FINDING A NEW JOB / STARTING A NEW CAREER

Maybe you're just out of College or High School,Everything you say, and how you say it, should
looking for your firstfull-time job. Maybe you'reconvey self-confidence.
looking to change careers after years in thesame job.Awkwardness is in your own head. What are your
Maybe you're just curious about what's out there. Noaccomplishments? Make a listof things that you've
matter.done that set you apart from others and then
There's only one place to start your search -beprepared to talk about them.
When you're looking for a job, no matter what formPractice this pitch, preferably in front of the mirror,
of communication you use,you have only 30 to 60to get connected toit and believe in it.
seconds to really grab someone. You need to getThis will allow you to feel confident, comfortable in
tothe point: Why should a hiring manager hire you?your own skin. Peoplewho are unemployed or
Hiring managers are looking for people who makestruggling in their careers often have a lack
things happen. Focus yourpitch on yourofself-esteem. You need to feel confident that what
accomplishments and results.you have to offer someoneis important.
Examples include:Be Prepared
· In my current position with ABC Company,When selling yourself, prove that you're a
I put together a team to developnew saleswell-prepared, smart, no-nonsenseperson from the
strategies and ultimately increased sales by $100,000.get-go.
· I implemented a new process to handleAsk well-thought-out, specific questions. (It's helpful
customer service complaints thatimproved customerto write them downin advance, so that you don't
satisfaction by 50 percent.forget them under pressure.)
· I landed a client that my company had· What's your organization's biggest
been courting for five years.challenge?
Your results are what give your pitch the critical· If you could find a star performer, where
edge, recent grads shouldfocus on educationalwould you put her in theorganization?
achievements and/or internship successes.· Of all the people you've ever hired, who
Be Confidentwas the best and why?
To get a job offer, you must convince hiringBe prepared to interview the interviewer. Sometimes
managers that they need you.all it takes to get thehiring manager's attention is
Attitude is key: Focus on the positive. If you're outasking the right question or, better still,the right
of a job or have beenfired, don't bring it up.question that no one else has asked.