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Thursday, August 29, 2013

Interview Tip: Know Your Value & Personal Brand


How many interview tips have you stored in your memory only to forget them during an interview?  There's so much information out there about interviewing it can be overwhelming and confusing.
Not to mention that one career expert often contradicts another.  Have you experienced this?  When I was a recruiter, my candidates would complain about this constantly.

The best question to ask is this: "If I were interviewing a potential employee, what would be important to me when hiring?  What would I like to see conveyed in the interview?"

INTERVIEW TIP 101 - Know Your Value & Personal Brand

If you don't know why you should be hired over the next guy, don't expect the interviewer to know either.  If you convey one thing only in a job interview, know what makes you unique and how you can add to their bottom line.  It's no longer good enough to say, "you want to hire me because I'm hardworking."  Truth is, you're expected to be hardworking when you're getting paid to do a job.  Nowadays, you have to stand out (see blog: "Common Job Interview Pitfalls")

So, next interview be prepared to answer the "Why Hire You?" question.  A good way to do this is to:
  • convey your unique traits, strengths, talents
  • talk about your work accomplishments
  • back everything up with specific measurables
Knowing your value is something you should be prepared to discuss without pause and with total conviction.

"Too many people overvalue what they are not and undervalue what they are."
~ Malcolm Forbes

"Good Night, And Good Luck"

Laura Rivchun

PS - If you're having trouble figuring out your special uniqueness, please email at lrcareercoach@gmail.com, and I can help point you in the right direction.  










Saturday, May 11, 2013

What Does An Employer Really Want to Know In A Job Interview?

In today's competitive job market, it's no longer good enough to just show up at a job interview looking spiffy with a nicely written resume and an enthusiastic attitude.  Actually, that was never good enough.  Most of us liked to fool ourselves into thinking it was (or maybe I did).  In the small window of opportunity of the average interview, we have to demonstrate how we're more unique than the 100 people who are waiting to be interviewed for the same job.

Ask yourself, "what does an employer really want to know about me"?  In my previous posts I've talked about the importance of knowing one's accomplishments, transferrable skills and how you can add to a potential employers' bottom line.  Obviously, one has to  convey that during the interview (even if not asked!).  A job interview is not the best place to be shy about tooting your own horn (of course don't be obnoxious either.  That could be another post).


So, where am I going with all this?  While it's crucial to know your unique value, you also have to be prepared for some classic (and unoriginal) questions that will be hurled your way.  As a former recruiter, I've heard of interviews that went south because the most basic questions were poorly or inappropriately answered.  The question in question is, "why are you interested in this position"?  I have typically heard, "I'm interested in this position because it's an opportunity to learn a new skill and I enjoy learning."  No one ever got hired because they enjoy learning.  They get hired because of what they can bring to the table from day one with the transferrable skills they have developed.  Of course it's important to be interested in learning.  You don't keep your job or get promoted if you don't learn.  But it's not enough reason for a potential employer to hire you.

The next time you're asked the obligatory question, "why are you interested in this position"? the answer that's likely to impress is, "this position seems to be aligned with my capabilities and it gives me opportunity to utilize the skills I've developed in an impactful way."

No one ever said the interview process was easy but it's less likely to be intimidating the better you're prepared.

"Fortune favors the prepared mind."
- Louis Pasteur

"Good Night, And Good Luck"

Laura Rivchun




Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Make Your Career Goals Work For You


If you're like me (and millions of others), ringing in a new year brings mixed emotions.  I've always felt a sense of sadness and could never put my finger on why I felt that way.  Nonetheless, the feeling of melancholy taps me on the shoulder every January 1st  and hangs with me for the entire day.  Do these feelings sound somewhat familiar?

For many of us, the new year represents a second chance, a new beginning, renewed energy and an opportunity to look at life through a different lens.  We tend to get caught up on our own expectations that we often miss the pleasure of the dream, aspiration or goal we set for ourselves.  If we stop dreaming or striving, parts of us dry up and die.  As a coach, I believe working toward a goal (and reaching it) is life affirming and can put a person on the path to a more joyful and fulfilling life.

Working on goals can be very challenging but extremely rewarding with the right attitude.  So enjoy the ride with all it's bumps and setbacks, keep your eyes on the intention, rejoice in the smallest of your successes and share them with those who care about you.   No matter how small, do something every day to get a little closer toward your goal.  After all, Rome wasn't built in a day (who said that?).


"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams.  Live the life you've imagined!"
~ Henry David Thoreau ~

"Good Night, And Good Luck"

Laura Rivchun

PS - To learn about my coaching program on how to set goals and ACHIEVE them, contact me at lrcareercoach@gmail.com.