The Reference Check…It’s Not Time to Celebrate Yet

Posted by admin on February 11, 2010 · 4 Comments

Two years ago, if a client told me that the company they were interviewing with was getting ready to check references, I would have thought, “Great! It sounds like an offer is not far behind.” But now, with unemployment at almost 10%, the job search landscape is far different and more competitive than ever. As a result, many companies are checking the references of multiple candidates in order to help make their final decision. So, getting it right with your references is extremely important. Here are a few tips:

Be Proactive: Don’t assume the reference and reference checker will connect. Find out who will be calling your reference and let your reference know. I would suggest taking the steps to help schedule it. Not only will this help make certain it happens, but your reference will be in a better state of mind and more prepared for the call. You want them focused on selling you, not multitasking by driving, checking emails, etc..
Prepare Your Reference: Schedule a call with your reference to review your background and the position you are interviewing for. Send them a copy of your resume. You want them understanding why this is a great job for you. They need to both think and speak in terms of why your past accomplishments are an indicator of what you are going to do for your future employer. It is all about being specific, quantifying and qualifying why you are the best hire – period.
You are Only Good at What You Check: Follow up with your reference afterwards to find to how the call went. Were there any stumbling points? Any red flags they think you might need to address or be aware of? This way you know if there are any points you need to go back and re-address or affirm with your future employer.

There reference check is so much more than verifying employment. By taking these steps, you will not only properly prepare your reference, but you might discover you need to replace one of the people on your list. Remember, knowing they are checking references doesn’t mean you have the job, but it does mean you are a finalist. This is the last leg of your journey, so it’s time to pull out all the stops. Make sure your references tip the scales in your favor!

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“Hidden” Job Market expert Kevin Kermes has shown thousands how to uncover the unadvertised job market and pull jobs to them. If you’re looking for simple, quick and easy ways to bring the job market to you and cut your search time down significantly, get your FREE advice now at www.kevinkermes.com

Filed under Blog Posts · Tagged with build the career you deserve, hidden job market, hidden jobs, interview, kevin kermes, reference

The Importance of Controlling the Interview…and 3 Tips to Do Just That!

Posted by admin on February 2, 2010 · 6 Comments

The truth is that the interview is just as much about control as it is direction. The problem is that most interviews don’t have a true plan when it comes to the process. Needless to say, relinquishing control to someone with no real plan – or sense of direction – leaves you wondering where you will end up. More importantly, how can you determine if the job is the right one for you…much less prove you are the right fit for the job.

Recognizing all this, here are a few tips on how to maintain control in the interview to get the information you need:

“So, Tell Me About Yourself?” – This question is as common as it is lacking focus. Instead of trying to guess what the interviewer wants, create some framework. Respond by saying something like:

“I’d love to. Could you share the main objectives you want the person in this role to achieve? This way, I can give you some more pointed examples from my background that will help us both determine if there is a fit here.”

By saying something along these lines you give the interviewer the information they are really looking for (but didn’t know how to ask), get your interview on track, avoid taking you both down a path that provides no value and, most importantly, figure out for yourself if this position is a good fit.

The Phone Interview is an Open Book Test – Pull out your resume. Have your facts in front of you. No one can see you, so use that to you advantage. Make a list of 3-5 key accomplishments that you want to get across in the interview. Tell them as short stories that reflect your style, approach and personality – as well as the facts.

Also, don’t take the all while on the road, getting coffee or in any other setting where you might be distracted. Give this 100% of your attention just like you would in person. Along those same lines, I’d recommend dressing for the interview too. It can only have a positive effect on your mindset which will come across in your voice, confidence and presentation.

“I Wish I Had Said…” - Leave nothing to chance. Was there an awkward pause in the interview? Is there something you were surprised – or even relieved – they didn’t ask? You can’t read minds, so don’t start trying to now. At the end of each interview ask two questions – every time:

“Are there any questions you have for me that we didn’t get to?”

-and-

“What are the next steps in our process?”

Your tone and word choice are important here. You aren’t asking if they have any “hesitations” about moving forward or do they see you as a fit? Both infer negativity and doubt. You are confident and positive in your questions – definitely the note on which you want to end every interview.

These techniques have worked for my clients and I know they will bear fruit for you too. Have some other tips for fellow job seekers that worked for you? Please share them below!

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WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Kevin Kermes publishes the ‘Build the Career Your Deserve’ e-zine with over 21,000+ subscribers. If you are ready to empower yourself with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job you want and build the successful career you deserve, visit him now www.kevinkermes.com

Kevin is the Founder of Build the Career You Deserve, a company devoted to empowering professionals with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job they want and build the successful career they deserve. Sign up for his free e-zine – Build the Career You Deserve – for insider tips on how to do just that!

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How I Got the Job: Ed Warner – The “Hidden” Job Market

Posted by admin on December 15, 2009 · 1 Comment

In this episode of “How I Got the Job,” Ed Warner talks about his recent job search. He shares how he tapped into the “hidden” job market, the importance of networking and how social media factored in as well. Listen in and share your thoughts below.

Interested in implementing these techniques to make your job search more efficient? Check out Kevin’s Job Search 2.o Bootcamp Homestudy System – designed specifically more the mid to senior level executive designed to drive opportunities to you, establish you as a Subject Matter Expert and cut significant time off your search – all without using job boards or recruiters. Click here to learn more.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Kevin Kermes publishes the ‘Build the Career Your Deserve’ e-zine with over 21,000+ subscribers. If you are ready to empower yourself with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job you want and build the successful career you deserve, visit him now www.kevinkermes.com

Filed under Blog Posts · Tagged with build the career you deserve, ed warner, hidden job market, interview, kevin kermes, resume

The Pre-Interview Most Miss…and How to Pass it Every Time – Part 2 of 2 (guest blogger Lorena Stanley)

Posted by admin on December 11, 2009 · 10 Comments

thumbs up Now that I’ve spent some time demystifying what is happening behind the scenes, it’s time for you to understand what the Pre-Interview Test typically looks like. Keep in mind, this really isn’t an identifiable “test”, rather it is a process that most companies follow in some form that I’ll describe.

As a result of the sheer number of responses to openings, Companies are now typically sending out a Pre-Interview Test that comes in the form of an email or voicemail that could say something like:

“Thank you for your Resume submittal. We are currently reviewing your information and would like to ask you a few follow up questions.

1.         Do you have experience with ______________?
2.         Have you ever ________________?
3.         When is the last time you ________________?
4.         Write a short paragraph of why you want to work for us.

Please provide us with the answers to these questions and please do the following:

Reply back with a Word version of your Resume attached.
The subject line of your email should read: Answers To ______ Questions
Reply back to: abc@xyzco.com
           Please call (555) 555-5555 and leave a brief message with:
            a.         your name
            b.         your number
            c.         the position you applied to
            d.         the date you replied back
            e.         good days and times for us to get back in touch with you

Thank you and we look forward to your reply.

If you are at all interested in the opportunity, PAY CLOSE ATTENTION to all the requests they’re asking of you. Each layered request is a test. Do not be fooled by the simplicity in what they are asking for. Here are some HINTS on how to best respond to the various questions and requests.

1.            HINT: Don’t answer with a yes or no. Please understand you are being evaluated. Don’t show you are lazy or in a hurry with a one word answer. Be concise, to the point, but give a solid answer showing your experience.
2.            HINT: Again, don’t just answer with a yes or no. Respond and then tell them when.
3.            HINT: When answer something like this, don’t stop at the date, but tell them the results. Remember, you are selling yourself as a candidate.
4.            HINT: This is important! Make sure you have a well written paragraph that shows you have done your research and give real reasons why you would want to work for this company. Don’t be generic and just respond with how much the industry interest you, make sure you are being specific to their company when you give your answer. You are being judged on your written communication; as well as content of your response.
5.           HINT: Vista is not compatible with earlier versions of Microsoft. I suggest playing it safe and send a Word (97-2003) version. If you want to include a .pdf that’s fine, but make sure it is in addition to not instead of the Word version they asked for.
6.          HINT: This is huge! Most people just hit reply and never change the original subject line of the email. This shows the employer you were not following directions.
7.          HINT: Again, this is huge. The person who originally sent the email may not necessarily be the one that needs these responses. Make sure you are following their instructions very specifically.
8.       HINT: They are testing your phone presence, your energy level, and your verbal communication skills. They are listening to make sure you answered all the questions they asked, and quite honestly, they are listening for if they like you.

As you can see, this is not rocket science, but it is easily dismissed as not being important.

If you are not completely following each step, even just missing one thing, you’re going into the “not a fit” pile. I’m very serious. No matter how qualified you may be, a filtering mechanism is needed and although it may not be perfect, it does weed out a high percentage of “prima donnas”, “non detail oriented”, and “really were never interested in the position in the first place” candidates.

These tests are purely a simple set of questions or actions for you to follow; precisely, as a pre-screening tool. Pay attention to the details and follow any instructions you are given during the interview process! Here’s what’s interesting: About 70-80% of applicants get eliminated right away because of their inability to follow simple instructions such as the ones in my example.

HINT: I routinely use these tests for my own internal Hiring and I can attest to 80% of the applicants are filtered out right away. It’s always so alarming to see. Follow my simple tips and you will be part of the 20% that’s still going to move forward through the process.

Want to learn more? Lorena is not only this week’s guest blogger, but my Subject Matter Expert (SME) Webinar for the Career Mastermind Group on December 15th. Her topic – “You’ve Got the Interview – Now What?” Read more about how you can join this call and the Mastermind Group for free.

Lorena Stanley founded Lorena’s List in 2008 to help Six Figure Corporate Career Seekers Get Back to Work Faster. She has been In the Executive Recruiting business for over 15 years both as an Executive Recruiter and as an Owner of a World Wide Executive Search firm; which is part of an organization that has 600 Offices and 6,000 plus Executive Recruiters. This allows her access to real life, real time information. This network places 3,000+ candidates a month and connects with conservatively 100,000 Hiring Managers and HR Professionals a month. Lorena’s List information has been time tested and proven to work thousands of times over.

Filed under Blog Posts · Tagged with build the career you deserve, hidden job market, interview, job search, kevin kermes, lorena stanley, lorena's list, mastermind, resume

The Pre-Interview Test Most Miss…and How to Pass it Every Time (guest blogger Lorena Stanley)

Posted by admin on December 10, 2009 · 5 Comments

Does this describe you?

- You are Employable but not currently Employed.
- You know you’ve been perfect for the jobs you’ve applied for but never heard back from them.
- Or, you may hear back but after either a short email exchange, you don’t hear back again. Why? What happened?

These are common scenarios I see daily. The problem may stem from a very simple process that I’ll call the Pre-Interview Test. So let’s talk a little bit about what makes up the Pre-Interview Test that most candidates miss!

Pre-Interview tests are becoming common place for companies to use as another tool to screen applicants. Why? Let me take you through some real life numbers that will shock you.

When a Recruiting Firm places an ad for a Company, specifically in today’s market, regardless of the position, geography, or market niche, they typically get 500 resumes that first day for that one position. By the end of 5 days on average they receive 1,000 to 1,500 resumes for one position. 1,000 to 1,500, for one position! That’s a lot. Now you have some more insight as to the competition you’re up against. Don’t worry; read on, I’m also going to give you some information that if applied, will shatter that competition. But, first I want to really give you some good insider perspective.

Let’s do some quick math. If the person who is screening resumes only spends 2 minutes per resume to quickly scan it, that’s about 33 to 50 hours just looking at resumes. Do you think the person doing this task only has one responsibility? No! They are probably only allotted 4 hours/day at most, to do this task.

After the quick 2 minute scan to decide who is in the “move forward” pile and who’s in the “not a fit” pile, they now need to re-scan the “move forward” pile and dig a little deeper into specifics. This could easily be another 30 plus hours. Calculating to this point, we are 2 weeks in and we are only talking about the 1^st week’s worth of resumes. This is pretty enlightening information that I bet you didn’t think about before.

So when you are on some of the social networking sites, or reading articles about submitting your resume, and you see “quote” experts telling you that after 3 or 4 days of you submitting your information, if you haven’t heard back, something must be wrong. Well, I’m here to tell you nothing may be wrong at all, other than they are inundated with responses. That’s the simple truth and the reality of what’s happening in today’s market.

So now you have a better understanding of the sheer volume Recruiters and Companies are getting, you can understand Companies have to find a way to screen OUT applicants.

What’s happening to the “not a fit” pile? Trust me, the last thing on their mind is to put them in some sort of a system to start processing the standard, “thank you for applying, but we are moving forward with other candidate’s” letter. That would require conservatively another 30 to 40 hours of someone’s time. They should (and most do) eventually follow up, but it’s not going to be their first priority.

One more thing to consider, all this work I’ve described is only for one position that they may have open. Most Companies (and Recruiting Firms) are Hiring for multiple positions at a time. Not hearing back from a Company right away doesn’t necessarily mean you’re “not a fit”.

Stay tuned for part 2 of this article where I walk you through what I’ve labeled as the Pre-Interview Test and how to make sure you pass it every time.

Lorena is not only this week’s guest blogger, but our Subject Matter Expert (SME) Webinar for the Career Mastermind Group on December 15th. Her topic – “You’ve Got the Interview – Now What?” Read more about how you can join this call and the Mastermind Group for free.

Filed under Blog Posts · Tagged with build the career you deserve, hidden job market, interview, job search, kevin kermes, lorena stanley, lorena's list, mastermind, resume

SME Mastermind Call: Lorena Stanley – “You’ve Got the Interview – Now What?”

Posted by admin on December 10, 2009 · Leave a Comment

Our next Subject Matter Expert (SME) Mastermind Call is on Tuesday, December 15 at 12:00pmEST

“You’ve Got the Interview – Now What?”

All your hard work has finally gotten you here – the interview. But, do you have a plan that will secure the offer? Are you relying on the interviewer to control the conversation or would you like to take charge? Our next Subject Matter Expert (SME), Lorena Stanley, is going to share the secrets to crafting the plan to help you get the job you want. Leveraging her 15+ years in the Executive Recruiting business (both executing searches and owning a Worldwide Executive Search Firm) she has seen it all and will show you:

The Pre-Interview Test that 80% of people fail! She’ll show you how to master it so you are called back
How to impress them with your strengths without sounding like you are bragging
Tips to make sure you remain in control of the interview – so you can standout every time!
Plus, we will have a live Q&A session for you

Lorena will do all this by sharing clear and simple steps to help you develop an interview strategy that will help you get the job you want and stay true to your style and authenticity.

This call is ONLY for Career Mastermind Group members. Not a member yet?
Join now to access this call (as well as the archived calls and training materials) with Kevin’s special F.R.E.E. 1 month Membership trial.

By joining you also get access to past SME Calls (Ilona Vanderwoude on Resumes, Chuck Csizmar on Compensation Negotiation, Wendy Weiss on Cold Calling Hiring Managers, Katherine Moody on Networking and numerous Q&A calls with Kevin) plus everything else the program has to offer. Learn more about the Mastermind Program and take advantage of a one month F.R.E.E. trial.

Filed under Blog Posts · Tagged with build the career you deserve, career mastermind, hidden job market, interview, job search, kevin kermes, lorena stanley, resume

When Getting to “No” is Better Than “Yes”

Posted by admin on December 9, 2009 · Leave a Comment

The foundation to the success of every step of the job search – from identifying the right job, to securing the interview, to getting an above market offer – is in first identifying your “Solution.” Without this firmly defined, everything else you build upon in the process is going to have a weak foundation. The end result: a prolonged job search, fewer interviews, jobs that don’t pan out and offers that come in below where you want them.

Your Solution is your go-to-market message telling companies why they need to not only talk to you, but hire you. It is a well crafted, comprehensive list of quantifiables that show your addition to a company’s team is an investment they cannot pass up. Your ROI is clear cut. It is much more than bullets for a resume or an “elevator speech.” It is a mindset that you take with you through every stage of the interview process to set you apart for your competition.

It does a number of critical things as well:

Clearly defining Your Solution makes you more valuable to prospective companies – making you stand out in a sea of competition.
With the Your Solution mindset in interviews, you no longer need to worry about what questions you are going to be asked – you will have greater control over what is discussed.
Your Solution keeps you on message from the first interview to the offer – reinforcing why the company must hire you.
Staying “on message” with Your Solution continues to set you apart from the competition – securing you a spot as the front runner.
Your Solution paints a picture for your future employer of the exact role you will be playing inside the company – getting them to visualize you as an employee.
When it comes time for the offer, Your Solution has made your case for you – helping you get top dollar in your job offer.
Your Solution makes it clearer, quicker which opportunities aren’t a good fit for you – so you can focus on the job you really want and deserve.
While all these pieces are crucial to a successful job search campaign, today I am focusing on the last point: the importance to finding an opportunity that is a good fit.

Too often, the interview process results in putting emotion over intelligence. As the interviewee, you are striving to establish rapport, build a relationship and often can unwittingly do so glossing over what might be long-term fit issues. This is true for the person interviewing you too. And, with the lack of formal training given to hiring manager on how to properly interview and select team members they often fall back to “going with their gut” and hire who they like. But, just like a first date, the excitement of something new can result in losing sight of critical issues that will keep you from ever walking down the aisle.

Don’t get me wrong. Loving where you work – the people, the culture and the product – is extremely important. But, when that overshadows your actual role, you can get yourself into a pot of hot water and end up somewhere that you like the people but don’t provide true value to the company. Keeping on target with Your Solution will help you avoid this. As you define where you are best suited, the problems/pains that your background has positioned you to solve best and where you excel, you keep your decision making equally balanced between emotion and intelligence.

Another thing to remember is that accepting a position that isn’t the right fit, but rather the “fit for right now,” has a potentially disastrous downside. Just like we didn’t arrive at this economic crisis over night, we aren’t going to get out of it in the blink of an eye either. As companies continue to downsize and trim the fat, being a bad fit can easily manifest itself in poor job performance, subpar results, and alienating co-workers. The company that extends an offer today may very well find themselves making cuts a quarter or two from now. And, the outcome of your mismatch could result in you being back on the street looking for a job again.

Everyone’s situation is different, but all can agree that the job search is tiresome, draining and something you would like to put behind you as soon as possible. And, no doubt, a new job offer is always welcomed news when it arrives. But, you still want to make sure it is going to be the right match. Defining Your Solution and staying focused on it is one of the best ways to make certain you don’t find yourself repeating a job search in a year (or less).

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Want to learn more about Your Solution and how you can drive the “hidden” job market to you? Use this link to read the success stories results from those who have used my Job Search 2.0 Bootcamp System.

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Filed under Blog Posts · Tagged with build the career you deserve, hidden job market, interview, job search, kevin kermes, resume, your solution

The Job Search is a Marathon, not a Sprint – Treat it as Such

Posted by admin on December 7, 2009 · Leave a Comment

The average job search is taking upwards of 8-10 months for those seeking salaries of 100K+. These numbers are anywhere from 2 – 3 times longer than just a few years ago. All too often, a day feels like a week and a week can feel like a month – particularly for those who haven’t had to really look for a job in years. Approaching your job search differently these days not only includes how you find jobs, but how you manage what can be a long search. Here are some tips to help you pace yourself and get better results in the process:

Work in Blocks: There are a lot of moving parts to the job search: developing leads, contacting prospective employers, following up, networking…and, of course, interviewing! They all require a different focus and mindset. Instead of constantly reacting to events, plan to work your day in blocks. Create a short list of critical events that are cause for interruption (call from a potential employer, networking call, etc.). Otherwise, focus on the tasks at hand. Lump responding to emails into a block too…this is the biggest culprit of distractions out there!
Change of Scenery: No need to be chained to your desk for all these activities. Can you do your research in a coffee shop? Do you find you are more creative in writing cover letters sitting outside (enjoy this summer weather while you can)? A change of scenery can be great for your outlook and will help keep you out of a rut in your job search! Give it a try.
Take Time to Recharge: As you shift between your blocks of work, use a physical event to do so. A short walk around the block, the act of changing locations (like we just talked about), or even something as simple as getting a glass of water. This event (small or large) signals your brain to shift activities and focus. Something that seems insignificant and takes only a few minutes can end up saving you time and making you more productive.

It’s common to be feeling guilt during your job search – did I do enough today? Should I spend a few more hours digging deeper? But, just like training for a marathon (or any athletic event for that matter), you can over-train. This leaves you tired, unprepared and ineffective for your race: the interview. By using these tips and figuring out what works best for you individually, you can be better prepared to shine and excel when you get the call for your big event!

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Want to learn more about uncovering the “hidden” job market? Join me on Wednesday, December 9th for a f.r.e.e. webinar where we will talk about just that. You can read more here.

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Filed under Blog Posts · Tagged with build the career you deserve, hidden job market, interview, job search, kevin kermes, marathon, resume, sprint

Cover Letters – A Dying Art Form?

Posted by admin on December 3, 2009 · Leave a Comment

In the age of the fast and highly impersonal on-line application process, it seems the art of writing a cover letter has gone by the wayside for many. But, like so many other things in this challenging economy, now more than ever is the time to perfect the cover letter – not neglect it. Here are a few reasons to consider:

Reflection of Your Interest – the ease with which you can apply to jobs on-line is the exact reason that a cover letter is paramount. It is a strong indicator that you are serious about your candidacy, not just slinging your resume out thre to see where it sticks.
Template versus Boilerplate – Having a standard cover letter is a starting point, not something to arbitrarily cut-and-paste each time you apply. Make sure the document reads like it is written for the reader and only the reader. Ask yourself this – aren’t you more apt to take the time to read a letter you can tell was written just for you versus one that is clearly generic? I know I am.
It’s All About Standing Apart from the Crowd – as unemployment continues to increase, so does your pool of competition. Differentiating is the name of the game now more than ever. Your cover letter is the perfect platform to do just that.
The Interview Before the Interview – Every C level executive I work with says the same thing. They use the cover letter as a barometer to gauge a candidate’s ability to effectively communicate. This is an ideal time to showcase your written communication skills.
Recruiters Don’t Read Them – Yes and no. The good ones do and the others should. For all the reasons listed here plus it gives them pre-packaged selling points for their clients, should they consider you a candidate. They, after all, are another example of an interview before the interview.

Are cover letter sometimes overlooked? Yes. On the other hand, they are quite often a deciding factor as to whether or not you will get an interview. So, take the time to put together a document that reflects you and why you should be considered over the other hundreds of applicants. This attention to detail could be the first step towards getting you the interview you want and the job you deserve.

Want to learn more about tapping into the “hidden job market?” Join Kevin for his FREE “5 Secrets to Uncovering the “Hidden” Job Market” webinar – (Can’t make it? No problem. A recording of the event will be sent to you, but you must be registered.)

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WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEB SITE? You can as long as you include this blurb with it: Kevin Kermes publishes the ‘Build the Career Your Deserve’ e-zine with over 21,000+ subscribers. If you are ready to empower yourself with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job you want and build the successful career you deserve, visit him now www.kevinkermes.com

Filed under Blog Posts · Tagged with build the career you deserve, cover letter, hidden job market, interview, job search, kevin kermes

“Tales from the Job Search Trenches” with Michael Surkan – The “Hidden” Job Market

Posted by admin on November 24, 2009 · Leave a Comment

On Monday, I spoke with Michael Surkan on his “Tales from the Job Search Trenches” show. He has an interesting story. Michael is currently in the midst of his own job search and started this podcast series as a way to network and “give to get” – and you know I am a HUGE advocate of that!

In this episode, we talk about the “hidden” job market. What is it, where is it and (most important) how do you tap into it.

Michael Surkan is sharing his own journey through the brave new job market as he speaks with fellow aspirants and employment professionals, learning what strategies and ideas can help set candidates apart. He hasn’t found his great new job yet, but he is having lots of fun both meeting and helping people and businesses on social networks. Michael absolutely excels at understanding market and customer needs and creating strategies and priorities for tech products that lead to success.

Check out Michael’s “Tales from the job search trenches” podcasts for insights into job searches. His “Entrepreneurs Northwest” show highlights entrepreneurs, and ideas to build thriving businesses.

Filed under Blog Posts · Tagged with build the career you deserve, interview, job search, kevin kermes, michael surkan, tales from the job search trenches, the hidden job market