These days one slip in an interview and someone else gets your dream job. Of all the job hunting techniques I’ve ever taught, the 60 Second Sell interview technique is the one most clients tell me is, “the best thing I ever learned.” It’s a key strategy in my book 60 Seconds & You’re Hired! because it immediately captures and focuses the hiring manager's attention. Don’t enter your next interview without mastering this outlined technique.
The 60 Second Sell is a tool that helps you target your skills to meet the employer’s needs. It allows you to summarize your most marketable strengths in a brief and concise manner. Successful job hunters praised the tool for several reasons:
It was effective in capturing the employer’s attention.
It provided an excellent concise answer to tricky questions.
It was very easy to use the formula.
It provided a strategy plan for managing an interview.
It was a great way to end an interview.
The 60 Second Sell is a customized, 60-second memorized statement that summarizes and links together your FIVE top selling points to perform that employer’s specific job. For example, if the employer were hiring an accountant, you would want to summarize your years in the field and your computer expertise as two of your selling points. As you discuss each selling point, you must put them into an order so that the thoughts flow together in the most effective way. When you link the ideas into sentences it should be spoken in 60 seconds or less.
When to Use It
Most interviews are over before they ever really get started. You have to immediately capture the employer’s attention, get them tuned in to you as a true top-notch candidate. The 60 Second Sell is effective because it demonstrates your strengths and illustrates how you will fill the employer’s needs. That is the key to its success, and yours.
Open your interview by using your 60 Second Sell. Typically the first interview question is “Tell me about yourself.” Hiring Managers complain that people ramble, saying some people take 20 minutes offering a life story for their first answer. After the first minute or two, they say you have totally lost their attention. Starting with a 60 Second Sell solves this problem and engages the hiring manager immediately and concisely by stating here’s exactly HOW I can do your job.
“Why should I hire you?” is another question for which this technique is the perfect answer. An effective 60 Second Sell can convince them to hire you. Other applicable inquiries include: “What are your strengths?” “What makes you think you are qualified for this job?” “What makes you think you will succeed in this position?” “Why do you want this job?” These questions offer an excellent opportunity to stress your most marketable skills using your 60 Second Sell.
Be Memorable—End With a Convincing Close
Most seasoned interviewers will tell you that it is easy to forget a person the minute they walk out the door. Employers often sit back at the end of the day, look at the resumes and wonder who was who.
Using the 60 Second Sell ensures repetition of your major strengths. Closing with your 60 Second Sell leaves the employer with your most marketable points fresh in their minds as they fill out their evaluation form.
This technique really is the perfect ending, when the employer has asked all their questions, you’ve asked yours, you’ve learned about the next stage, and when they will be making a decision. This employer will remember when you end by saying “Thank you for this opportunity to meet with you today." In closing, let me summarize for you what I’d bring to this job"…and insert your 60 Second Sell.
- Robin Ryan
Robin Ryan has appeared on Oprah and Dr. Phil is considered America’s top career coach. Robin has a busy career counseling practice providing individual career coaching, resume writing services, interview preparation, salary negotiations, and outplacement, to clients nationwide. She is the best-selling author of: " 60 Seconds & You're Hired!", " Soaring On Your Strengths", " What to Do with the Rest of Your Life", " Winning Resumes" and, "Winning Cover Letters". A dynamic national speaker, Robin has spoken to over 1200 audiences sharing her insights on how to improve their lives and obtain greater success. Contact Robin at: 425.226.0414, or email: robin@robinryan.com, or visit her website: www.robinbyan.com
Need more assistance? Robin is available to help you achieve your goals and dreams with individual career counseling. Click here to learn more.
© Copyright 2009 Robin Ryan. All rights reserved.
From www.executeam.com
Friday, May 14, 2010
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
The Changing Face of Temporary Work
Routinely asked if temporary work should be listed on a resume, I always give the same answer: YES! Temporary work is a great way to fill the gaps between jobs or after being laid off. It can also serve as a gateway to re-enter the workforce, enable a career change or help you get a foot in the door to the corporate world. Long gaps between jobs may prevent you from getting an interview; temporary work will fill the gaps, help keep your skills current and allow you to meet people and network while making your resume more attractive to potential employers.
Temporary employment isn’t just answering the phone or typing up letters anymore. Temporary employees work as accountants, paralegals, dental hygienists, x-ray technicians, human resource representatives and in many other skilled professions. Harvard grads, MBAs, ex-dentists and lawyers, real estate agents, musicians, aspiring actors and teachers are just a few of the candidates in the temp pool today.
Janae turned to temping when an injury prevented her from working as a dentist. She was placed as a temporary Administrative Assistant at a prestigious medical center where after proving herself, was hired as a Special Project Analyst. This position involved creating and analyzing databases to determine future satellite locations as well as regional advertising campaigns. Janae credits this success to temping.
The face of temporary work is changing. It’s time to get noticed – consider temping!
Temping is a personal choice. Whether you temp to explore career options or to get your resume noticed amidst a multitude of candidates or to just build experience and skills, it’s up to you. There are Career Temps who enjoy the flexibility of short-term assignments and the extra money for travel and leisure as well as Transitional Temps who may be moving, want to further their studies while temping or change careers completely. Once you figure out how temporary work may benefit your particular situation, it’s time to consider how to get noticed by an agency!
Dave, who admits he stumbled upon the idea of temping at a career fair, says “…temping turned out to be the best thing I could have done.” A former music teacher looking for steady income and work, Dave was exposed to various jobs by temping until landing his current permanent position at an architectural firm where he works as an Architectural and Engineering Designer. Dave is responsible for drafting, 3d rendering, marketing materials, graphic design, IT support and much more.
Temporary work isn’t always easy to get! Candidates with college degrees are competing with those that entered the workforce right after high school and offer real world experience. Computer knowledge including email, Internet research and MS Office skills are now requirements to get temporary work. Additionally, recruiters want to see soft skills including personality, presentation, attitude and other “fit” factors as well as flexibility on pay and location.
Letters of recommendation, excellent references and continually building your skill-set will set you apart from the competitive pool of talent as well.
Kristen decided to explore the idea of temping after being a stay-at-home mom for 12 years. She states, “I lacked a steady, progressive work history. I thought I would have a better chance temping at a company, letting them see my work ethic, capabilities and personality first hand and then hoping it would lead to a permanent job offer.” Kristen, formerly an Operations Analyst before staying at home with her children, was hired as a Human Resources/Payroll Administrator after temping for just over a month.
Once you are in the door - make a recruiter work for you! Many times recruiters are able to help job seekers get an interview or assignment they never thought possible. Working with an agency recruiter instead of going directly to a company has its advantages. A good recruiter will have solid client relationships. While your resume lacks the ability to reflect what’s not written on paper, a recruiter can speak those hidden words, get in your corner and pave the way for you to showcase your talent in person. There are occasions where clients have asked to hire temps after only a week of temping and temp-to-hire assignments are becoming increasingly popular – it can happen to you!
- Jennifer Barrett
Jennifer, a New York native, has been in the staffing industry for more than ten years and has experience in sales, recruiting and management. Currently, Jennifer is responsible for planning and strategy development as Director of Recruitment at Lauren Staffing. In her recruiting, she uses a consultative approach and strives to make the perfect matches for her candidates and clients by understanding their individual needs and aligning them to benefit both. Jennifer utilizes her Masters in Management to understand the needs of executive level hiring managers, as well as her degree in Spanish to recruit and place bilingual Spanish-speaking professionals.
www.laurenstaffing.com
From www.net-temps.com
Temporary employment isn’t just answering the phone or typing up letters anymore. Temporary employees work as accountants, paralegals, dental hygienists, x-ray technicians, human resource representatives and in many other skilled professions. Harvard grads, MBAs, ex-dentists and lawyers, real estate agents, musicians, aspiring actors and teachers are just a few of the candidates in the temp pool today.
Janae turned to temping when an injury prevented her from working as a dentist. She was placed as a temporary Administrative Assistant at a prestigious medical center where after proving herself, was hired as a Special Project Analyst. This position involved creating and analyzing databases to determine future satellite locations as well as regional advertising campaigns. Janae credits this success to temping.
The face of temporary work is changing. It’s time to get noticed – consider temping!
Temping is a personal choice. Whether you temp to explore career options or to get your resume noticed amidst a multitude of candidates or to just build experience and skills, it’s up to you. There are Career Temps who enjoy the flexibility of short-term assignments and the extra money for travel and leisure as well as Transitional Temps who may be moving, want to further their studies while temping or change careers completely. Once you figure out how temporary work may benefit your particular situation, it’s time to consider how to get noticed by an agency!
Dave, who admits he stumbled upon the idea of temping at a career fair, says “…temping turned out to be the best thing I could have done.” A former music teacher looking for steady income and work, Dave was exposed to various jobs by temping until landing his current permanent position at an architectural firm where he works as an Architectural and Engineering Designer. Dave is responsible for drafting, 3d rendering, marketing materials, graphic design, IT support and much more.
Temporary work isn’t always easy to get! Candidates with college degrees are competing with those that entered the workforce right after high school and offer real world experience. Computer knowledge including email, Internet research and MS Office skills are now requirements to get temporary work. Additionally, recruiters want to see soft skills including personality, presentation, attitude and other “fit” factors as well as flexibility on pay and location.
Letters of recommendation, excellent references and continually building your skill-set will set you apart from the competitive pool of talent as well.
Kristen decided to explore the idea of temping after being a stay-at-home mom for 12 years. She states, “I lacked a steady, progressive work history. I thought I would have a better chance temping at a company, letting them see my work ethic, capabilities and personality first hand and then hoping it would lead to a permanent job offer.” Kristen, formerly an Operations Analyst before staying at home with her children, was hired as a Human Resources/Payroll Administrator after temping for just over a month.
Once you are in the door - make a recruiter work for you! Many times recruiters are able to help job seekers get an interview or assignment they never thought possible. Working with an agency recruiter instead of going directly to a company has its advantages. A good recruiter will have solid client relationships. While your resume lacks the ability to reflect what’s not written on paper, a recruiter can speak those hidden words, get in your corner and pave the way for you to showcase your talent in person. There are occasions where clients have asked to hire temps after only a week of temping and temp-to-hire assignments are becoming increasingly popular – it can happen to you!
- Jennifer Barrett
Jennifer, a New York native, has been in the staffing industry for more than ten years and has experience in sales, recruiting and management. Currently, Jennifer is responsible for planning and strategy development as Director of Recruitment at Lauren Staffing. In her recruiting, she uses a consultative approach and strives to make the perfect matches for her candidates and clients by understanding their individual needs and aligning them to benefit both. Jennifer utilizes her Masters in Management to understand the needs of executive level hiring managers, as well as her degree in Spanish to recruit and place bilingual Spanish-speaking professionals.
www.laurenstaffing.com
From www.net-temps.com
Friday, May 7, 2010
Accounting Division Manager
Supervise accounting and fixed assets in the coordination, implementation, administration, and operations. Responsible for AR, AP, year-end accruals, bank reconciliation, fixed assets, auditing, etc. Will undertake in depth analyses and make recommendations. Coordinates and conducts special projects. Requirements: strong written and verbal communication skills, and able to think creatively and critically. 7 years experience with 3 years in a supervisory role. Bachelor's in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or a closely related field. A Master's in Business Administration or Public Administration can substitute for the # of years of experience.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Medical Techonologist - You Don't Want to Miss This Opportunity
Growing CLIA accredited laboratory has immediate positions available for experienced Medical Technologist. Candidates must be MT certified or possess a Bachelor's degree in a science major (biology, chemistry, biochemistry, forensics, etc). Reference lab experience required (tissue culture and chemistry). Must be ASCP certified or eligible. New graduates are welcomed to apply. Day shift position with rotational weekends, competitive salary, and benefits including overtime pay.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
A Unique Cover Letter Tip for a Tough Job Market
© Written By Jimmy Sweeney President of CareerJimmy and Author of the new, Amazing Cover Letter Creator
Think of your cover letter as a knock on the door. When someone opens the door you're standing there ready to introduce yourself and to share your qualifications for the job opening. This is a proactive, direct way to win attention, and also the smart way. Hiring managers are busy. If you want to get noticed you must be clear and direct, positive and professional.
Here's a unique cover letter tip for this tough job market: Tie your cover letter to your resume by mentioning a particular skill or accomplishment the hiring manager can relate to for his company. For example, suppose you are applying for a job as a regional manager of a retail shoe company. You've had excellent experience training sales people and retaining them. Turnover is low and morale is high under your leadership, thus affecting the bottom line in a positive, profitable way.
You could bring this information to the attention of the hiring manager in this clever and effective way:
I would welcome meeting with you to discuss your need for a regional manager in the area where my family and I will be moving on September 1. I've been a shoe store manager for three years and during my time with The Right Fit shoe store I have trained five new salespeople who have remained with me the entire time. One salesman, Mike Johnson, was so enthusiastic about his job he gave me permission to quote him. "I can't imagine a more pleasant place to work. I like the people here, especially Mark Smith, the manager, and I can earn a good living." Now Mike Johnson is ready to assume my position when I leave!
As you can see from this paragraph, the job hunter, Mark Smith, is making clear to the hiring manager, his own qualifications, as well as the benefit to the company he hopes to work for by using a testimonial from an employee he has worked with at his previous job. If you were the hiring manager wouldn't you want to interview this individual? I certainly would. He not only sounds like a nice guy—but one who knows how to train and retain sales people which increases staff morale and revenue for the company.
A well-written cover letter tied to the accompanying resume in this fashion is certain to win an interview for the writer. Try it for yourself and then get ready to answer the phone.
- Jimmy Sweeney
Jimmy Sweeney is the president of CareerJimmy and author of the brand new, "Amazing Cover Letter Creator." Jimmy is also the author of several career related books and writes a monthly article titled, "Job Search Secrets."
Visit our friends at Amazing Cover Letters for your "instant" cover letter today. "In just 3½ minutes you will have an amazing cover letter guaranteed to cut through YOUR competition like a hot knife through butter!"
From www.net-temps.com
Think of your cover letter as a knock on the door. When someone opens the door you're standing there ready to introduce yourself and to share your qualifications for the job opening. This is a proactive, direct way to win attention, and also the smart way. Hiring managers are busy. If you want to get noticed you must be clear and direct, positive and professional.
Here's a unique cover letter tip for this tough job market: Tie your cover letter to your resume by mentioning a particular skill or accomplishment the hiring manager can relate to for his company. For example, suppose you are applying for a job as a regional manager of a retail shoe company. You've had excellent experience training sales people and retaining them. Turnover is low and morale is high under your leadership, thus affecting the bottom line in a positive, profitable way.
You could bring this information to the attention of the hiring manager in this clever and effective way:
I would welcome meeting with you to discuss your need for a regional manager in the area where my family and I will be moving on September 1. I've been a shoe store manager for three years and during my time with The Right Fit shoe store I have trained five new salespeople who have remained with me the entire time. One salesman, Mike Johnson, was so enthusiastic about his job he gave me permission to quote him. "I can't imagine a more pleasant place to work. I like the people here, especially Mark Smith, the manager, and I can earn a good living." Now Mike Johnson is ready to assume my position when I leave!
As you can see from this paragraph, the job hunter, Mark Smith, is making clear to the hiring manager, his own qualifications, as well as the benefit to the company he hopes to work for by using a testimonial from an employee he has worked with at his previous job. If you were the hiring manager wouldn't you want to interview this individual? I certainly would. He not only sounds like a nice guy—but one who knows how to train and retain sales people which increases staff morale and revenue for the company.
A well-written cover letter tied to the accompanying resume in this fashion is certain to win an interview for the writer. Try it for yourself and then get ready to answer the phone.
- Jimmy Sweeney
Jimmy Sweeney is the president of CareerJimmy and author of the brand new, "Amazing Cover Letter Creator." Jimmy is also the author of several career related books and writes a monthly article titled, "Job Search Secrets."
Visit our friends at Amazing Cover Letters for your "instant" cover letter today. "In just 3½ minutes you will have an amazing cover letter guaranteed to cut through YOUR competition like a hot knife through butter!"
From www.net-temps.com
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Interview Questions You Can't Afford to Miss
While you’ll never be able to plan for every question you may be asked by a potential employer, you can anticipate and rehearse answers to common interview questions. Here are three questions you can’t afford to miss—and strategies to help you prepare.
Question 1: What’s Your Second Biggest Weakness?
Note: If you have presented an actual weakness for the first question, you most likely will not be asked this question. This is a question employers may ask as a follow-up to the “Describe one of your weaknesses for me” question.
Employers may ask you this question for one of two reasons:
To probe beyond your first weakness answer (which they anticipate was prepared in advance), and
If the first answer you provided was a strength disguised as a weakness; classic answers to this question include I’m a “perfectionist,” or “I work too hard.” (Note: These can also be actual weaknesses; it is often said that “any strength overextended can transform into a weakness.”)
Answering questions on your biggest weakness is a delicate balance: you want to make sure that you provide candid information on areas that you could—or have improved—but you also don’t want to run the risk of being eliminated from the game altogether. Therefore, make sure you don’t present a weakness that is an integral function of the job to which you are applying.
Question 2: Tell Me What You Know About Our Company.
While this may seem like an easy answer, you want to demonstrate that your understanding of what the company does, and how your position would align with the company’s key mission if hired. If you have only researched the company website and taken press releases at face value, you may be taken out of the running…. in today’s market, you ideally want to demonstrate that you are familiar with the company-as well as how the company and industry sector are affected by economic trends. The more you can participate in the dialogue on the company’s current needs, the stronger your candidacy will be.
A great way to prepare for the what do you know about our company question—monitor Google News (news.google.com) and set up “News Alerts” by company name and industry function—that way, you can take a crash course in recent events. Other sources of information include industry and annual reports. Spend 20 minutes with a reference librarian at your closest library and you’ll have great access to all of the information you need.
Question 3: Do You Have Any Questions For Us?
Conventional wisdom is that this is the time in the interview when you can relax—it isn’t. You need to show the employer that you’ve thought about the position and how you could apply your skills if hired. Do not ask about benefits or compensation; focus on your interest in the position and ask questions that demonstrate your high level of interest and knowledge of the potential opportunity.
A common question is “What are you looking for in a candidate?” Avoid this one. If you were not a potential finalist for the position, you would not be in the game. A better question is: “What are your biggest needs, and how does this position help you address these needs?”
Finally, remember that interviewing is a process of mutual selection—you are also picking an employer. Ask questions which will allow you to assess the work environment and whether it fits with your values. One of my favorite questions for a group interview is, “If I were hired into this position, what would my first priorities be, and how would I work with each of you on that to accomplish our objectives?” This question allows you to assess both the nature of the position and the level of interaction you could expect from others: in many organizations, employees serve on search committees together, but don’t interact as frequently during their regular work.
- E. Chandlee Bryan, M.Ed., CPRW
Social Media Expert – Career Thought Leaders Consortium
Founder & President – Best Fit Forward
Facilitator – NYC Job Seekers MeetUp
Email: chandlee@bestfitforward.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/chandlee
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/chandleebryan
Phone: 212-662-0025
www.net-temps.com
Question 1: What’s Your Second Biggest Weakness?
Note: If you have presented an actual weakness for the first question, you most likely will not be asked this question. This is a question employers may ask as a follow-up to the “Describe one of your weaknesses for me” question.
Employers may ask you this question for one of two reasons:
To probe beyond your first weakness answer (which they anticipate was prepared in advance), and
If the first answer you provided was a strength disguised as a weakness; classic answers to this question include I’m a “perfectionist,” or “I work too hard.” (Note: These can also be actual weaknesses; it is often said that “any strength overextended can transform into a weakness.”)
Answering questions on your biggest weakness is a delicate balance: you want to make sure that you provide candid information on areas that you could—or have improved—but you also don’t want to run the risk of being eliminated from the game altogether. Therefore, make sure you don’t present a weakness that is an integral function of the job to which you are applying.
Question 2: Tell Me What You Know About Our Company.
While this may seem like an easy answer, you want to demonstrate that your understanding of what the company does, and how your position would align with the company’s key mission if hired. If you have only researched the company website and taken press releases at face value, you may be taken out of the running…. in today’s market, you ideally want to demonstrate that you are familiar with the company-as well as how the company and industry sector are affected by economic trends. The more you can participate in the dialogue on the company’s current needs, the stronger your candidacy will be.
A great way to prepare for the what do you know about our company question—monitor Google News (news.google.com) and set up “News Alerts” by company name and industry function—that way, you can take a crash course in recent events. Other sources of information include industry and annual reports. Spend 20 minutes with a reference librarian at your closest library and you’ll have great access to all of the information you need.
Question 3: Do You Have Any Questions For Us?
Conventional wisdom is that this is the time in the interview when you can relax—it isn’t. You need to show the employer that you’ve thought about the position and how you could apply your skills if hired. Do not ask about benefits or compensation; focus on your interest in the position and ask questions that demonstrate your high level of interest and knowledge of the potential opportunity.
A common question is “What are you looking for in a candidate?” Avoid this one. If you were not a potential finalist for the position, you would not be in the game. A better question is: “What are your biggest needs, and how does this position help you address these needs?”
Finally, remember that interviewing is a process of mutual selection—you are also picking an employer. Ask questions which will allow you to assess the work environment and whether it fits with your values. One of my favorite questions for a group interview is, “If I were hired into this position, what would my first priorities be, and how would I work with each of you on that to accomplish our objectives?” This question allows you to assess both the nature of the position and the level of interaction you could expect from others: in many organizations, employees serve on search committees together, but don’t interact as frequently during their regular work.
- E. Chandlee Bryan, M.Ed., CPRW
Social Media Expert – Career Thought Leaders Consortium
Founder & President – Best Fit Forward
Facilitator – NYC Job Seekers MeetUp
Email: chandlee@bestfitforward.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/chandlee
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/chandleebryan
Phone: 212-662-0025
www.net-temps.com
Friday, April 16, 2010
Healthcare Billing Specialist
THE ROLE YOU WILL PLAY:
• Perform posting of patient information at the set production level, while maintaining a 97% quality rate
• Will work billing exceptions report in an electronic format by utilizing the system tools for resolution or phone calls to the customer for needed billing information and update accordingly
• Will identify trends and ways to help prevent billing exceptions and notify management
LOCATION:
• Central Houston
• Free Covered parking
• Deli within the building
• Shopping & Restaurants near by
WHAT THE COMPANY OFFERS YOU:
• Learning opportunity – expand on your tenured skills
• Opportunities for challenges, learning and advancement with a company aligned with a long term aggressive growth strategy
• Benefits package geared for the entire family
• Recognition, cultivation and rewards for your talent
• Promotes individual professional growth and development
• Team of 10,000+ in the Texas area
• Monday thru Friday hours: 8am – 5pm
BACKGROUND PROFILE:
• Good oral and written communication skills
• 10-key Data Entry Skills and Microsoft Excel 97
• Requires a High School Diploma or equivalent, but prefer an Associate’s Degree
• Previous Medical and Billing experience is a plus
Salary is $23,000 - $28,000 depending on experience. For more information, please visit www.executeam.com or email to alison@executeam.com
• Perform posting of patient information at the set production level, while maintaining a 97% quality rate
• Will work billing exceptions report in an electronic format by utilizing the system tools for resolution or phone calls to the customer for needed billing information and update accordingly
• Will identify trends and ways to help prevent billing exceptions and notify management
LOCATION:
• Central Houston
• Free Covered parking
• Deli within the building
• Shopping & Restaurants near by
WHAT THE COMPANY OFFERS YOU:
• Learning opportunity – expand on your tenured skills
• Opportunities for challenges, learning and advancement with a company aligned with a long term aggressive growth strategy
• Benefits package geared for the entire family
• Recognition, cultivation and rewards for your talent
• Promotes individual professional growth and development
• Team of 10,000+ in the Texas area
• Monday thru Friday hours: 8am – 5pm
BACKGROUND PROFILE:
• Good oral and written communication skills
• 10-key Data Entry Skills and Microsoft Excel 97
• Requires a High School Diploma or equivalent, but prefer an Associate’s Degree
• Previous Medical and Billing experience is a plus
Salary is $23,000 - $28,000 depending on experience. For more information, please visit www.executeam.com or email to alison@executeam.com
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