantly. A follow-up thank you note is a must.  Whether you aced the interview or felt there was room for improvement, the follow-up letter gives you the opportunity to either re-emphasize your strengths or to address and fix any weaknesses that may have come up during the interview.

While what you include in the letter will largely depend on what was covered in the interview, there are two must haves:

1. Thanking the potential employer for taking the time to meet with you,  and

2. Telling them how excited you are about the opportunity.

The variable part of the letter depends on what came out of the interview. Was there a skill set in which the potential employer seemed particularly interested, an important need or goal they mentioned that you could help them attain. If so, re-emphasizing how you will bring that skill to bear to help them achieve their goal is an excellent addition to the thank you note.

The follow-up note is also an opportunity to set the record straight if you didn’t answer a question as well as you would have liked. Sometimes nerves take their toll and your tongue gets tied or your memory wigs out, the letter is your chance to craft the perfect answer that you meant to give, but didn’t.

Has anyone not gotten the job because they didn’t send a thank you note? Well, I’ve talk to some hiring managers who’ve said that it’s not a deal breaker, however, when there’s been a close decision between two candidates, the one who made the extra effort to send the note got the job.

Just think of it as a marketing opportunity, a final sales pitch about what a perfect match you are for the position and how much you can benefit the company.

~Linda