SETTING YOURSELF APART FROM OTHERS
Bob Raikes
I often call it “An Opportunity
Missed.” However, the opportunity I am talking about is to set yourself apart
from others. I have focused in the group on helping you learn how to search for
a job, find job leads, write resumes, cover letters, interview properly as well
as other techniques needed in this endeavor. One thing we have not stressed is
how to set yourself apart from other candidates. I am in hopes that we can
stimulate some conversation on that tonight. Following are some thoughts I have
on this subject. Please weigh in and share your ideas.
COVER
LETTERS
* I have
continuously urged people in this group to try the two column letter as we
believe it is different and sets you apart. It matches your skills to what is
required.
* Karen
Silins, a cover letter writer, suggests you headline the job you are seeking in
a cover letter after your name, address etc.
* Karen
also suggests that you personalize the final paragraph and make it relative to
the employer's needs.
*
Sending a resume in an oversize envelope can draw attention to it. (I realize
that so many job openings ask for applications on line and do not afford this
opportunity). How can your electronic resume be different?
RESUMES
*
Invisible Resumes are unique and I suggest you take one with you to interviews.
You usually will get a chance to outline skills you have that did not come up
in the interview when they ask if there is anything else you would like to add
or that we should know about you.
DON'T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
* Make a
list of your accomplishments and add to it as you are reminded of ones not on
your list. Your Invisible Resume might include them or ones not listed in your
resume. This is not a time to be shy. Tell what you bring to the table.
*
Remember YOU ARE SELLING YOURSELF.
INTERVIEWING
*
Employers want to know how you are going to make a difference if hired. They
want to know how you will solve their problems, what changes can you bring that
will make their company better.
* Be
observant and note pictures, awards, evidence of activities that the employer
may be involved in. It is okay to flatter to some degree but not excessively.
Does the company have a bowling team, softball team etc. that you would
contribute to? IF NOTHING ELSE, these
things can be openers or ice breakers.
* ALWAYS
take an extra resume in case you find the interviewer does not have yours.
GROUP
INTERVIEWS
* FIND
OUT who the Big Kahuna (power) is and look first at this person when you are
answering a question. Then make eye contact with all of the others.
* If
someone other than the Kahuna asks a question· look at that person first and
answer, and then to the Big Kahuna and each of the others with eye contact.
* ALWAYS
take multiple resumes to group interviews as often they do not bring them to
the interview even if they have one. They leave the interview with yours in
hand and on their desk. Your name is before them again.
* Be
sure to write down names of team members and if you do follow up notes that
each one gets one.
TELEPHONE
INTERVIEWS
* Smile
while talking and walking around as it gives a better sounding voice. Some
people dress up for phone interviews as it makes them feel more professional
and it creates a more formal situation in their mind.
* Always
end phone interviews asking for an interview in person and by asking if you can
call if you have further questions - if possible.
* If it
is a phone interview with several team members (conference call) try to write
the name of persons involved and the questions they asked. You may want to
refer back to this person and their question later in the interview and it
shows your competence and attention to detail.
GATEKEEPERS
* ARE
EXTREMELY important people. Get to an interview early and get to know that
person. THANK this person on the way out for answering your questions and for
setting up the interview (if it was the case}
* A
follow up note to the gatekeeper for sharing information or however this person
assisted you is SMART. The gatekeeper may be asked for an opinion if all of the
candidates appear equal. EVEN a quick follow up phone call instead of a note
can serve the purpose.
FOLLOW
UP NOTES
* Hand
write them if possible. Stress continued interest in the job as well as your
appreciation for the interview. Get one to all team members if a group
interview.
FOLLOW
UP PHONE CALLS AND VOICE MAILS/TEXT MESSAGES
* Follow up phone calls
or text messages are okay also as it again brings your name before the employer/interviewer(s)
you can state in your follow up note you understand that they are busy, and you
want to be sure they received your message. I have never felt good about text
messages. How do you people feel about them?
FOLLOW
UP E-MAILS
*
Another way to show appreciation for the interview and to leave an impression.
E-mail addresses mayor may not be available for team members. You might try
asking the gatekeeper for them on your way out. Your request could also be
denied.
CONVERSATIONS
WITH EMPLOYERS, HIRING MANAGERS ETC.
* ALWAYS
BE ENTHUSIASTIC. Indicate what you can bring to the company, and how you can
solve their problems and make a difference.
* Always
leave a business card.
HOW HAVE
YOU SET YOURSELF APART FROM OTHER CANDIDATES PREVIOUSLY?
IN WHAT
WAYS ARE YOU GOING TO TRY TO SET YOURSELF APART IN THE FUTURE?