Chapter 4

OBJECTIVE:

Move Ahead of Your Competition

If you are really serious about getting the job you are applying for, you will contact your future boss and talk to him or her about the position. Ask about expectations and characteristics of top-notch employees. Doing this will show them your eagerness and sincerity about the job.

I am going to give you some insights on how and what to ask your future boss. Once you understand your objective and then combine that objective with the rapport building skills you will learn later, you will help yourself take maximum advantage of the situation for your benefit.

Start by carefully examining the job description of the position you are applying for. It is likely the description isn't exactly what your future employer is looking to hire. Typically it contains general skill requirements, expectations and preferred skill sets but does not include the changes that have occurred since the job description was first written.

Often times these descriptions contain "mandatory" requirements that were never really mandatory or are not necessary any longer. It may not even include the current requirements.

Take this opportunity to contact the employer or hiring manager and ask about the expectations, experience and skills required, especially if the job description is vague. This proactive approach does a couple of things. First, it really does give you insight to the position and second, it starts the process of building rapport.

Rapport building is key to a successful job search. The pre-interview process gives you an excuse to build rapport. Even a single phone call can move you well up the list of potential employees because you have started to build a relationship in an easy, relaxed and non-threatening manner.

A phone call is good, however, the best possible case for you is to set-up a short meeting. I suggest asking for just 15 minutes of your future employer's time. This may be all you need but after you learn some key rapport building skills at the end of this program you will most likely get all the time you want.

It is rare that potential candidates actually contact their future employer's. By being proactive you will definitely stand out and by using the unique skills that you will soon learn, this first meeting can significantly improve your chances at being hired. Make time to use and become familiar with the chapter on rapport building skills before you contact your future boss.

Questions to Ask Your Future Boss

Is the job description complete or are there any other skills that you would like to see a potential candidate possess?

What do you consider the perfect skill match for this position?

Of these skills, what do you consider the top three in order of importance?

What other kinds of qualities are you looking for in a new employee?

What are the work habits of the most successful people in your organization?

What are the everyday responsibilities of this position beyond what the written job description says?

What are the first year expectations for the person that will be hired for the position?

Any other significant expectations beyond the first year?

Will I need additional training for this position?

Would I have multiple bosses or directly report to just one?

Describe for me the work environment, the management style and the overall personality or feeling of the organization.

Depending on the job, you may want to ask to see the actual work area and/or talk to someone that was previously in the position you are applying for.

Post-Meeting Plan

First off, send a hand written note of thanks to your future employer for taking time from their busy day to answer some questions. Think about something that you can sincerely compliment them on, even if the pre-interview was a total flop. Don't be phony here.

There is always something to compliment a person or an organization on. Minimally, you can mention how impressed you were that someone would show sincere concern and care for their organization by giving up their time to talk to a potential candidate.

After making the phone call and/or, preferably, a visit and re-analyzing the position you are applying for, re-rank your original list of accomplishments based on the position requirements and the employer's viewpoint.

As you look at the newly ranked list, check to see if there are any main themes that you can draw from your accomplishments that will support your future employer's needs and expectations.

In other words, when you analyze your list from each of your past employers, ask yourself, "Are their similar accomplishments that I have achieved at each position that demonstrate the skill or skills my future employer is looking for"?

If you can demonstrate you have already achieved what your future employer needs, based on your accomplishments at the majority of your past positions or employers, then you will certainly be a front-runner.

Now, put the top five accomplishments from your newly ranked list under each position or job that you have held. If there aren't five just put down what you have. Again, don't worry about editing.

If you don't have a lot of different positions and you can list more than five worthwhile accomplishments then, by all means, list them.

A Note for Generic Résumés

The thought process is similar for generic résumés.

The difference will be your ability to predict what your future employer wants from you. Without talking to them, it is just a guess. Some positions and career fields are very predictable while others are ambiguous.

The format you are learning will give you the best opportunity to present yourself in a generic format. You will have to decide the risk you are willing to take by blindly sending out generic résumés.

Your Rough Draft Résumé

Your rough draft résumé should now include:

Header.
Objective.
List of pertinent employers.
Job Description for each one.
Selected accomplishments for each position.

and look similar to the following example we have been working with.

Click on the thumbnails below to view a larger image.

Chapter 4 Review

Contact the hiring manager.

Ask questions that give you insight and build rapport.

Re-rank your list of accomplishments based on the answers to your pre-interview session.

Generic résumés are only as good as your ability to predict what the hiring manager wants.

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