Career Cooking 101

by Helen Orloff

Today, as the economy continues to change and companies agree outsourcing is an attractive option was, the job search seems, dare we say, daunting? The smart way to find a job in any economy, however, is to assume it's going to be difficult and to develop a foolproof plan. In short, from now until you land a position, your job is finding a good job. Think of it as the part-time position that pays dividends for a lifetime. Your excited-bites called interviews are coming your way…When contact is made, the prep work does not cease.

Here are 3 steps that Rod Colon, my friends in the ETP Network and Carl Reid, founder and President of Savvy Intrapreneur have helped me develop.

Career Cooking 101:
Just as you would go through the steps of cooking a meal (reviewing the recipe, making a shopping list and boning up on unfamiliar techniques) for yourself or a loved one, preparing for a job interview is no different. We are aware to do our homework by researching a company’s website but what abut taking notes to address in the interview? Have you asked yourself what you would change? How would you contribute to further the success of the company or organization? Always keep in mind the WIIFM theory from the employer’s perspective when preparing for an interview.

Did You Say Sports?
Staying topical about a myriad of subjects is extremely important. I was on an interview and about lost my teeth when a board member’s closing question was “In your opinion which is worse, what happened with Bonds or what is going on with A-Rod? Hmm, not only did I breathe a sigh of relief (avoiding the kiss of death response of I don’t know or who is A-Rod) I quickly realized my opinion was tied into skills that would serve the organization.

Not a Dirty Word
Ask! I can’t stress strongly enough to ask questions of your interviewer(s) Not only does it show initiative, it sparks for you further questions to ask. This is a golden opportunity for you to shine and stand out from other candidates. What better way to leave your interviewer(s) with a firm hand shake and the impression that you took the time to ask probing questions and you are quick on your feet. Remember in preparation and posture that you are interviewing the company as much as they are interviewing you.

Yeah, I Get It
Jotting down some key information from your interviewer(s) response is a good way to show you “get it” Once the responses are in, it can behoove you to say so what I hear is……and numerate some key points. You will leave a lasting impression that you are connected and aligned with the organization, have a full handle on the position and a good match!

Show Me the Money
Ok, you got a gut feeling that you aced the interview. Your heart begins to race and your brain is already spending the first paycheck. Easy does it! Before you can begin to take that first sigh of relief, count the green and add the company perks in your head, what worked for me is follow-up aka never let ‘em forget you! Since board members usually have email addresses outside the organization, I’ve called the company and conveyed to the Administrative Assistant that I would like to send personalized letters to each interviewer. Before you know it, viola!—a received email containing board member’s email addresses.

Stuck In the Mud
The best tip I can give a job seeker or a new entrepreneur is “Next”. Have that great interview or potential client meeting but don’t get stuck in it too long. You have put your best foot, you covered all your bases and forward and now it’s time to let it go. now it’s onto your next opportunity. Even in a good economy it can take months to find a suitable job. Research, refine and act! Don’t ever give up on yourself- you have a unique set of skills, knowledge and experience.

About the Author
Helen Orloff is Founder & President of diversity training consulting firm Right Way Advisors, Inc..
Email: HOrloff@RightWayAdvisors.com
Web: www.RightWayAdvisors.com
Tel: (866) 546-4944 Ext: 200


The purpose of a resume is to obtain an INTERVIEW, not a job. Landing a job is up to you during the interview.

Savvy Intrapreneurs Place Themselves in the Driver's Seat

Employee Approach	Savvy Intrapreneur - CEO of ME, Inc. Approach
Job Search	Markets skills to Create and Stay Open to Multiple Opportunities. Always keep options open.
Only Networks when They need a Job. Then they wonder why it takes so long to land a position.	Always Marketing / Networking within and outside the organization. Able to reach out to Their network and create 3 opportunities [ job offers] within 2 weeks.
Prepare Resume	Prepare Proposal to Present Skill Benefits, which passes the “6 second” acid test. Always carries business cards
Interview with candidate	Business Meeting with a Potential Client
Interviewer asks questions to find out why they should hire you.	Asks questions to identify business requirement needs of the Client. Answers from Client also determines “Why should I work for You?
What Salary are You looking for? Employee placed in beggar’s seat.	Does not give away their bottom line. “I would consider any reasonable offer between [give your range], not a specific amount. Places themselves in the driver’s seat.
Interviewer wraps up interview	Goes for the gusto with a killer close to make a [commercial like] memorable impression on the Client. Close with 3 best skills that matches Client’s needs. “I would like to give you 3 reasons why I am the best resource for this position, out of any person you have interviewed or will interview”
Salary & Benefits Offer	Contract Negotiation. Stuff everything in a sneaker and ask for everything. Then compromises at negotiation table. Always waits until the next day to accept offer.

The purpose of a resume is to obtain an INTERVIEW, not a job. Landing a job is up to you during the interview.

Last Minutes Make All the Difference

In a previous chapter of my life, I went on 22 job interviews and received 22 NOs. I changed my tactics. Using a tape recorder and the mirror, I took my resume profile and practiced my interview closing everyday for 4 weeks. Then I went on 3 interviews and received 3 job offers. Life is always grand when we have choices.

The resume profile can be used as an effective closing statement during the interview. The last few minutes of an interview can make all the difference. People usually remember the last few minutes of a conversation. Once you know the interview is coming to an end, your closing statement should be natural, sell the benefits of hiring you and be lively so it is a memorable commercial.

Use a tape recorder to practice, practice, practice your close. Using a video camera provides the best feedback to develop a closing that results in multiple job offers.