Last week we discussed quite a bit about a concept introduced to us from a well respected sales trainer, Don Hutson.  The concept of focusing on process as an interviewing differentiator at first may seem like it doesn’t apply.  Well, if you are not thinking it, I am. 

The more I pondered the concept of how an individual like you or me use a process as a key differentiator to my interviewing prowess the more I realized that a process is vital to your success.  I truly can not articulate my entire thought process in this post because most people probably aren’t going to read this any how.  I want to make two points, one is to know where you are in the overall job process and secondly is to continually evaluate yourself through a proven methodology. (below)

I am in the process of writing book number two, I will give you a quick insight into the thesis behind the book.  There are three cycles or stages to the “JOB” process. 

Stage One: The Hunt

The hunt outlines everything it takes to get to the interview.  So day one when you stand there and say, “I’m unemployed, now what?”, this is part of the hunt.  From the time you secure a specific day and time to meet with a company’s hiring team, then it moves to stage two.  The includes, preparing your resume, your plan of attack, how to network, how to follow up, how to find jobs, how to do internet research, how to get interviews and so on.  Unfortunately people spend too much time in this stage and then wing stage two.  People do so much work trying to get and interview and then wing it.

Stage Two: The Interview

Mastering the interview.  Nailing it.  Getting and negotiating a job offer.  This blog is dedicated to that stage.

Stage Three: The Job

The ongoing development of your career.  Personal development.  Leadership training, motivational seminars, good books and continued networking.  This is where Tony Robbins and John Maxwell make their millions…or is it billions?

Why do I speak of this?  Because you need to lay out where you are going or else you will never get there.  Too many people sit by the phone and wait for it to ring.  Develop your plan of attack and then execute it daily.

 

***The second point is to encourage you to participate in some sort of continuous improvement methodology.  Personally, I speak of and use Goal, Act, Check, Correct.  First set a goal, work your tail off to achieve that goal, continually check your progress and correct or readjust your goal based on the progress.  I wrote about the concept at length in the 10 Key Interviewing T.E.C.H.N.I.Q.U.E.S..  This process should  be adhered to every step of the way through stages one through three.  Personally this improvement calculator can be used in all aspects of life.  Of course interviewing and work but what about in your marriage, with your kids, family, sports, personal goals and so on.  Give it a shot as it will be sure to bring you better results.

Much Success.  Tune in soon for the seventh and final point.