Comments on: Effectively Selling Yourself in a Job Search

By: Duane Hallock

Duane Hallock — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 19:04:05 +0000

A new, clever title sounds like a good way to get attention or spark an in-person conversation. Be careful, though, if you’re hoping to be found when a recruiter uses more traditional search terms when looking for someone with your qualifications.

By: Duane Hallock

Duane Hallock — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 19:00:47 +0000

JoAnn, I love your suggestion about practicing in a variety of situations. That doesn’t sound silly at all. Rehearsing for media interviews, presentations, etc. can make all the difference. It may feel silly at first, but in the end you’ll end up looking and sounding like the smart one.

Thanks for the added thoughts, JoAnn. They expanded the conversation.

By: JoAnn Woody

JoAnn Woody — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:55:54 +0000

I like this…excellent suggestions for those out there in the job market – either actively looking or mulling the idea over in their mind.

Another suggestion would be to take this newly developed approach, and practice using it. Get your resume updated to a format that utilizes this approach, and then practice talking your way through it. In the shower, cleaning the house, driving in the car…practice until you have analyzed all the possible angles you can imagine. Be sure to look at yourself in the mirror when making certain points — it helps reinforce good eye contact.

Sound silly? Probably — but I have used this for a long time. Whether preparing for media interviews, presentations, or important meetings…I “imagine” I’m in the situation and work my way through it. I’m sure I’ve entertained my dogs very nicely, and any fellow drivers unfortunate to be stopped alongside me in traffic. (Although these days, they just assume you’re talking “hands free”…so go for it!)

Plus — you get a feel for your own voice inflection when covering points. You might be surprised how many times you’ll rework how you phrase certain items, or debate yourself over just the right word to use.

In any event – it will make you so much more comfortable talking about yourself. And that is also key to selling yourself to a prospective employer.

By: Gayl Reinsch

Gayl Reinsch — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 22:26:47 +0000

You definitely hit the bullseye with your Effectively Selling Yourself in the Job Search article about benefits vs. features. As a job searching nonprofit salesperson (my new descriptive term!) I agree your point about “what’s in it for them” is right on, Duane!