Set Yourself Apart- Thank You Cards

I’ve been in HR going on 28 years.  I can count on one hand how many job candidates have sent me a hand-written thank you card.  The candidates who did, all have one thing in common…. they were all hired or promoted!

An e-mail thank  you follow-up is important to quickly reinforce with the hiring manager that you are very interested in the position.  However, no one gets mail anymore.  A nice card in the mail, a few days later will not only keep your name fresh in the hiring manager's mind, it will set you apart from the other candidates.

Example:

Dear Ms. Jones,

It was a pleasure to meet and talk with you on Monday.  I appreciated the opportunity to learn more about Acme Corporation and how you see the sales position role. 

I believe my skills and personality match up well with what Acme Corporation is looking for in an employee.

Your insights and perspective solidified my interest in joining your team!

Sincerely,

Bob Smith

(212) 555-1212

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Resume Tips:

Simplicity * Honesty * Focus on Accomplishments & Achievements rather than activities

Everything you wanted to know about the “Tell me about yourself…..” interview question.

1.      Why is Tell me about yourself the #1 interview question?

This question is an easy question to start the interview.  It’s an “ice breaker” and should give the hiring manager valuable information for the rest of the interview. This is your first impression and it will set the tone for the rest of the interview.

2.      Do they really want to know all about you?

No, the hiring manager wants to hear that you can solve their problem.  They want to hear that you have the competency for the position, will fit in well with their team and add value.

3.      How long should my answer be?  A good answer is around 2 minutes long.  Too short and it won’t be enough information, too long and you lose your audience.  The interviewer, if they are good, they will ask you follow up questions based on your answer.

4.      How do you structure your answer? Start off with your education & experience, then your expertise (it should solve the employer’s big problem), then transferable skills (match your skills based on the job description) ex. leadership, analytical, communication, etc. Then I would end it by the added value you bring to the position.

5.      Can you use your answer for other questions?  Yes, you can use it as a base for: Why should we hire you? What can you do better than the other candidates? What are your strengths?

6.      Is walk me through your resume and tell me about yourself the same answer?  No, when you are asked to walk me through your resume, the interviewer wants to know what you were responsible for and what you accomplished in each of the positions you listed on your resume.

7.      Do you need to tailor your answer for each position?  Yes, based on the job description, the hiring manager’s big problem, and the core competencies, you need to tweak your answer for each position. 

8.      What are some tips on how not to answer this question?  Don’t talk about your personal life, ramble on or talk negative.

9.      What are some more tips on how I can ace this question? Show enthusiasm, thank them for the opportunity to show them why you are the ideal candidate.

10.   How do I get better at answering this question? Practice!  You need to be prepared for this question and rehearse it over and over. 

Vince Dooley & Butch Reiser

Everything you wanted to know about the “Tell me about yourself…..” interview question.

1.      Why is Tell me about yourself the #1 interview question?

This question is an easy question to start the interview.  It’s an “ice breaker” and should give the hiring manager valuable information for the rest of the interview. This is your first impression and it will set the tone for the rest of the interview.

2.      Do they really want to know all about you?

No, the hiring manager wants to hear that you can solve their problem.  They want to hear that you have the competency for the position, will fit in well with their team and add value.

3.      How long should my answer be?  A good answer is around 2 minutes long.  Too short and it won’t be enough information, too long and you lose your audience.  The interviewer, if they are good, they will ask you follow up questions based on your answer.

4.      How do you structure your answer? Start off with your education & experience, then your expertise (it should solve the employer’s big problem), then transferable skills (match your skills based on the job description) ex. leadership, analytical, communication, etc. Then I would end it by the added value you bring to the position.

5.      Can you use your answer for other questions?  Yes, you can use it as a base for: Why should we hire you? What can you do better than the other candidates? What are your strengths?

6.      Is walk me through your resume and tell me about yourself the same answer?  No, when you are asked to walk me through your resume, the interviewer wants to know what you were responsible for and what you accomplished in each of the positions you listed on your resume.

7.      Do you need to tailor your answer for each position?  Yes, based on the job description, the hiring manager’s big problem, and the core competencies, you need to tweak your answer for each position. 

8.      What are some tips on how not to answer this question?  Don’t talk about your personal life, ramble on or talk negative.

9.      What are some more tips on how I can ace this question? Show enthusiasm, thank them for the opportunity to show them why you are the ideal candidate.

10.   How do I get better at answering this question? Practice!  You need to be prepared for this question and rehearse it over and over. 

Gwinnett County Public Library Interview Coaching Workshop Butch Reiser SD

http://www.gwinnettpl.org/calendar/interview-coaching-workshop-with-butch-reiser/

Veterans Workshop with Vince Dooley & Butch Reiser

Former Marine and Georgia legend Vince Dooley will welcome Gwinnett veterans (adults only) and their guests for this celebration of service at Saint Leo University. Guests will have the opportunity to attend a variety of breakout sessions dedicated to connecting veterans to the resources they need.

Workshop Topics:

•  Interview & resume skills with the expert, Butch Reiser

http://www.gwinnettpl.org/calendar/veteransworkshop/

20 Basic Resume Writing Rules

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/forbes-audio-edition/id1087947060?mt=2#episodeGuid=www.forbes.com%2Fsites%2Fdailymuse%2F2016%2F08%2F10%2F20-basic-resume-writing-rules-thatll-put-you-ahead-of-the-competition

Warren Buffett on Hiring

"I look for three things in hiring people. The first is personal integrity, the second is intelligence, and the third is high energy level. But, if you don't have the first, the other two will kill you."

Resume Tips - Simplicity, honesty, and focus on accomplishments & achievements rather than activities.

How do I follow-up on an application I submitted for a coaching position?

You need to be able to get to the decision maker(s).  Is it the AD, Head Coach, Principle?

  1. Send an e-mail stating that you completed an application and that you are very excited about the opportunity (similar to a cover letter).  Tell them you will follow-up by phone on a specific day (Friday afternoons are best) and do so.

2. If you can’t get an interview, and this is your dream job, mail a personal letter explaining how you can add value to their team. 

3. If you still don’t get an interview, periodically check in or offer to work for free.  Everyone loves free labor!

How do I follow-up on an application I submitted?

 You need to be able to get to the decision maker(s).  Is it the recruiter, department manager, or business owner? You can usually find this information on LinkedIn or on the company website. 

1.       Send an e-mail stating that you completed an application and that you are very excited about the opportunity (similar to a cover letter).  Tell them you will follow-up by phone on a specific day (Friday afternoons are best) and do so.

2.       If you can’t get an interview, and this is your dream job, mail a personal letter explaining how you can add value to their team. 

3.       If you still don’t get an interview, periodically check in or offer to work for free.  Everyone loves free labor!

12 Steps to getting a Job Offer

 

1.     Be prepared- do your research on the company and the interviewer (Website, LinkedIn, Google, Twitter, Mission Statement, etc.).

2.    Practice your stories on your personal brand- How you can add value to the company? Video yourself answering questions.

3.    Phone Interview- Stand up, Smile, have your notes, have the interviewers LinkedIn profile handy.

4.    Face to Face Interview- Dress to impress, bring extra copies of your resume, references, etc.

5.    Arrive 10 minutes early-smile and be professional to everyone you meet.

6.    Strong Confident Body Language- firm handshake, sit up straight, no perfume/ cologne, minimal jewelry, smile, energy & enthusiasm!

7.    Give examples- tell stories on how you reduced costs, improved efficiencies, made money.

8.    Behavioral Based Interview: STAR- Situation or Task, Action that you took, Results.

9.    Ask great questions- you only get 3-5, make them count! Ex. What would success look like in a year?  What would be my biggest challenges? Do you have any reservations about me in this position? I want to be a part of your team, what do you think? What keeps you up at night?

10.  If you want the job, ask for it!

11.  Get their business cards and thank them for the opportunity.

12.  Follow up by e-mail & hand written thank you cards. People hire people they like J!

 

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/worst-job-interview-mistake-butch-reiser?trk=prof-post


http://hwcdn.libsyn.com/p/e/0/d/e0d3d5a91c354e94/Def_of_Insanity-Butch_Reiser.m4a?c_id=11368401&expiration=1460313788&hwt=34fb7bc5761d99d1b2e992c9bc12eef4

Best question to ask a VP....... What keeps you up at night?

http://interviewcoach.com/blog/

Why did Bob get a job offer and Joe didn’t?  A true story.

Bob was ready for his interview. He wore a suit and tie, shined shoes, a portfolio that included extracopies of his resume, his accomplishments, a list of questions, and letters of recommendations.

Joe came into the interview not wearing a tie; no copies of his resume, shoes scuffed up, and chewed gum.

Bob did his homework.  He researched our company, he knew our big “opportunities”, studied the managers that he would be interviewing with, communicated how he could add value, was likable, and asked for the job.

Joe assumed that since we found him on LinkedIn, that he would coast through the hiring process.

Bob sent follow up thank you e-mails and hand written thank you cards.

Joe never followed up.

Bob starts in two weeks.

https://vimeo.com/152740381

Five things all Recruiters & Hiring Managers are looking for on a Resume:

1.       The companies you worked for

2.       How long you worked at those companies

3.       Positions that you held

4.       What were you responsible for & accomplished

5.       Your education/ certifications

Are you prepared to answer these 10 interview questions?

1.       Tell me about yourself?

2.       Why did you leave your last job or are considering leaving your current job?

3.       What is your signal biggest accomplishment in your career so far and why?

4.       Tell me how you have reduced costs, improved efficiencies, and grew sales?

5.       Why do you want to work here?

6.       What would your current or former boss say is your biggest area for improvement?

7.       Tell me about a time when you had a difficult co-worker or customer.  How did you handle it and what was the result?

8.       Describe a time when you had to make an unpopular decision and what was the result?

9.       Describe your leadership style?

10.   What are your salary expectations?

11.   What questions do you have for me?

There are subtle messages in your resume. It demonstrates your ability to communicate. If your resume doesn’t stand out, you not only haven’t done well, you’ve communicated about it poorly.

 A resume demonstrates your ability to put together a relevant document. It demonstrates your ability to pay attention to details. It communicates what you think is most important to the hiring manager.

 

If you’re not getting the results you want, you’re not putting in the effort to customize your resume.

The top 5 questions to ask on an interview:

 

By asking great questions, you will separate yourself on an interview! 

1.       What are you looking for in a person for this position?

2.       What would success look like in a year?

3.       It sounds like you are looking for someone that can ……………. Is that correct?

4.       Do you have any reservations about me as the person for this position?

5.       I would love to be a part of your team and I want this position.  What do you think?

12 Steps to getting a Coaching Interview

 

1.       Have a plan- Where do you want to Coach? What are your skills? What can you do better than someone else? Where can you add value to a program?

2.       Make a list of all your coaching jobs & relevant experience, then list what you were responsible for in each position and what you accomplished.

3.       If you don’t have experience, volunteer!  Everyone loves free labor!

4.       Resume needs to be a summary of what you were responsible for & what you accomplished and only 1 page. Ex. As the Offensive Coordinator, increased yards per game by 42%, from 290 to 415.

5.       Marketing Plan- Target 20-30 schools. Notify everyone that you are looking for a new opportunity.  Don’t be shy or embarrassed.  Network!!! 70% of all jobs are filled through networking. Be clear in what you are looking for.

6.       Create a LinkedIn Profile with a professional picture; keep it consistent with your resume. Your heading needs to say that you are currently pursuing opportunities as an …… (Look at other profiles of coaches in your field).

7.       Create business cards with your LinkedIn address on it, your new title and your skills.

8.       Network with AD’s, other coaches, Principles, Presidents, groups, friends, alumni, associations, old coaches, and former Student-Athletes. Pick up the phone and start calling!

9.       Ask for recommendations on LinkedIn and keep references separate from your resume.

10.    Update your references & get letters of recommendations.

11.   Cover letter -your cover letter needs to be personal and tailored to each job you apply. State when you will follow up and do so!

12.   Create a Job Search Productivity Chart. Go after your target schools and track your progress. Most openings aren’t posted to the public. Mail or hand deliver your resume. Getting a job is a FT job!

The Second Biggest Interview Question……For Coaches

Why do you want to coach here????

This is the make or break question and how you answer it is critical in you getting a job offer.  However, there is an underlying theme here.  The school still wants to know what you can do for them and how you can add value.

You must be positive in your answer and you must communicate your passion for this position.

You want to break down your answer into three parts.

1.      Admire the school

2.      Learning

3.      Add Value

What do you admire about the school?   Program, Academics, Student-Athletes, People, Reputation, Leadership, Facilities, Commitment, etc.

What will you learn?  Opportunities for growth, develop current skills, building something very special, realize my full potential, etc.

How I can add value?  “Job specific needs”, Graduation Rates, Add Boosters, Develop Student Athletes, Expertise, Solve a Problem, I can bring a winning viewpoint, etc.

Ex.  I’ve admired XYZ School for a long time.  You have a 1^st class organization. Your Schools values are something I really believe in.  I’m excited about being part of a (winning) team that I can continue to grow and build something very special.  I believe I can add value immediately by implementing my training program and as I just learned, I can contribute with the fundraising as well. 

You don’t get hired based on an interview.  However, you won’t get hired based on a poor interview!

Interview/ Resume Coaching Workshop

http://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/calendar/interview-coaching-workshop/event_652df84a-ad9a-11e5-8439-10604b9ffeb6.html