The Usheroff Institute Says It's Time to Go Guerrilla in Interviews

West Palm Beach, FL, March 14, 2009 --(PR.com)-- By Roz Usheroff

Challenging times cause companies to offset declining revenues in the short term by cutting expenses and head count.

Sadly, cutbacks send the message that the tacit pact between employer and employee can be broken at any time. It’s also a justifiably reflex reaction for employees to become disillusioned, frustrated or fearful. This is a good opportunity,however, to stand out in tough times, according to Roz Usheroff, founder and CEO of The Usheroff Institute.

Combining optimism with reality is refreshing. It also equates with perseverance; and winners are continually assessing their marketability. Think about how you counsel your children to never give up.

So, more than ever, perception is reality. Companies are still hiring and promoting as they restructure, but it is up to the employee, whether staying on or looking elsewhere, to bring a new value proposition to the table.

Be personable Be credible Be remarkable Be memorable

It begins with mastering your interviewing skills. If you’re rusty, uncomfortable tooting your own horn, or unaware of how you come across in an interview, here are some valuable tips to practice.

Master first impressions: You have four minutes. That’s the time an interviewer will allot before deciding about you. During that time you want to establish a rapport, build credibility, and create a memorable impression. Here’s what you can do in those four minutes to sell yourself to a prospective new employer, or to sell your recent accomplishments internally to your current employer: Research.

· Know the company, the issues it faces, the interviewer. Check out social and business networks to get a feel for the corporate culture and the people who work there. File the information away and don’t talk about it during the interview, but use it to inform and focus your message.

· Know four reasons why you should be hired. What makes you remarkable? How are you distinctive? How can you impact on the bottom line? Cite examples of real life scenarios.

· Use third party testimonials so that you can toot your own horn without feeling awkward, ie. “my last boss said that in the area of motivating my team, I was able to…”

· Know yourself well enough to talk about your greatest assets in addition to your areas of improvement. If you are ever asked about your greatest flaw(s), here is a way of answering: “Sometimes, I feel that I don’t always have patience However, I’m working on being more patient with those who need more time.”

· As the conversation comes to a close, the interviewer will probably ask if you have any questions. Be prepared.

(a) Easy question: "You said you want someone with a financial background; what else does an ideal candidate need to succeed in this position?"

(b) Thought provoking question: “Imagine that It’s a year from today and we’re reviewing the results. What would have to happen in that timeframe for you to believe that you made the right decision if you were to bring me onboard?” You are subliminally making the interviewer see you already in that role. Plus you will learn if the expectations of the job are achievable.

You want the messages you bring to the interview to showcase four of your personal and professional characteristics: Teamwork, Leadership, Strategic Thinking and Expertise. All other messages are just detail.

Roz Usheroff is one of the most sought-after leadership development and personal branding coaches in North America. Author of "Customize Your Career," Roz has conducted business coaching seminars and workshops for men and women executives at Fortune 500 companies in Canada and the United States for the past two decades. For further information call 1-800-844-2206.

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