Sell Yourself Like A Product

Good article and video about how to sell yourself like a product. Full article here

Interviewing for a job is in many ways comparable to a sales person making a sale. If you were a sales person and were about to sell a product to a customer you would do some homework or research so that you could convince your customers that your product was the best product on the market to fill their needs.

If you think of this scenario and apply it to the job interview process you will find that it is a powerful tool to use for your interview preparation. What do you have to offer (as a product), to the customer (the employer)? What do you have that will fill their needs (the requirements of the job)? What can you bring that is unique or added value to the position/company? (that sets you apart from the pack)?

Confessions of A Jobaholic

This can’t be that hard a task – finding a new job. I have experience. Knowledge. Some might even say there’s a charisma in the way I speak. Yep, okay. I’m articulate.  I play well with others in the class.

This won’t be difficult.

Monday 23: Log
Today I revised my CV. It was patchy in places and I wanted to make it concise. I altered it ever so slightly for the new career direction I’m considering. I used some example CVs on the net as a guide.

By the time I’d done this, and caught up on a few odd jobs that needed doing around the house (ignored due to the demands of my previous job), the day was over.

With my new CV complete, however, tomorrow I intend to blitzkrieg the job market. Job boards…here I come!

Tuesday 24: Log
I can’t believe how many opportunities the job scene holds. And people are saying there’s a recession!

Seriously, I sent my CV to at least 20 highly-suitable roles, and 30 or so roles more peripheral to my experience, yet still suitable for a person of my skills. Now, I guess I wait for a call from the recruiters…it should be a very busy few days. Made sure my mobile is fully charged.

Wednesday 25: Log
No calls from recruiters for interviews. Called a few recruiters directly, just to let me know I’m available. Unfortunately, they were all in meetings. I believe in persistence, however. I intend to call them frequently over the coming few days. They’ll see that I’m keen. They’ll believe in me, and they will take me on as a project. Of this I am certain.

While waiting for a call back, watched an episode of Dr Phil. What an interesting fellow.

Thursday 26: Log
Still no calls back from recruiters. Left a message with each of the main players in my industry.   While I was at it, thought I’d give some of the agents I posted my application with a call. Left a message where I could. One very promising lead: an application for a job. Secretary said he’d make sure the appropriate recruiter would return my call. Said I sound like an interesting candidate.

A hot, hot lead, I’d say. Better get as many episodes of Dr Phil in as I can. I’ll be back in the game by next week. Of this I am certain.

Friday 27: Log
Applied for a position as a traffic controller for the local council. While this is not at all related to my area of expertise – IT – I figured it would be good to hedge my bets. Just in case. No one called today. I guess this is a Friday thing.

Ate three packets of chips and watched ten episodes of Dr Phil in a row.

(One month has passed for our hero…)

Log
I forget what bloody day it is. Time gets hazy when you’ve nothing to do. Dole forms were processed today. My wife says I have put on “at least” 15 kilos.

Not one recruiter has returned my calls.

Dr Phil is a farkwit.  Of this I am certain.

* This story is based on a fictional character and no recruiters were hurt during the making of this story.