Pitch Yourself And Get Your Dream Job

The first interaction could be to befriend someone, meet a prospective partner, for alliance purposes, for jobs, or the likes. It has to be impactful and productive. When we plan to go for it we intend to move further in that direction and so it should not be a reluctant, half-hearted effort and should translate into desired results. Which is absolutely not tough by any standards, all we need to know is the technique.

If we approach it in a systematic way and tick all that is required, the interaction surely will fall in place. Going unplanned is a non-starter. So, the first step is to plan.

PLAN:

Plan like a match that you have to win. Planning always pays. At the onset think through…

What the employer would be looking for or what would be the qualities of an ideal applicant. Like e.g., for a teacher’s job, there are some basic qualifications fixed by the board/ govt/ authorities. Do you have all the pre-requisites? Getting disqualified won’t work. Then enlist any add on that you have. Analyze what kind of an attitude or approach would be perfect for the job.

RESEARCH:

This has to be done meticulously and sincerely. The best way to begin the research is to visit the employer’s website and get to know the ideology of the company/ institute. Understand what they would be looking for, what are their strengths, their areas of operation, their activities, etc. The website will tell you a lot. If possible physically visit the site of employment. The total ambiance of the place will give you some idea about the kind of work culture they have. You will also know your ways around on the day of the interview, it will be more reassuring and will give you confidence on the d-day.

Enlist strengths:

Make a list of all your strengths which you feel could pertain to the job at hand. You could start with your qualifications, personality traits, skills that you have. You could even get your family or friends to help you identify these. So that all these things can be momentously pitched in your interview/ interaction. When the list is ready, highlight those which you feel are important and should not be missed.

Value time:

Value your time and also of the time of your employer. You need to be punctual, which means you should be at the venue 15–20 minutes beforehand so that if there are some last-minute formalities, you do not panic.

It is important that you convey to the employer/ prospective partner the impression that you are genuinely looking forward to the association. It reflects your seriousness.

Dress formally:

It is a cardinal rule that whenever you go for an interview/ interaction, you need to dress conservatively and formally. It should be neat, crisp, not loud, professional, comfortable, well fitted (not too tight or loose), weather-appropriate, and should go with your personality. Footwear should be specially taken care of. It should be comfortable, well polished, and professional. Before you get the job you should look like you have it and you fit the role.

90 seconds rule:

Always remember the 90-seconds rule. With the decision making person/ panel you will probably get only 90 seconds to create the impression.

So in these 90 seconds, you have to create an impression upon them that you are the right choice and the only choice for that job/ association.

For that, you need to think smart, think quickly, and project well. Within the first few seconds, invariably, the decision is made — whether you fit into the slot or not. The rest of the time it is only the re-confirmation of the impression created. This could just be made in the duration where you entered the door and took a seat. At times there are surprise packages, so this impression changes. But that is very rare. So, cash on the first 90 seconds.

The KISS Concept:

“Keep It Short & Simple” concept. Don’t give very long answers and or monosyllables. One word answers are non-starters and they kill conversations. Here your research and rehearsed answers help. Be short and simple, precise, perfect, and poised. Do not repeat any statement. No rumbling and no fluff. It’s very important to listen intently and then respond.

The Five Minute Orations:

Invariably, all interviews/ interactions begin with self-introductions. To perfect this you should practice extensively. You can do this with a friend or in front of the mirror. Here your mobile camera comes handy. Record these practice sessions. Note down your mistakes & weaknesses and work on them, till there can be no further improvement. This oration could be for 5 minutes and should cover all that you wish to project and you really want to highlight to your prospective employer/partner. Have at least 20 such recordings. If possible get a second opinion on them, by a friend or a mentor/guide.

Other little things:

• Ask questions about the job profile, the salary, when will you know the results.
• Make sure you thank the interviewer properly afterward
• Make notes of questions or ask for feedback where you went wrong and what was something that they found best about you
• Carry extra resume copies
• Make sure you don’t fluff, ramble or exaggerate

Last but not the least read the room, make eye contact but not too much, don’t slouch, sit straight, it should seem as though you’re excited to be there. Offer a quick firm handshake. And most importantly go with your gut feelings.