How I got the job | Jennifer Foster, 33 - Kansas City Star

How I got the job | Jennifer Foster, 33 - Kansas City Star

What's that about?

I heard it this morning on The Today Show: "men don't apologize." It should have answered my question about the last two men who were in our office to interview for upcoming jobs with our clients. But it really didn't.

One candidate was a stellar, experienced designer with a great track record working for large corporations; the other was more of a beginner with real potential for front-end web design and programming. They were both 15 minutes late and, given the opportunity ("Did you have trouble finding our office?"), neither mentioned their tardiness (or regret).

What's up with this?

"...just got a new job!"

We're hearing that more & more as we call our temporary associates to tell them about new opportunities. It's music to our ears!

Here's a note from one of our long-time temporary associates who has just transitioned to a full-time senior graphic design job at our client:

"Thank you for the kind words, Elisa. It's really exciting for me considering
> where I was before talking with you that very first time. I had been with the
> same company for 11 years and had just started looking for a new job in an
> already depressed economy. Thanks to YOU and a wee bit of 'perfect timing',
> here I am, one year later with the best opportunity I could have imagined! I'm almost giddy. It's been a wonderful transition and I feel that I
> owe you SO MUCH for referring me in the first place. I know I've worked really
> hard but it's more than that. I feel like it was a perfect fit - for me and for my new employer!"

Thank you, Tami! We're thrilled for you!

Susan's Success!

How I Got the Job: Susan O'Neil, 24

Susan O'Neil was a very savvy job-seeker ... take a look at the steps she took to find her job in Kansas City at River City Studio (http://economy.kansascity.com/?q=node/2691) FYI, we're thrilled with how successful Yoda’s tweets have become! He’s such a smart cat to have persuaded you to do all his work for him. You can hear Yoda here: http://www.rivercitystudio.com/

The Importance of Being Interesting (and Earnest)

As a career coach, one of the activities I spend a lot of time on with clients is their use of language. How we talk about ourselves, and what we say to describe our skills and experience, has a huge impact on whether people want to engage with us, especially if we're looking for referrals to a job or freelance opportunity.

Here are a few simple ways you can be more interesting when you find yourself in those situations when people ask you, "and what do you do?"

1. Instead of using a passive verb ("I am a writer/graphic designer/marketing manager"), use an active verb. Try telling people what you actually do instead of stating your title or past title, which does not create a conversation. In doing this, you may need to just select one aspect of your professional portfolio, but that's okay. You may end up with five or six alternative statements you can use, according to the situation.

2. Find new and compelling words to use. Words are fun! The English language has so many synonyms that there's no excuse for using the same tired terms everyone else does. Devoting just a few minutes to identifying new language for your accomplishments and skills can give a big boost to your personal presentation.

3. Think about describing what you do in terms of its results or impact. There's always a larger purpose for how your function influences the enterprise, and using a few words to reference that helps your listener understand and connect.

4. If you're looking for a job, be prepared to assist your listener with a concise and accurate description of the sort of position and accountabilities you're seeking, maybe even with examples of the kind of company or category you are targeting. Make it as easy as possible for someone to help you.

Implementing these tips requires just a little time, experimentation, and practice. Find a friend, colleague, or coach to help you. In my experience, it's really worth it. When someone's interest is piqued and they truly hear you, a conversation develops, and then some connection may emerge that will genuinely help your quest!

Tell me if you have other tips that have worked for you. Or, if you'd like some help with your own personal pitch, let me know.