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