And you are the product!
And just like any good salesperson you need to close the sale!
For example, picture this….
It’s a sliding doors moment, you’re in an interview and it’s approaching the end. You think it’s going well…you hope it’s going well!! But the interviewer hasn’t mentioned next steps yet and you’re starting to get sweaty palms.
As the interview draws to a close and they ask if you have any other questions, what you do next could be the difference between getting a 2nd interview or never hearing from them again.
After asking 2-3 smart questions, make sure you also discuss these 3 points:
1.Tell them you are interested (and be specific with why)
2. Ask them what the next steps are in the process
3. Ask them what concerns (if any) do they have about you progressing
If they say no concerns you can confidently assume you will be getting a 2nd interview and you can tell them…
“Great, so I assume I’ll be seeing you for a 2nd interview then?”
If they say they have 1 or 2 concerns, then this is your chance and your only chance of changing their mind.
I’m telling you the amount of people who leave an interview without any forward action plan or even telling the interviewer they’re interested is mind-boggling.
I’ve literally had candidates look at me like I’ve got two heads when I’ve prepared them for interviews.
Most sales people get it but this doesn’t just apply to sales people. Anyone going for an interview can apply it…Finance, HR, Supply Chain, anyone!
I’ve coached hundreds of people to do this over 20 years and even successfully implemented it myself on a couple of occasions and it feels great!
Most candidates won’t do it, so by doing it you’ve already created a differentiator from the other candidates in the eyes of the hiring manager.
If you really want the job – Sell yourself! Be a Sales person! Close the sale!