Mastering the art of interview strategy: It’s just a sales campaign

Securing your dream role is not just about showcasing your skills and qualifications; it's about navigating the interview process strategically.

If things don’t go as planned, don’t get discouraged…

Instead, create a plan on how to secure your next role. Think of it as a sales cycle, with you as the solution, and your goal is to close the deal. 

For the best chance of success, enlist the help of your Personal Board - a group of trusted advisors who can help you through the process.

Building Your Strategy with Your Personal Board

Breaking down your strategy into four sections will help you use your advisor’s time wisely:

1. Discuss Your Suitability for the Role

• Ensure the role aligns with your career goals and aspirations. Qualify if it is a good fit for you.
• Identify the company’s requirements and match your experience and capabilities to them. 
• Identify any potential risks in your professional background and think about additional skills that compensate for any gaps. 

2. Crafting Your Pitch - Out Loud

• Develop a credible narrative that showcases your unique strengths.
• Zero in on your relevant skills and experiences.
• Qualify aspects of the role and understand decision criteria to refine your pitch. 

3. Create Your Plan of Attack - The People

• Identify the stakeholders and decision-makers. 
• Understand their hiring criteria 
• Find ways to influence their decision

4. Brainstorm Your Competition

• Consider the candidates and their background and capabilities.
• Develop your strategy accordingly depending on the stage of the process they’re in.

Remember: Purposeful Thinking for Every Engagement

Approach the interview process with purpose. Every interaction is an opportunity to advance your candidacy. Ask yourself these questions to make the best of each engagement:

• What value do I bring to the role?
• How can I address potential concerns proactively?
• Am I connected with the decision-makers, and how can I leverage those connections?
• What sets me apart from the competition?

By adopting a sales campaign mindset and involving your Personal Board in the brainstorming process, you position yourself for success in the competitive world of job interviews. Your strategic approach will not only impress potential employers but also give you the best chance of securing the role you aspire to. Remember, every interview is a step closer to closing the deal on your dream job.

Taking Action: Preparing Your Pitch

Once you’ve mapped out your strategy, it's time to act and prepare your pitch. Focus on crafting a compelling story that makes you stand out above the competition.

I recently saw an episode of Dragon’s Den and it became very clear that the ones who had a well-practised and relevant story had the Dragons on the edge of their seats and falling over themselves to offer money. If their storytelling wasn’t well thought through, then they crashed and burned. 

Interviews are similar, for sure. Practice your story to be relevant and engaging. 

This blog is part of a series that I am writing on the power of Personal Boards ind different scenarios that you might find yourself in during your career. 

The next blog is on being pitch-ready, so stay tuned. If you want to stay informed of new blogs on this topic, plus news on building and maintaining a personal board, I suggest signing up to my database.

Emma.