The grass always appears greener on the other side of the fence. Had the goats in the fairy tale understood this, they might have avoided facing the troll altogether. As a sales manager, when recruiting I would discard CV’s that had more than two short hops, back to back. A ‘short hop’ meant two years or less with three or more companies consecutively. The implication is that the person can’t succeed in the role, has bad judgement, or is unreliable.

I don’t intend this to be an incitement for people to up sticks and seek pastures new unless now is the right time. A good reason for changing employer is that you have run out of things to learn. Another is when goals are miss-aligned and neither party is willing to compromise. If you are changing jobs for better remuneration, make sure you know what will be expected of you. Whatever your reason, if you observe the rules below, you will be much more likely to get the job you want.

1. Decide whom you want to work for

If no obvious answer leaps to mind, write down the characteristics of the type of company you want to work for. What industry or markets do they operate in? How big are they? Do you want to work in a fast paced, fast growth environment or are you more interested in stability? What size is your ideal employer? How successful are they in terms of profit and track record? What are your cultural preferences? Do you need to work in a disciplined environment or do you prefer the freedom to do it your way? Create a profile of your ideal employer but keep it grounded in reality. Your profile needs to be sufficiently similar to real companies so as not to exclude everyone.

Now that you have a profile, use your network of contacts and some time using your favourite internet search engine to identify a short list of potential employers who match your requirements. In the upswing of an economic cycle you shouldn't need more than two or three companies who match your profile. It trading conditions are difficult, you may need to seek companies who are better placed to sustain growth or maintain their position.

2. Do your homework

What are the Company’s goals and objectives for the next twelve months and what are their aims for the next several years? How is the Company funded and who makes the decisions about goals and objectives? What are the names of the executives and what are their records of achievement.

3. Decide how you can help them reach specific goals or objectives

Write down what you could do for them in terms of new market penetration and new business. If your skills are in account management and your aim is to have this type of role, explain how you can protect and develop existing business. Write down what you would actually do, step-by-step. Then explain why you will succeed in delivering the results you can promise.

4. Prepare your CV

Customise your CV to emphasise your relevant experience. If you are applying for every job that seems to offer more than you have now, rewriting your CV for each application will be impractical. If you focus attaining a position with a few selected employers or only apply for a jobs where your experience and skills are better than an 80% match, it is possible to improve your chances of gaining an interview by tuning the presentation of your history and experience. Don't miss represent the facts, just put your best foot forward in each case.

5. Prepare your CV

Write a brief covering letter that explains why you are particularly suitable for the position. If you have followed the steps above, this should be reasonably easy.

6. Follow up immediately

Demonstrate your ability to get through to senior people by making a follow up telephone call within one working day. Be prepared to talk about your relevant experience. Construct a short and distinctive message to leave either verbally or on voice mail. Your purpose is to draw attention to your application. This alone may be enough to make your candidacy stand out.

7. Be persistent within reason

Ask a two part question. Say, "I'd like to find out if my application is to be included in the selection process and if it is, what the process will be.

8. Prepare for the interview

The interviewer’s task is to eliminate candidates. Many fail to do this. Instead, they use their instincts to make up their minds. Be ready to use your communication skills to adapt for the interviewer and create rapport. Look for opportunities to demonstrate your understanding of the Company’s purpose, people, and culture by asking intelligent questions or explaining how you found the information.

Make yourself easy to interview and hard to turn down. Quote verifiable facts about your performance record and abilities. Provide proof that you know how to fulfil the promises presented in your communications by explaining how you fulfilled similar promises in the past.

Use facts and evidence to support your proposal to raise your credibility and diminish any scepticism.

If you are already out of a job, you may be arguing that you don’t have the luxury of choice. Pretend that you do. Desperation is the pre cursor to many a mistake.

The ability of interviewers and the techniques they use to assess candidates, vary enormously. Often, too much depends on first impressions and chemistry. One thing is certain. When you face an interviewer, it is too late to prepare. Everything rests on the abilities and knowledge you have brought with you.
 
Article by Clive Miller
Questions and comments to clive@salessense.co.uk