How to Make Your Space Fit for a Virtual Interview

How to Make Your Space Fit for a Virtual Interview

Due to current circumstances, remote interviews are becoming more popular than ever. Instead of in-person interviews, phone calls and videos are the new norm. Different modes of communication involve different focus points, so it’s more important than ever to make a great first impression. Previously, Ramon Santillan discussed how being thorough in all aspects of your job application is the key to landing your dream job. This extends to making sure that you and your environment is just right for your virtual interview. So here are some tips to help you get started:

Dress professionally to match your space

On a video call, everything from your hair to your outfit matters. A Forbes article suggests wearing work-appropriate clothing that’s seen as the norm for your industry. In essence, treating this meeting as if it were to happen in real life will help get you into the right mindset. It may be tempting to wear something more relaxed on the bottom, but in the event that you need to get up, you may regret your decision. Wall Street Journal explored how going more casual is a common practice, but it’s better to be safe than sorry during an interview. After all, you’re trying your best to impress your interviewer.

Aim for a polished backdrop

When you’re doing a video interview, it’s important to clean up your space and remove any clutter that can make you seem disorganized. Take a design cue from Industrious’ coworking spaces in Miami and find a neutral white wall, add some plants, and simple wooden furniture that’s easy on the eye. Timeless design choices like these appeal to companies at every level, no matter the size and scale, so they're a good choice for your initial interviews, as it will help you leave a good impression. The Farm’s rustic space in New York City has a completely different vibe, but an exposed brick backdrop can be another alternative depending on your current setup.

Keep the door shut and minimize noise

One of the most irritating things that can detract from your interview is unexpected noise. Whether it’s a temper tantrum from your toddler or someone walking in unannounced, it can impact your flow in front of your interviewer. The Balance suggests choosing a quiet room and ensuring that you can’t be bothered by pets, people, alarms, or electronics that can interrupt your conversation. Shut the door and write a sign on it for an added measure if you live with roommates.

Fix your lighting and watch your facial expressions

It may sound shallow, but your facial expressions and eye contact can make a big impact on your interviewer. You want to look your best, so making eye contact with your webcam may feel unnatural, but avoiding it will make you seem shy. Smiling on occasion will also help convey a positive tone. In addition, an article from Wired recommends using natural light if possible, and avoiding fluorescent bulbs that can make you look tired and washed out. Direct backlighting can also cause uncomfortable shadows, and harsh light sources might cause glaring highlights onscreen.

Make sure that all your equipment is functioning beforehand

Finally, it may sound like common sense, but equipment malfunctioning in the middle of your interview can put a huge damper during on your chat. No one likes having their time wasted, so make sure your webcam and microphone are functioning beforehand and that you’re comfortable using the interview platform. Have a copy of your resume at the ready, along with any materials you think you’ll need. A glass of water nearby can also help calm any nerves during difficult questions. Make sure to do this, well in advance so that you avoid being late to your scheduled interview.Before attending a virtual interview, it’s a good idea to go through this checklist and see if there’s anything you’ve missed. Staying on top of things will help boost your confidence so that everything runs as smoothly as possible on the day of your interview.

How to follow up when an employer ghosts you

Gabriel reached out to me about a question he had. Last year I helped him get an internship and this year he was working on getting his second internship at a career fair. Through some coaching, he was able to successfully talk with several employers and establish some good contacts including some interviews at the career fair.

One of those contacts, was so impressed that he promised to call Gabriel back to set up an in-person interview. Problem was, after two weeks, Gabriel had not heard from his contact. Gabriel wanted to know how to reach out in a way that was respectful, not pushy, didn’t sound desperate but ultimately get him a response on whether he was still being considered or if he should focus on other opportunities.

He needed to send a follow up email.

You can see Gabriel’s fb message to me below:

When and Why should you send an Interview Follow Up Email?

Through my work with job candidates from RIT that have anxiety during the job search process I've noticed that explaining not only the "What" but also the "Why" and "When", they are better able to understand and implement the information.

Follow up emails are sent usually after one or two weeks after the last interaction you’ve had with your company contact if you have not heard from them.

During an interview, one of the most important questions I like to ask is “When do you expect to make a hiring decision?” This let’s me know what the timeline is and when I should reach out if they miss that deadline.

The real reason you’re scared of sending a follow up email

Have you ever bought a lottery ticket a day or two before the drawing and not checked the winning numbers until a day or two after the drawing? I have and I’m sure you have too.

Why do people do that? Well, it’s because as long as they don’t know they’ve lost, then there is still hope.

Same goes for interviewing. We like to think that as long as we don’t know if we have been rejected or someone else was hired, there is still a chance they’re going to hire you. This kind of thinking can be counter-productive. Why? Spending limited mental energy on opportunities that are no longer available to you takes away from other opportunities you could be pursuing.

“They sounded so excited! Why haven’t they reached out yet?”

One thing to keep in mind, is that them not reaching out to you isn’t personal. You have to remember that for most people, hiring isn’t their main job. Their main job is something else (accountant, engineer, software developer, etc). Hiring is just a small portion of their job that is only done every once in awhile.

Also, people get busy especially if they missed some work days because they were at a career fair. Odds are, they got busy trying to catch up and haven’t had time to review all the applications or set up interviews.

Sample Follow up email after an interview

There is no need to make it fancy and especially if you want a response, keeping it simple is best. This works well whether you had a phone interview, in person, video, or second round interviews.

Follow up Email Sample

You can use the following template as a follow up email sample:

“Hi NAME OF PERSON,

I’m following up on the interview for the NAME OF THE POSITION we had on DATE. Have there been any updates and/or has a hiring decision been made?

I’m very excited about the opportunity so I would like to know where I stand in the process.

I’m looking forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely,

YOUR NAME

YOUR PHONE #”

After Gabriel sent that follow-up email, he received a response soon after. Not only that, he also got an interview! Woooo!

Btw, this was Gabriel’s response to me:

Let’s say that instead of a job interview, they respond to tell you that they decided to go with someone else. How do you respond? Easy. Be polite, thank them for their time, and offer to stay in touch in case there are other opportunities. You can use this template:

“Thank you for your email. It’s unfortunate that I was not selected but I’m glad you found someone that fit your needs.

In order to improve myself and prepare for other interviews, can you provide me some feedback on how I can improve? I respect your decision and I promise to use your feedback as part of my job search.

I’m looking forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

YOUR NAME

YOUR PHONE NUMBER”

Why should I send a thank you email after they rejected me?

I know it sound useless to send a thank you email but what we’re going for here are two things:

1. You want to close the conversation looking like a class act

Since most people don’t send a thank you email after being rejected, you will stand out as someone who is polite and professional if you do. Odds are that they’ll keep you in mind for other opportunities or refer you to other people. People like people who are polite.

As a side note, I used the same email above after I was rejected from a job only to be called back exactly 30 days after from that same company to offer me another job in the same department.

2. You want to get feedback to use for your other interviews

Companies don’t like to provide feedback because they are afraid they’ll get sued or they think you’ll get defensive. However, if you word the email like I did above, most of the time you’ll get a positive response and some insights on what they saw from the other side of the interview table . You can use that info to improve on before your next interview. Make sure that no matter what they send you back, you don’t start arguing with them. Just reply “Thank you for the information!” and shut it down.

Be Bold!

Ramon

1. Watch my free charisma challenge course

For the next 3 days, I'm going to show you the steps you need to know to start building your network one day at a time. You will learn how to choose the right networking event for you that fits your personality and your career goals. You will know how to approach strangers and you will know how to start and end a conversation. You will know how to follow up. -> Click Here

2. Download my Instant Interview Coach E-book

I wrote this book to answer the most pressing questions people have about interviewing, how to manage their job search, and the best ways to answer the difficult interview questions you might get ("Why are you looking to switch jobs?").  I am only able to work with a limited number of people a month so this book is the perfect way to get all the advice and knowledge you need to be successful without having to book an appointment with me. Download the e-book by clicking here - > Instant Interview Coach: Your most pressing questions about interviewing answered!

3. Join our FREE Official Persuasive Interview Parents group and connect with other parents who are committed to helping their child find their dream co-op -> Click Here

4. Work with me 1-on-1

If you’d like to work directly with me to find your dream co-op... just schedule your complimentary “Persuasive Interview Consulting” Call with me so we can clarify your fastest path to finding your dream co-op and create a strategy for you to make it happen... Schedule your FREE call with me here -> Click Here To Schedule

How to stay motivated during your RIT Coop job search

One question I always get from engineering students from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is how to stay motivated during a job search. It can be very demoralizing to send out job applications and not even get back a rejection letter. I’ll explain to you how I handle it through a little story. 

As the Fall Semester of 2001 was about to start, I was getting a little anxious but also hopeful about my prospects for the remainder of my college career.  I was about to become a Junior which meant that I HAD to secure an internship for the Spring of 2002.  If I didn’t, I couldn’t graduate and I absolutely, positively had no intention of going back home to South Texas and explain to my parents why I couldn’t graduate.

Even though I didn’t have the highest grades or the connections, I wasn’t too worried about not getting a job. After all, I was enrolled in the #1 Accounting Program in the nation.  What could go wrong?

And then it happened.  

The 9/11 Terrorist Attacks.  Aside from the obvious loss of life and impact to our daily lives still felt today, there was also an impact in hiring.  Where white collar internships were plenty, literally from one day to the next, employers canceled interviews set up months in advance and did company-wide hiring freezes.

So what’s a college guy like me to do?

Step 1: Identify your real goal

Yes, I could not graduate unless I had a University-vetted internship which meant my goal was clear: get an internship.

Don’t confuse steps for goals 

You see, most people make the first mistake when setting goals by confusing steps with goals.  One time I was driving a group of coworkers to the grand opening of a Panera Bread close to our office.  As we drove into a packed parking lot, there was a guy driving back and forth trying to get a parking space right in front of the restaurant, completely ignoring the other side of the aisle which had 3 open spots.  My group of 5 people were able to park, get in, and place our orders before he gave up and ended up parking on an undeveloped, grassy lot next to the restaurant.  

He confused a step (get a good parking spot) for the real goal (Go into the restaurant and have lunch).

I see many people do the same thing during their job search.  Sometimes they confuse the step (applying for jobs) for the goal (getting a job offer).  This is evident when you hear someone say that they’ve applied to 60+ jobs and still haven’t had any interviews.

This leads me to Step #2: Create improvements that matter

I often hear about people who are proud of how efficient their job search has become.  When they started they could only apply to 5 jobs a day but now due to efficiencies they created, they’re able to apply to 10 jobs a day!

They may be efficient (applying to 10+ jobs a day) but they’re not effective (getting an interview/job offer).

Improve where it matters 

Instead of doing more of the steps, focus on making improvements on the road blocks.  If you’re applying to X number of jobs a day and you’re not getting any results, then the problem may be your resume.  Making improvements to it will allow you to reduce the number of times you apply and increase your results.

During that Fall of 2001, I think I only applied to 5 jobs total while most of my classmates applied to any job they could.  That was the first time I heard about someone applying to 100 jobs. Out of those 5 applications, I got 2 phone interviews and 1 in-person interview.  Most of my classmates got 1 or 2 interviews despite applying to 2-3X more companies than I did.

Another more recent example: Less than two months ago I started working with a client from RIT and in our second 1-on-1 coaching session he asked me what his target number for jobs applied for day should be.  When I explained that our approach should be different, not only did he save himself hours and hours of fruitless work, he started getting results quickly. In the time since, he’s only applied to 3 jobs, received 3 interviews and 2 job offers.

And finally Step 3: If you’ve done your job right, you’ll get results

On October 26th, 2001 I had my one and only in-person interview.  There were probably around 65 open positions for one of the Big 4 Accounting firms and about 300+ applicants.  While everyone else had better grades, more experience, and were part of the advanced Accounting program, what they didn’t have was the preparation. 

Do the work. Get the results.  

I researched the company, created the questions I wanted to ask, made sure my clothes were ready, and tried to guess who would be interviewing me. The day of went beautifully and I even remember how relieved I was when I left the interview room. We even went over 15 mins over the allotted time which is always a good sign. 

For the next 6 weeks I didn’t hear anything. I finished my finals and the day before I was to leave my apartment for my parents’ house for winter break I got the call.  

“We’re excited to offer you an internship position starting January 15th 2002. Sorry it took us so long to get back to you. You haven’t accepted someone else’s offer have you?”

In my excitement to finally hear those words I stuttered something about how had not accepted other offers because I was waiting for theirs. Never mind that I didn’t get any other offers. LOL

Was I sweating bullets because the semester was over and I had yet to get a call? Yes.  Did I know I was going to get an internship? Yes. The reason I was so positive I was going to get a job offer was because I had done the work.  I worked on my resume making the necessary changes, did deep research on the companies I applied to, and I prepared myself. I did the work so I knew I would get the results

What was your biggest insight from this?  Are you feeling ready for the RIT Career Fair in September?

Ramon

P.S. And, whenever you’re ready... here are 2 ways we can help you turn job search anxiety into interviews, job offers, and self-confidence.

1. Join our FREE Official Persuasive Interview Parents group and connect with other parents who are committed to helping their child find their dream co-op>>> Click Here

2. Join the FREE Persuasive Interview VIP list. Every week you’ll receive the best coop and job search advice that has helped hundreds of students get their first (and second and third!) Coop >>>Click Here
   

The Importance of Making a Good First Impression

There’s a famous saying that goes: “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” To people who are currently looking for a job, it means making an effort to leave a lasting mark. The goal isn’t to create a personality that you think hiring managers will love, it’s to present your true qualities in a way that would leave an impact and convince them that you are a worthy investment and a valuable addition to a team.

Why is it important to make a good first impression?

It allows you to have a better chance of establishing a network

If you’re applying for a job in networking, press relations, marketing, and sales, people and connections are your main resources and their first impression of you can make or break your chances of being accepted. Small Business notes that first impressions help set the tone for what you can do and what you represent. Your first meeting with hiring managers should be simple, casual, and direct. Think less about yourself and more about the people you’re meeting. Listen and ask questions so they know you’re paying attention. You want to be engaged as well as have THEM be engaged.

It encourages people to get to know you better

When you successfully leave a good impression, chances are, hiring managers will want to hear more about you. The moment that you step in, make sure you introduce yourself confidently but without arrogance. Shake hands firmly and be attentive when they start talking. Make sure you also dress for success so you can make an impact even before you’ve opened your mouth. Choose clothes that are practical and comfortable without looking too much like an advert. You also need to ensure that you arrive on time so that hiring managers can see that you value integrity and that you have the ability to follow instructions.

How do I create a great first impression?

Apart from dressing for success and arriving on time, there are other ways to leave a good first impression. 

Be thorough in all aspects of your job application

When it comes to writing your resume and cover letter, every single detail is crucial. Special Counsel in their guide to email cover letters explain how the smallest mistake, like a typo, can cost you the chance of getting the job. It shows the company you’re applying to that you don’t bother to check the details, which in turn translates to poor employee habits that would not be good for their business.

Express your intentions clearly

You only get a few minutes to try and convince a hiring manager that you’re fit for the job so you have to make every minute count. Don’t be afraid to share your goals and what you hope to achieve with the company, as it shows them that you value communication and transparency. Talk Business claims that you always need to be clear about how your services can be invaluable to the company. 

Be realistic

When most people tell you to be realistic, they’re trying to get you to go bring it down a notch. When I tell you to be realistic, I want you to reach for the sky and by that I mean that you have to realize that an employer would realistically want to hire a top performer…a top performer like you and they’re willing to pay for it. I’ve talked about how to negotiate your salary and explain how it’s become common for people to think that negotiating their salary ruins the prospects of getting a job. On the contrary, it actually allows your employer see that you really mean business.

P.S. And, whenever you’re ready... here are 4 ways we can help you turn job search anxiety into interviews, job offers, and self-confidence.

1. Watch my free charisma challenge course

For the next 3 days, I'm going to show you the steps you need to know to start building your network one day at a time. You will learn how to choose the right networking event for you that fits your personality and your career goals. You will know how to approach strangers and you will know how to start and end a conversation. You will know how to follow up. -> Click Here

2. Download my Instant Interview Coach E-book

I wrote this book to answer the most pressing questions people have about interviewing, how to manage their job search, and the best ways to answer the difficult interview questions you might get ("Why are you looking to switch jobs?").  I am only able to work with a limited number of people a month so this book is the perfect way to get all the advice and knowledge you need to be successful without having to book an appointment with me. Download the e-book by clicking here - > Instant Interview Coach: Your most pressing questions about interviewing answered!

3. Join our FREE Official Persuasive Interview Parents group and connect with other parents who are committed to helping their child find their dream co-op -> Click Here

4. Work with me 1-on-1

If you’d like to work directly with me to find your dream co-op... just schedule your complimentary “Persuasive Interview Consulting” Call with me so we can clarify your fastest path to finding your dream co-op and create a strategy for you to make it happen... Schedule your FREE call with me here -> Click Here To Schedule

Burst of Extrovert

Did you know that things like will power, decision making, and charisma can get drained?  There is a finite amount of these your brain can handle before it gives up and gives in.  Recently I was reminded about this after I went through a particularly intensive search and rescue training program.  Let me tell you about it.   

I'm just going to come out and say it: I like being a hero.  Yes I do like helping people but what I really LOVE is the feeling I get after I've helped them get out of a bind.  I don't know if it's the level of danger or just the rush of doing something out of the ordinary but I love getting my hands dirty.  

I suspect I get it from my parents both of whom are quick to act during an emergency.  My mom was an emergency room nurse for many years and would talk about how she stopped some guy from literally bleeding to death as dinner table conversation.  No big deal.  

My dad who also seems to fall into the role very easily.  Most recently he rescued a woman by busting out the passenger side window from her overturned car and dragging her out.  When the firefighters arrived they asked him if he knew that the car had a very high chance of bursting into flames.  To which he responded: "I know.  That's why I had to do it fast".  That was about 3 months ago.

One time he put out a house fire with a garden hose.  He was just driving by when he noticed the living room of some random house on fire.  He grabbed the garden hose, kicked in the door, and put the fire out before the firefighters got there.  Naturally.  

Another time he singlehandedly caught and held two muggers that had jumped into our backyard as they were fleeing from the police.  Apparently they had robbed and beaten up a shop keeper pretty badly.  I later found out that a lady from some human rights group had vowed to put my dad in jail for not respecting the rights of the accused (ie: kicking their asses).   LOL .  

Several weeks ago I finished a course called "Citizens Emergency Response Team" (CERT for short).  This is a program sponsored by FEMA where they show you how to take charge of emergency situations where help may not be able to get to you.  The purpose of the training is for you to be self sufficient in case of disaster or terrorist attack where emergency response teams are overwhelmed.  The thinking is if you can take care of yourself, there will be one less emergency that first responders have to go to.  

The course was fairly intense and a real eye-opening experience to the dangers that surround us especially if you live in a metropolitan area such as Houston.  They taught us how to handle the different types of emergency situations that could occur here. 

What do you do if a train carrying poisonous gas overturns? (Stay in place, shut off AC, and seal all vents and windows.)

If someone is trapped under heavy debris, how do you get them out? (Use the cribbing method, where you quickly but carefully lift the debris by creating a box around the victim)

What do you do if there is an atomic blast? (Nothing.  You're pretty much f*cked if you're within 100 miles of the blast)

The 8 week course concluded with a final exam where we would put all of our skills to the test.  We weren't told what the disaster would be but we knew we had to walk into a warehouse, find the victims and rescue them.  To add to the realism, make up artists had set up the victims with realistic looking injuries with blood and bruises appropriate to the disaster.  

It started of simple enough with an actual fire we had to put out.  Grab extinguisher, pull the pin and let that sucker rip.  

That's when it got intense.... 

I opened a small warehouse door and went inside with my rescue partner behind me.  The door was immediately closed behind us and we were in complete darkness.  We didn't know if there was another fire inside, how many victims, their conditions, or even where in the building they were located.  All we knew was that it was our job to find, rescue, and evacuate them.  

What made the whole exercise even more intense were the constant cries for help.  All around us it seemed like everyone needed more help than the other person. Should you go to the little girl that's crying or to the adult that says they're bleeding out?  I think what made it creepier/more realistic for me was that the yells were all done in different languages.  I don't speak any Mandarin Chinese but I can tell when someone is asking for help.  
 "Help me!  Help me!"
"Ayudame!  Mi pierna!" 
"Help me find my baby! My baby!"
"Mommy! Please help me mommy!"

 I'm not easily frazzled but this exercise really put me to the test.  It was so realistic and intense that an experienced professional nurse that was part of the rescue team passed out and had to sit out the exercise.  It became too much for her.  
Afterwards I found out that some of the volunteers who played the part of the victims were actually actors so they had experience getting into character.   They knew exactly which buttons to push.   This is going to sound cheesy, but my training kicked in and we went to work.  For the next 90 or so minutes we created a triage area, rescued people from under debris, carried victims in a stretcher, made an impromptu stretchers out of  a table and a chair, performed first aid, and cleared out the area.  

We made some mistakes but overall we met our objectives.  They even had a mini "graduation ceremony" with cake for the participants.  Everyone was feeling good.

Everyone except me. 

While everyone else was chatting and enjoying their cake I was standing around with my hands on my hips. I was just standing there not talking to anyone and not engaging any particular group in conversation.  One guy even asked me to join their group.  I flat out told him "No".  At this point I realized that something was wrong.  Why wasn't I being charismatic?

Like in other situations where I know my mind isn't 100% focused, I took a step back and analyzed the situation.  I needed to answer two questions: 1. Why was my charisma fuel tank empty and 2. What caused it to drain? 

Obviously the exercise had been intense but that didn't explain why I didn't want to talk to anyone.  After about a minute or two I realized that what had really bothered me about the exercise was hearing and seeing children being victims in this "disaster".  Specifically children around the age of my kids.  That really hit close to home.  

Bingo!


If you're ever in a situation where you find that your charisma fuel tank is empty try this simple exercise:
1. Find a quiet room/rest room stall
2. Take 2 minutes to figure out what drained your charisma (interview, disaster, networking event)
3. Refill your tank.  You can do this by centering yourself.  Close your eyes and start by finding the sensation of your toes inside your shoes.  Then move on to how your legs feel, followed by your torso, head, arms, and finally your fingers.  Don't think about anything else except how your body feels being in that calm, quiet, and safe space.  
4. You can do #3 as many times as necessary.  I found that once or twice is enough to get me through 30-45 minutes of an extroverted activity.  

The difference was like night and day.  After I did the exercise above two times I was able to go out to the group and start and maintain conversations with the other participants.  

Remember, things like willpower, charisma, self-discipline, and decision making can run out and are affected by our mood, energy levels, and health.  That's why even though you're in a strict diet, you find it almost impossible to refuse a cookie after a long day at work or when you haven't slept well the night before.  


Do you struggle with low levels of charisma?  What do you do to regain it?  Email me back and let me know.  I'm interested in finding out what method you're using.  

Be Bold! 

Ramon

P.S. And, whenever you’re ready... here are 4 ways we can help you turn job search anxiety into interviews, job offers, and self-confidence.

1. Watch my free charisma challenge course

For the next 3 days, I'm going to show you the steps you need to know to start building your network one day at a time. You will learn how to choose the right networking event for you that fits your personality and your career goals. You will know how to approach strangers and you will know how to start and end a conversation. You will know how to follow up. -> Click Here

2. Download my Instant Interview Coach E-book

I wrote this book to answer the most pressing questions people have about interviewing, how to manage their job search, and the best ways to answer the difficult interview questions you might get ("Why are you looking to switch jobs?").  I am only able to work with a limited number of people a month so this book is the perfect way to get all the advice and knowledge you need to be successful without having to book an appointment with me. Download the e-book by clicking here - > Instant Interview Coach: Your most pressing questions about interviewing answered!

3. Join our FREE Official Persuasive Interview Parents group and connect with other parents who are committed to helping their child find their dream co-op -> Click Here

4. Work with me 1-on-1

If you’d like to work directly with me to find your dream co-op... just schedule your complimentary “Persuasive Interview Consulting” Call with me so we can clarify your fastest path to finding your dream co-op and create a strategy for you to make it happen... Schedule your FREE call with me here -> Click Here To Schedule

Read these books to ace your next interview!

I was finally able to get the cover from the designer for my latest book: Instant Interview Coach: Your most pressing questions about interviewing answered!

I wrote this book to answer the most pressing questions people have about interviewing, how to manage their job search, and the best ways to answer the difficult interview questions you might get ("Why are you looking to switch jobs?").  I am only able to work with a limited number of people a month so this book is the perfect way to get all the advice and knowledge you need to be successful without having to book an appointment with me. 

What do you think?

What do you think?

It comes out for sale on 3 weeks from now (June 12th) however you can get the pre-order price of $35 by clicking here.  Since I want as many of you to have access to this information, I am also including several bonuses which I will be releasing every week until we get to June 12th.  All the bonuses will ONLY be available to those that pre-order their copy before June 12th. 

Pre-order Bonus #1:

1 hour group coaching call ($50 Value)
During this call, we’ll go over your most pressing questions about interviewing, your job search, negotiating, and how to get your next promotion.  The call will be live and a recording will be available to anyone who pre-orders the book so you can watch it at your convenience. I rarely do group coaching calls and the last time it was at $50 a head.  You can only get this free bonus if you pre-order.

Pre-order Bonus #2

30 min Resume review ($125 Value)
Every person who pre-orders the book before June 12th, gets a 30 min resume review with me over Google Hangouts.  During the resume review, we will go over your resume and I will tell you where I see areas of improvement as well as suggestions on how you can make it better.  A resume that is crafted to showcase your skill sets that are unique to you can be the difference between getting an interview or being relegated to the trash bin. 
 
On June 12th the price will go up to $50 and the bonuses will only be available to those who pre-ordered. 
 
You can pre-order at a special $35 price by clicking HERE and be the first to get your copy of Instant Interview Coach: Your most pressing questions about interviewing answered on June 12th.

Today, I'm giving you options.  Let's say you don't think my book will help you with your job search.  You still want to learn how to do all the things I do but you don't want to pay $35 and rather go at it on your own.

Today is your lucky day.  Below is just a small list of all the books I've read throughout the years that have helped me learn the skills that I teach about negotiation, interviewing, body language, soft skills, selling, and mindset.  I've included the links to Amazon so you can read the descriptions, reviews, and buy it. 

Here's the list to get your started:

The Charisma Myth

Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It

Crazy Good Interviewing: How Acting A Little Crazy Can Get You The Job

Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In

Emotional Intelligence 2.0

The Laws of Human Nature

Playing Big: Practical Wisdom for Women Who Want to Speak Up, Create, and Lead 

Words That Work, Revised, Updated Edition: It's Not What You Say, It's What People Hear

Verbal Judo: The Gentle Art of Persuasion, Updated Edition

Highly Effective Networking: Meet the Right People and Get a Great Job

Brag!: The Art of Tooting Your Own Horn without Blowing It

How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships

The Psychology of Persuasion: How To Persuade Others To Your Way Of Thinking

The Power of Eye Contact: Your Secret For Success In Business, Love, And Life

The Definitive Book of Body Language: The Hidden Meaning Behind People's Gestures and Expressions

Assuming you can read 1 book a week, you'll be done in about 4 months.  Also it'll cost you about $150 to buy them all. Or you could buy.....

Instant Interview Coach: Your most pressing questions about interviewing answered!

Be Bold!
Ramon

P.S. And, whenever you’re ready... here are 4 ways we can help you turn job search anxiety into interviews, job offers, and self-confidence.

1. Watch my free charisma challenge course

For the next 3 days, I'm going to show you the steps you need to know to start building your network one day at a time. You will learn how to choose the right networking event for you that fits your personality and your career goals. You will know how to approach strangers and you will know how to start and end a conversation. You will know how to follow up. -> Click Here

2. Download my Instant Interview Coach E-book

I wrote this book to answer the most pressing questions people have about interviewing, how to manage their job search, and the best ways to answer the difficult interview questions you might get ("Why are you looking to switch jobs?").  I am only able to work with a limited number of people a month so this book is the perfect way to get all the advice and knowledge you need to be successful without having to book an appointment with me. Download the e-book by clicking here - > Instant Interview Coach: Your most pressing questions about interviewing answered!

3. Join our FREE Official Persuasive Interview Parents group and connect with other parents who are committed to helping their child find their dream co-op -> Click Here

4. Work with me 1-on-1

If you’d like to work directly with me to find your dream co-op... just schedule your complimentary “Persuasive Interview Consulting” Call with me so we can clarify your fastest path to finding your dream co-op and create a strategy for you to make it happen... Schedule your FREE call with me here -> Click Here To Schedule

How to return to work after raising children + added bonus!

I am asked consistently is how to handle a question that sends shivers through many candidates: “Why were you gone from work for the last X years?”

The reasons can vary from a layoff, taking time off to take care of medical issues, or raising children  all of which are valid.  This is why I included it as part of my new book "Instant Interview Coach: Your most pressing questions about interviewing answered!" 
 
In this new book, the focus is to help you learn the best approach to the tricky situations you may come across during your job search and interviews.  This isn’t some “101 interview questions” book that makes you memorize some generic answer.  This book dives deep into how to structure your answer and helps you figure out the best strategy when approaching your interviews.  Part job search roadmap and part interview preparation coaching, it is meant as a guide when you don’t have the time to do a full interview coaching session with me. 
 
It comes out for sale on four weeks from now (June 12th) however you can get the pre-order price of $35 by clicking here.  Since I want as many of you to have access to this information, I am also including several bonuses which I will be releasing every week until we get to June 12th.  All the bonuses will ONLY be available to those that pre-order their copy before June 12th. 

Pre-order Bonus #1:

1 hour group coaching call
During this call, we’ll go over your most pressing questions about interviewing, your job search, negotiating, and how to get your next promotion.  The call will be live and a recording will be available to anyone who pre-orders the book so you can watch it at your convenience. I rarely do group coaching calls and the last time it was at $50 a head.  You can only get this free bonus if you pre-order.

On June 12ththe price will go up to $50 and the bonuses will only be available to those who pre-ordered. 

You can pre-order at a special $35 price by clickingHEREand be the first to get your copy of Instant Interview Coach: Your most pressing questions about interviewing answered on June 12th

Here is a peek at what’s included in the book:


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Returning to work after an Illness:

For people who have taken an extended leave of absence from work due to illness, either their own or a loved one, it can feel difficult to explain your time away and your subsequent return.  Some do not feel comfortable going through their illness with a stranger while others feel like giving more details would be more beneficial for everyone involved.
Below are two examples you can use.  The first is if you don’t feel comfortable discussing your health issues and the second is if you want to provide more details:
First Option minimal detail:
“I faced a serious health concern, however, I was able to deal with it and I am glad to say that I’m back to my healthy self.  I was happy to see this opportunity come across during my search since it looks like a great way to get back into the industry.”

Second Option with more detail:
“I faced a serious health concern with NAME OF ILLNESS.  I had to take time off since I wanted to make sure I beat it and focus 100% on it.  I didn’t think it was fair for my health or my employer if I was only half focused on either effort. 
Now that I’ve taken care of that and I’m back to where I believe I should be health wise, I am ready to get back to doing what I do best and take on the role of NAME OF POSITION.  I feel not only my professional experience and knowledge but also my determination are traits that put me above the competition.”

In either example, you don’t want to focus solely on your health issues.  You bring it up as a valid reason for you stepping away, show how you’ve taken care of it, and then move the conversation towards your skillset.  Depending on your situation, you can also show that this experience made you a stronger individual and more eager to take life by the horns.  Many of the coaching clients I have worked with have told me that overcoming an illness has made them appreciate life much more and have given a focus they previously didn’t have.  Use this to your advantage if you feel you’re in the same mindset.

Whatever your situation, I would encourage you to be honest.  If there are still doctor’s appointments you will have to continue your treatment or monitor your progress, make sure you explain that during the interview process.  You don’t want to accept an offer and then spring on your new boss that you have a surgery scheduled in week 3 of your new job.*

Typically you will bring this after the 1stin-person meeting preferably during the 2ndround of interviews.  Being face to face with a decision maker will allow you to answer any questions they may have on the spot while demonstrating that you are capable of doing the job. 

Will some companies not want to hire you because of this?  Yes.  However it is also important that you find a company that you can be honest with about your health and responsibilities who will see beyond that.  No one likes to be tricked into a situation especially if it will be ongoing. 

Returning to work after a death in the family:

With Baby boomers having longer lifespans, it has become more common for their children to pause their careers to take care of their parents.  Similarly, due to circumstances, sometimes individuals take time off from their careers to process the death of a loved one.  Either way, you have to take the time necessary to take care of yourself mentally and physically.  Here is how you can approach that situation during an interview.
If the time away was because you were taking care of someone who passed away, and you feel comfortable discussing it, you can mention something like this:
“I took the time off to take care of my mother.  She unfortunately has passed away. However I am at a point where I am ready to come back to work.  Prior to my time away, I used to manage…..” 
Although this may have been a particularly difficult situation for you, it does not define your whole life especially not your professional career.  The key here is to provide an explanation for your time away and then move the conversation towards why you are the ideal candidate.

Returning to work after raising children

 
In the past 2 years I have received more calls from women who are returning back to work after an extended stay at home mom role than I have in all the other years combined.  The hardest challenge they face is not necessarily external but rather internal. 
Time and time again I hear these very capable, intelligent, and ambitious women tell me that they do not feel like they can go back without taking a big step down in title or responsibilities.  Not because they will not have the time to do it but because they feel they have been out too long from an industry and have been left behind.
If you are nodding your head right now, I have news to you.  You do know what you are doing, you are capable, and you are knowledgeable.  Being away from an industry does not mean you forgot all the skillsets and ability to deliver you had prior to your pregnancy.  Realize that your value added is not in doing tasks and instead it is in your ability to produce results. 
 
Has your industry changed?  Possibly but your ability to learn has not and maybe even improved because of parenthood. 
You may feel that your time away from the workforce does not count towards the type of work you do but that could not be further from the truth.
Think about your day to day as a stay at home mom and how you can relate those skills to a work environment particularly yours. 
Here are two examples:
Making sure sleep/activity schedules are maintained = Time management
Managing finances = Budgeting
 
If you take time to sit down and really think about the work you have done for the past 5-6 years (the typical time it takes a child to go from being born until they get into school full-time), you will find that you have done more work that a future employer will value than you realized.

More importantly, you will bring an implicit level of maturity and responsibility that some without children may struggle to convey. 
When asked why you left the workforce and why you are now ready to come back, you can answer something like this:
“When my child was born, we/I made the decision to stay at home and spend that time with him/her/them.  Now that they are in school, I am able to focus on helping the right company with getting the results they are looking for in SPECIFIC AREA.”
This is the same answer that I have coached many women transitioning from stay at home moms roles to professional roles and it has worked wonderfully.  Some do such a good job relating their stay at home roles to their profession that they were hired at a position level higher than what they applied to or had prior to stepping away from the workforce. 
As a side note, since there are now more working moms than ever, chances are you will be interviewed by a woman who may be more sympathetic and who can relate to your situation.
 
 
*Literally two hours before I sat down to write this, I was talking with an executive who had just received an email from their new hire on their first day letting her know that they have neck surgery scheduled in 2 weeks and won’t be able to come in for 3 weeks.  Obviously the executive wasn’t pleased, not because of the upcoming surgery, but because the candidate definitely knew that they were having surgery when they were interviewing and didn’t make anyone aware of it.  The executive would still have hired the same person, however, now they only have 12 days to plan around the surgery instead of the several weeks if she had been notified when the person accepted the offer.  This shortened runway now has the team scrambling to come up with a plan with less than 2 weeks and is obviously causing tension.  Definitely not the kind of first day of work impression you want to give. 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you're ready to pre-order your copy, you can click the link below and be the first one to get a copy of the book.  It will be delivered on June 12th in Kindle, PDF, and ePub versions so you can read it on any of your devices.

Instant Interview Coach: Your most pressing questions about interviewing answered!

Be Bold!
Ramon

P.S. And, whenever you’re ready... here are 4 ways we can help you turn job search anxiety into interviews, job offers, and self-confidence.

1. Watch my free charisma challenge course

For the next 3 days, I'm going to show you the steps you need to know to start building your network one day at a time. You will learn how to choose the right networking event for you that fits your personality and your career goals. You will know how to approach strangers and you will know how to start and end a conversation. You will know how to follow up. -> Click Here

2. Download my Instant Interview Coach E-book

I wrote this book to answer the most pressing questions people have about interviewing, how to manage their job search, and the best ways to answer the difficult interview questions you might get ("Why are you looking to switch jobs?").  I am only able to work with a limited number of people a month so this book is the perfect way to get all the advice and knowledge you need to be successful without having to book an appointment with me. Download the e-book by clicking here - > Instant Interview Coach: Your most pressing questions about interviewing answered!

3. Join our FREE Official Persuasive Interview Parents group and connect with other parents who are committed to helping their child find their dream co-op -> Click Here

4. Work with me 1-on-1

If you’d like to work directly with me to find your dream co-op... just schedule your complimentary “Persuasive Interview Consulting” Call with me so we can clarify your fastest path to finding your dream co-op and create a strategy for you to make it happen... Schedule your FREE call with me here -> Click Here To Schedule

Learn how to be a master conversation starter

When I was in high school I was in this work-study program where I would go to school for half a day and work in an office environment the other half.  It was supposed to help us mimic the “real world” while getting some hands on experience in our desired career path.  My first official “white collar” job was that of receptionist at this law firm.
 
The lawyers only dealt with civil matters so most of the people that showed up either wanted to talk about some contract or some title dispute.  It was pretty benign so it’s not like people were there because they were accused of killing someone. 
 
Even though the lawyers each had several years of experience, this was a new firm (I was employee #9) so although we had a good amount of appointments, the phone didn't ring much. That meant I spent my day in a reception area waiting for someone to show up. 
 
Sometimes the clients would get there earlier than their appointment by 20 minutes.  I would offer them something to drink and let the lawyer’s respective secretary know that their appointment was there.  So now we had 20 minutes to kill. 
 
Since the phone didn’t ring much I would end up in a waiting room by myself with nothing else to look at than the waiting client for 20 minutes.

It got awkward.
 
Probably after my first week of doing this, I decided to make small talk.  So it went something like this:
 
17 year old me (after staring at client for 5 minutes without saying anything): “It’s pretty hot outside, right?”
Client (who has bigger things on their mind than some 17 year old receptionist):“Yup.  It’s hot”

Silence for next 15 minutes.
 
You know what’s more awkward than 15 minutes of silence?

Asking a question and THEN getting 15 minutes of silence. 
 
I tried different variations:
 

1. How are you? Typical answer: Good

2. How’s the weather?  Typical answer: Hot

3. Did you have a hard time finding us? Typical answer:No/Yes
    
   And all of them were met with a one word answer and 15 minutes of awkwardness.
    
   I tried keeping the conversation going but it usually died down after 2 or 3 more one-word answers and I would give up.  
    
   So I kept on trying.  I didn’t know how to keep the conversation going no matter how many more things I said.  Turns out people aren’t too interested in hearing what a part-time teenage receptionist has to say.

A 17 Year Old Conversation Master

 
Then I stumbled into the answer:
Instead of me trying to talk for 15 minutes, I would have the other person talk for that time. It works for two reasons: 1. People love talking about themselves and 2. You make them feel important. 

On top of that, I didn’t have to do the heavy lifting.  They had to entertain me and not the other way around.  All I had to do was ask the right questions and these people would blab for the rest of the 15 minutes.
 
I also noticed that these people coming to see their lawyers for private matters would spill the beans if you asked them.  You didn’t even have to be sneaky about it.  All you had to do was ask and people would tell you. 
 
So here is a sample conversation:
 
Me: “It’s really hot outside, isn’t it?  Is this the hottest you’ve ever seen it?”
Client: “No.  I remember once when I was little that lake over there dried up.  That was probably around 1973”
Me: “So you’ve lived around this area since then?  How was it different than now?”
Client: “Well it wasn’t as crowded as it is now. We used to live……” and they would fill up the rest of the time. 
 
My job became a lot more enjoyable after that since I didn’t have to deal with 15 minute blocks of silence anymore and people actually enjoyed my company. 
 
So you’re probably saying “Well how does that help me?”  Well I’ll show you.
 
Even now I still have go to “Primer” questions I like to pull out when I’m meeting strangers.  For example, in the elevator you have to ride for several floors with at least one stranger and it’s usually pretty weird just being in a moving box with someone else.  You know you should talk but you don’t know what to say.
 
If I’m in that situation, I like to ask something about what they’re wearing (Hey, that’s a really pretty necklace you’re wearing.  Where did you get it?” and follow it with “Is that your favorite store?”.  

Another favorite that is always good is asking about their lunch plans especially if they’re holding a to-go bag from somewhere.  “What’s for lunch?” and followed by “What would you recommend that’s nearby for lunch?” always get people to turn from strangers to a really elevator buddy.
 
One you can use regardless is “What’s on X floor?” where X is the floor they’re going to.  You can then ask them about what they do and how long they’ve done it.
 
  
You can use the Primer Questions I gave you above or you can make your own.  
 
How To make your own "Primer Questions:

Here is the formula to follow:
 
Step 1: Make sure the question can’t be answered in one word:
 
Bad Question: “Are you having lunch?”
Good Question: “What’s your favorite thing from that place?”
 
Step 2: Follow up with another question where their opinion is the center of attention:
 
Bad Follow Up Question: “My favorite sandwich is the tuna” (that’s not even a question!)
Good Follow Up Question: “Which is your favorite tuna sandwich in town? (Assuming they said tuna was their favorite sandwich)
 
Even better, I realized that by the 2nd or 3rd question, it was completely normal and natural to ask them what their name was and introduce myself. Insta-friend!
 
So the conversation would go something like this:
 
Me (Pointing to their Jack in the Box bag): What’s for lunch today?
 
Random Stranger in elevator: “Um, a Jumbo Jack. Nothing fancy”
 
Me (with a smile): Is that your favorite burger from there? Or which one is your favorite burger in the city?”
 
Random Stranger (that is starting to warm up to me): “Well I really like The Broken Spoke.  Their cheeseburger is really good but the fries are ok”
 
Me: “Really? By the way, I’m Ramon. What’s your name?”
               
Stranger who feels important that someone would ask them their opinion: “I’m Rob.  Nice to meet you”

Me: “So Rob, which place has the best fries?”
 
And so on and so forth.  That stranger became an acquaintance and possibly a friend in just a couple of minutes. 
 
Now that you know how to do it, you’re going to have to go out and practice it.  It’ll be a little weird at first but don’t get discouraged. 

You’ll notice that people will open up a lot faster than you thought.  Don’t worry if you completely fall flat on your face the first few times.  You will become more relaxed and quicker on your feet with questions the more practice you get under your belt. This works no matter if you’re on the spectrum or not. It works very well.
 
Let me know any struggles and/or success you have.  I’m eager to hear about them. 
 
Ramon
PS:I'm looking to attend a gala or fundraiser in the next month or so.  If you have one you're attending, let me know.  I'd love to support causes my readers believe in.

P.P.S. And, whenever you’re ready... here are 4 ways we can help you turn job search anxiety into interviews, job offers, and self-confidence.

1. Watch my free charisma challenge course

For the next 3 days, I'm going to show you the steps you need to know to start building your network one day at a time. You will learn how to choose the right networking event for you that fits your personality and your career goals. You will know how to approach strangers and you will know how to start and end a conversation. You will know how to follow up. -> Click Here

2. Download my Instant Interview Coach E-book

I wrote this book to answer the most pressing questions people have about interviewing, how to manage their job search, and the best ways to answer the difficult interview questions you might get ("Why are you looking to switch jobs?").  I am only able to work with a limited number of people a month so this book is the perfect way to get all the advice and knowledge you need to be successful without having to book an appointment with me. Download the e-book by clicking here - > Instant Interview Coach: Your most pressing questions about interviewing answered!

3. Join our FREE Official Persuasive Interview Parents group and connect with other parents who are committed to helping their child find their dream co-op -> Click Here

4. Work with me 1-on-1

If you’d like to work directly with me to find your dream co-op... just schedule your complimentary “Persuasive Interview Consulting” Call with me so we can clarify your fastest path to finding your dream co-op and create a strategy for you to make it happen... Schedule your FREE call with me here -> Click Here To Schedule

How to negotiate even if it's your first job

Most people are scared of negotiations.

They think that negotiating a salary will blow their chances at the job. They usually rationalize it by saying:

“I have to pay my dues. Then the money will come”

That used to be me too.

I thought my work would speak for itself and I would get a fair compensation soon enough.

Then I started noticing everything around me.

People with my same experience (sometimes even less) doing the same work (something even less too) were getting paid more than I was.

I also noticed that sometimes those people were getting better opportunities than I was. It was like they (management) valued them more!

Since then I’ve been better about negotiating. Not only have I negotiated my salary, but I’ve also helped others negotiate theirs.

Recently I came across a thread from someone in Big 4 wondering if they should negotiate their salary and I decided to write a response. The background info isn’t too important but I’ve included it for your benefit. If you want to get to my approach to salary negotiation, just scroll down for the info.

This email includes the exact scripts you can use to negotiate your own salary so it's very detailed.  

---

I am due for a promotion to senior at a B4 (large market) contemplating jumping to another B4 (same large market, same line of service but with another specialized group I want to get into – the very reason I’m leaving), possibly going in as a senior. I’m not so concerned about the title at this point since realistically, managers and senior managers don’t really care who gets the work done, but I do have a question about salary negotiation. When asked about my current salary, I was honest (and perhaps dumb) and put in my actual salary, which I know is under market by a good amount given the unique conditions when I joined. I can’t disclose too much without identifying myself, but my current firm tried to make it up to me by giving me huge bonuses to get me closer to what I should be getting (which I’d also reported to the recruiter). My dilemma is this: I understand that the base salary jump from staff to senior is usually quite significant, but the new offer coming in is roughly 10% lower than what I’d expect to get as a senior at my current firm. The new firm possibly just saw how low my current base is and thought that a 15% increase would be fair for anyone getting promoted to senior. For what it’s worth, the new firm seemed to like me and expressed their need for someone with my background, but I don’t know how much room I have when it comes to negotiating my salary. Any advice would be appreciated – thank you!

---

So for starters, there is always room for negotiation. Ideally when they asked you what you were making your response should have been “Before we start talking about salaries, I want to make sure we’re the right fit”

I personally have used the “Wait, this is like a first date. Let’s make sure we both like each other. Once we figure that part out then we can start talking about having joint checking accounts” with great results. It gets a chuckle to lighten up the mood and gets the point across.

Now, since you told them what you’re currently making, most companies focus on giving you a bump from your previous salary. In reality, they should determine what the going rate is for the job they need filled. It’s to their benefit that they pay you a small bump from your previous salary especially if that means it will be in the lower side of their range.

Once you’ve determined that they like you and you like them, then you can start the negotiation phase. So this is what you’ll do: 1. Determine what the salary range for this new job will be. You can do this by checking any of the websites out there (indeed.com, salary.com, payscale.com, etc.) If you’re comfortable with this then you go to step 2.

In step 2 you determine what is it that you really want. Most people will say more money since that’s an easy marker but maybe you determine what you really want is more days off. Or maybe you want to work from home. What do you really value?

Make 3 or 4 choices and quantify them. Do you want 5 days off and $10k more? Or would you rather have 1 work from home day? You determine what’s best for you and write it down.

A lot of the other posters have already told you that money isn’t everything or that in the grand scheme of things $10k isn’t a lot. And that’s true. Theoretically you will work at least 2,000 hours a year (40 hours * 50 weeks with the other 2 weeks as vacation). We all know that you’ll definitely be working more than 40 hours a week if you’re in Big 4.

So if our estimate is true, a $10k raise is $5 an hour. A measly $5 more an hour! You can probably steal more than $5 worth of post it notes if you wanted.

If you meet with an employer that balks at giving you $5 more an hour in the negotiating phase, a time when ideally you’re at your most powerful position, what else will they refuse once you’re working for them and you ask them to pay for CPE or to sponsor you for a conference?

Once you have part 1 (salary range) and part 2 (what would you like) together, it’s time to practice. Since you’re asking for advice I’m assuming you have limited experience negotiating. I suggest you practice in front of the mirror this script

“Hi Name of Recruiter!

I’m calling because I want to talk about the details of the offer letter. I’m excited to start working with you so I want to make sure we take care of this so there aren’t any delays later. “

At this point the recruiter will probably ask what about the offer letter you want to talk about and that it’s a very generous offer they’re making you.

Make sure you do this next:

“I have questions about the 1. The compensation and 2. Vacation days are you the correct person to make a decision on this?”

You can replace my #1 and #2 with whatever your top choices are. I’m just using those for example purposes.

You have to keep in mind most recruiters don’t have the power to approve salary terms. However they do have the power to tell you no. Make sure get to the decision maker and not a gate keeper.

The recruiter will then tell you who the person in charge is. If they don’t ask.

“Can you tell me who I should talk to then? Can I have their contact information?”

Once you get their info, email them basically the same script as above. Ask when would be a good time to talk for 10-15 minutes about it.

See script below:

Hi Boss of Initial Recruiter,

I recently received an offer letter and I am very excited about the opportunity. There are two issues I would like to discuss before I sign and I was told you were the appropriate person to talk to.

Let me know when would be a good time to speak on the phone for 10-15 minutes so we can go over the compensation package.

You can reach me via email or at XXX-XXX-XXXX.

Thank you!

Mr/Ms On My Way To Negotiating A Pay Raise

Once you get on the phone with that person make it clear what you want and the proof you have. This will include the salary range stated in the job ad where you found the job, your research on salary ranges, and what you want.

Start by using this script:

Thank you for taking the time to talk with me Recruiter Boss. I have some questions about my offer letter I’d like to go over with you. I see that the salary is $X. According to the research I’ve done, the salary range posted by you guys in the job description, and what I bring to the table, I was thinking that $X+1 was really more in line.

Pause and wait for a response. They will probably tell you that that’s where they start all of their new hires at. Continue.

I understand. However, I’m not just like any new hire. I have (start listing your qualities and what you’re bringing to the table). That is why I’m so excited to be working for Name of Big 4 Firm, because I know I will be treated fairly.

By this time they will probably start to believe it themselves that you worth what you’re asking and tell you that they have to run it by the partner first.

Thank them for their time and ask them when you should follow up again. And then follow up again at the agreed time.

They’ll typically come back with an updated offer closer to what you were asking. If you are satisfied with that, thank them and sign the offer letter.

If you’re not, consider if it’s a deal breaker for you. Yeah, getting experience is great and all, but you also have to be paid fairly.

Do you really want to work for a company that doesn’t value your work and time? The decision is up to you.

Also, many of these posters will try to scare you into believing that your offer will be retracted if you try to negotiate. I have never heard of any firm retracting an offer because someone started negotiating. If they did, it was probably for other reasons.

It’s time to treat your career like a CEO would. Do you think the CEO of your Big 4 Firm just went in and took whatever offer they gave him? I doubt it. So if he doesn’t, why should you?

Be Bold!

Ramon

PS: Before you try to do this, practice in front of a mirror or record yourself with your phone. Make sure you sound confident and sure of yourself before you call.

P.P.S. And, whenever you’re ready... here are 4 ways we can help you turn job search anxiety into interviews, job offers, and self-confidence.

1. Watch my free charisma challenge course

For the next 3 days, I'm going to show you the steps you need to know to start building your network one day at a time. You will learn how to choose the right networking event for you that fits your personality and your career goals. You will know how to approach strangers and you will know how to start and end a conversation. You will know how to follow up. -> Click Here

2. Download my Instant Interview Coach E-book

I wrote this book to answer the most pressing questions people have about interviewing, how to manage their job search, and the best ways to answer the difficult interview questions you might get ("Why are you looking to switch jobs?").  I am only able to work with a limited number of people a month so this book is the perfect way to get all the advice and knowledge you need to be successful without having to book an appointment with me. Download the e-book by clicking here - > Instant Interview Coach: Your most pressing questions about interviewing answered!

3. Join our FREE Official Persuasive Interview Parents group and connect with other parents who are committed to helping their child find their dream co-op -> Click Here

4. Work with me 1-on-1

If you’d like to work directly with me to find your dream co-op... just schedule your complimentary “Persuasive Interview Consulting” Call with me so we can clarify your fastest path to finding your dream co-op and create a strategy for you to make it happen... Schedule your FREE call with me here -> Click Here To Schedule

You Have A Bad Recruiter If...

Or "How Recruiters Are Screwing You Over"

Let me start this off by saying that there are some excellent recruiters out there. I have the good luck and fortune of being able to work hand-in-hand with some of the best in the business and help them place candidates at great companies.   The candidate gets the job they wanted, the recruiter earns their commission, and I help someone turn a job interview into a job offer.  A win-win-win!

Unfortunately that’s not always the case.  There are many bad recruiters out there that are damaging and even ruining your chances at a better job.  Not only are they hurting your career path, they’re also affecting how much you earn and how happy you are at your job.   

Recruiters are important…..if you get a good one.  So for those of you who aren’t versed in the inner workings of recruiters, I’m pulling the open curtain for you.

Are you ready?  This isn’t for the faint of heart.  Once you know what is really going on, you won’t be able to go back.  Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

1. Bad Recruiting Firms Deliver Very Little Value

Recruiting firms typically charge between 25-35% of your 1st year salary.  Sometimes it’s less, sometimes it’s more (up to 50%).  What’s 25% of your yearly salary?  That’s what  a recruiter made for looking through LinkedIn for jobs and  being the roadblock, err, I mean middle man, between you and the employer. 
 

2. Bad Recruiters Don’t Care If YOU Get The Job Or Not

Most recruiters use the “spaghetti cannon” approach (shoot a bunch and hope one of them sticks).  A recruiter basically works for the hiring company so their job is to find someone to fill that job.  They don’t care if it’s you, the guy that came after you, or the one that they cold-called this morning.  They’re going to throw as many resumes as they can at the client hoping one of them gets the job.  As long as one of their candidates gets the job, they get the commission.
 

3. A Bad Recruiter Doesn’t Have Time To Help You

Tell me when was the last time a recruiter actually met with you face-to-face and gave you interview pointers?  And I mean real pointers not just generic “Show up early and ask good questions” advice. Unless you’re dealing with a good recruiter, probably never.  A bad recruiter is too busy cold-calling everybody and anybody in order to fill up that spaghetti cannon full of resumes with the hopes that one of them will stick (see #2 above). 

A good recruiter doesn’t have to bury their client with resumes.  They take their time finding a good candidate for the job and a good job for the candidate.  They coach their candidates, either themselves or by bringing someone like myself into the mix, so that even though they send only 1 candidate, that candidate has a better chance of getting the job. 
 

4. A Bad Recruiter Won’t Help You Negotiate Your Salary

Recruiters don’t have your best interests in mind particularly when it comes to negotiating.  The sooner you accept an offer, any offer, the sooner they’ll get their 25% commission check. They’ll try their best to get you to accept whatever it is you’re being offered and won’t encourage you to negotiate because they’re afraid the deal will fall through.  Even if they did try to negotiate, they don’t know how to.  Bad Recruiters are only good at cold-calling and praying someone they sent gets the job.

I help my clients negotiate pay raises anywhere between $10,000 and $30,000.  What would you do with an extra $30k?
 

5. You Can Be A Bad Recruiter And Still Make A Good Living

The average Experienced Candidate Salary is around $80,000.  Assuming your recruiter gets the average 25% commission, they get $20,000 whenever someone they refer gets the job.  Your recruiter only needs to place 5 people every year to make $100,000.  5 people!  Do you consider someone who can only get 5 people a year a job to be successful?  Of course not!  Even if some recruiters don’t make that much, they make enough to scrape by and continue giving terrible service and advice to unsuspecting victims. Do you really want someone who can only do their job right 5 times a year handle your job search?

BONUS REASON (Like they say, “Under promise and Over Deliver!”)
 

6. Most Bad Recruiters Aren’t Really Recruiters

Hello, World!

There are very few career recruiters.  Most bad recruiters are really just people who were previously unemployed or who got tired of their previous jobs and are “trying out” recruiting.  Do you want to take career advice from someone who couldn’t get a job or who doesn’t know what they want to do with their life?  If you do, then you’re getting what you deserve. 

Professional recruiters typically have several years of experience, are typically recommended by your peers, and stay at one firm for several years in a row. Keep that in mind before sending your resume to a recruiter.  

Now you know some of the secrets of bad recruiters.  Do you want to know the easiest way to determine if you’re dealing with a bad recruiter? Show them this list.  If they agree then you’re dealing with a good recruiter.  You can be really sure if they add some more items of their own to this list. 

If they moan and complain, then, I’m sorry to say, you have a bad recruiter on your hands.  Not to worry, I can recommend some excellent recruiters that can help you on your job search.  Just contact me.

Still think your bad recruiter is going to work out for you in the long run?  Have fun getting screwed over during your job search. 

Share this list with someone looking for a job.   Friends don’t let friends have bad recruiters.

Be Bold!

Ramon

P.S. And, whenever you’re ready... here are 4 ways we can help you turn job search anxiety into interviews, job offers, and self-confidence.

1. Watch my free charisma challenge course

For the next 3 days, I'm going to show you the steps you need to know to start building your network one day at a time. You will learn how to choose the right networking event for you that fits your personality and your career goals. You will know how to approach strangers and you will know how to start and end a conversation. You will know how to follow up. -> Click Here

2. Download my Instant Interview Coach E-book

I wrote this book to answer the most pressing questions people have about interviewing, how to manage their job search, and the best ways to answer the difficult interview questions you might get ("Why are you looking to switch jobs?").  I am only able to work with a limited number of people a month so this book is the perfect way to get all the advice and knowledge you need to be successful without having to book an appointment with me. Download the e-book by clicking here - > Instant Interview Coach: Your most pressing questions about interviewing answered!

3. Join our FREE Official Persuasive Interview Parents group and connect with other parents who are committed to helping their child find their dream co-op -> Click Here

4. Work with me 1-on-1

If you’d like to work directly with me to find your dream co-op... just schedule your complimentary “Persuasive Interview Consulting” Call with me so we can clarify your fastest path to finding your dream co-op and create a strategy for you to make it happen... Schedule your FREE call with me here -> Click Here To Schedule

What happens when you get “ghosted” during your job search

I’ll keep today’s post brief since I think it’s a powerful message that doesn’t need much explaining to make a point.

It’s about getting rejected as much as it is about moving on.  

What do you do if you’re really interested in an opportunity (job/client/date) but you haven’t heard from them in some time?

Many times when we are chasing a client, a job, or a date, we get so fixated on the perfect outcome that we forget we may get rejected.  

Actually we don’t forget as much as we ignore a potential rejection.  

We think about how awesome it will be to have this great client that loves our work, or this cool job that will be the obvious stepping stone to the next opportunity, or even how this one girl checks off all of our “boxes” in the dream girl checklist.  

We think that if we get a “no” our hopes and dreams will disappear.  So what do we do?

Nothing.  

We choose to not do a damn thing so that we won’t hear a “No”.  Granted, we won’t hear a “Yes” either but as long as you don’t get rejected, we still have hope.  

It’s like checking your lottery ticket 3 days after the drawing.  You do it because you know that as soon as you find out that you didn’t win you lose all hope.  You rather not check your ticket for a couple more days just so you’ll have some hope alive that you’re a millionaire.  

“No” doesn’t mean “Never”.  It just means “Not Right Now”.  

As I was writing this, I literally got an email asking me how to handle this same situation.

“There is a job I really like and I interviewed for.  They said they were very interested but it’s been 2 weeks since I’ve heard from them.  What do I do?”

Everyone knows what to do. You call them.

What they’re really asking  is “I’m afraid they’re going to say no.  What do I do?”

Sometimes we get so fixated on a particular outcome that we forget about the ultimate goal.  

Yes. Maybe this job will be a great stepping stone to the next opportunity but remember that this isn’t the only way to the final goal.  

Whether it’s a job, a client, or a special person, these are all what I call opportunities that present themselves to you. Below, I’ll refer to any of the three situations as opportunities and you can exchange for the word that best fits your current situation.  

3 Things to Keep in Mind When You Get Rejected

1. “No” doesn’t mean “Never”.  It just means “Not Right Now”

Years ago, I had this HUGE crush on this one girl.  She seemed like she was the perfect match for me.  Gorgeous, smart, funny, etc, etc.
 After years of missed opportunities, the stars aligned and a time came where we were both single and I finally mustered up the courage to ask her out.  
 

I still remember the day, time, and place when I called her.

“Hey, What are you doing this weekend.  I’d like to take you out to dinner and talk with you.”
Her response: “I can’t.  I’m going to be out of town”
Me (in my head): “Whatever. She’s probably just letting me down easy”
Her: “But we can go out next week”

Many times we think that a “No” puts us out of the race immediately and forever.  Nothing can be further from the truth.  

We are self-centered creatures and tend to think of ourselves as the only deciding factor in others’ decision making process.  In reality, we are just a small part of the equation.  

Sometimes there are external factors that affect our decisions.  A client with a small budget, a hiring freeze, or even, in my example above, other plans.

Just remember: A. It’s not always about you. and B. Never Say Never

1. This isn’t the only path to your ultimate goal

When I was in college there was this prestigious program called PPA (Professional Program in Accounting) where you could get your bachelors and masters in accounting in 5 years.  To this date it is a prestigious program and the best way to start off your accounting career.  There is an application process to be accepted and I pulled all the stops when I applied.  I turned in a packet 5 inches thick with letters of recommendations, essays, completed projects, and anything else I thought would help me get accepted.  

My goal was to get accepted, which would put me in a level playing field with all the other intern candidates and get a Big 4 internship which would lead to a full time job in a Big 4 Accounting firm.

I had it all planned out.

Except I didn’t get accepted.  

That was one of those times where I thought I was destined to be a failure.  I even thought I should just quit college and go back home.  I was never going to get an internship much less a full time position so why even waste my time.  

To add insult to injury, a week later, a director for one of those Big 4 told me point blank that I “would never get an internship with any of the Big 4 without the PPA”.

I was crushed.  

I gave myself 1 afternoon to throw a 1 person pity party.  I was allowed to cry, yell, blame, accuse, and anything else I wanted to do but for only 1 afternoon.

When I was done I realized that those in the application committee didn’t really know me.  They just saw some application and probably based their decision on some GPA they saw and that’s it.  

Just because they could decide on a particular point in my life didn’t mean they could decide on my whole life.  

Just because I didn’t get into the PPA didn’t mean I couldn’t get an internship or a full time job with one of the Big 4.  

All it meant was that I had to take a different route.

Two months later I had an internship with one of the Big 4 beating out several hundred of those PPA students.  When I graduated, I had my choice of doing industry or Big 4 and I chose industry.  3 years after that I went back to Big 4.  Why?  Because I could.

I had made my own path.

1. You may not be right for the Opportunity or the opportunity not be right for you

Oftentimes we don’t go get what we want and instead just grab what we’re handed.  It’s an easy and practical way to go through life.  Particularly if we were raised with this “Be grateful for what you have” mantra.  

If someone offers you a job, you take it without negotiating a salary or without firs figuring out if it’s right for you.

If someone asks you out, you automatically say yes since you don’t have anything else to do.

If a client has a project that’s not interesting to you or doesn’t pay what you want to get paid,  you still take it because money is money.

We all go through similar situations every day where instead of getting what we want, we get what’s given to us.  

I’m going to tell you something that’s helped me improve my life and in a weird way improve the opportunities that come to me.

I started saying “No”

I become more selective with what I did, with whom, for whom, and why.  I used to attend every event I was invited to, go over everyone’s resume (for free), and generally just say yes to anything that was offered to me.  

I started to realize that this wasn’t helping me.  I was spreading myself too thin and I was doing projects that didn’t interest me.  This prevented me from helping people who really valued me, my knowledge, and the results I can get for them.  

By the way, I’ve coached several entrepreneurs to help them build their confidence and learn how to better value themselves and their services.  Do you know anyone that could use my help? Forward them this email.

Nowadays, I say “No” more often than I say yes and I am definitely more happier.  Which brings me to my next point….

1. Being Rejected is Liberating.  It allows you to move on and focus on other opportunities

Being told “No” is not as bad as it sounds.  Knowing that an opportunity is no longer on the table frees you from having to worry/think/focus on it and move on to the next one.  

The position has been filled?  Great.  I can start focusing my energy on another position instead of taking up mental space on a position that is no longer available.  

This is a version of “failing fast”.  The idea behind “failing fast” is that the sooner you find out something isn’t working, you move on to the next idea/plan.  No need to spin your wheels on something that isn’t going anywhere.  

Here is a little 3 step formula for this process:

1. Call them

2. Get an Answer

3. Move on

What are your thoughts?  Do you feel like the fear of hearing a “No” keeps you from finding out?  Do you think waiting several days before checking your lottery ticket helps?  

Let me know.  I want to know what you think. I read every email. Promise!

Be Bold!

Ramon

PS: This is one of the questions I answer in my new book that's coming out next month.  I'll give you details on what it covers and pre sale pricing next week. 

P.P.S. And, whenever you’re ready... here are 4 ways we can help you turn job search anxiety into interviews, job offers, and self-confidence.

1. Watch my free charisma challenge course

For the next 3 days, I'm going to show you the steps you need to know to start building your network one day at a time. You will learn how to choose the right networking event for you that fits your personality and your career goals. You will know how to approach strangers and you will know how to start and end a conversation. You will know how to follow up. -> Click Here

2. Download my Instant Interview Coach E-book

I wrote this book to answer the most pressing questions people have about interviewing, how to manage their job search, and the best ways to answer the difficult interview questions you might get ("Why are you looking to switch jobs?").  I am only able to work with a limited number of people a month so this book is the perfect way to get all the advice and knowledge you need to be successful without having to book an appointment with me. Download the e-book by clicking here - > Instant Interview Coach: Your most pressing questions about interviewing answered!

3. Join our FREE Official Persuasive Interview Parents group and connect with other parents who are committed to helping their child find their dream co-op -> Click Here

4. Work with me 1-on-1

If you’d like to work directly with me to find your dream co-op... just schedule your complimentary “Persuasive Interview Consulting” Call with me so we can clarify your fastest path to finding your dream co-op and create a strategy for you to make it happen... Schedule your FREE call with me here -> Click Here To Schedule

How to turn down a job offer

Last week I received an email asking how to turn down a job offer.  You’re probably saying “Turn down a job offer!  Why would I do that?  I’m trying to get a job!”

I know I’m probably jumping the gun here but I’m going to show you how to solve a problem you will soon have: having too many job offers. Yes, it’s true. Believe it or not, whether you’re on the autism spectrum or not, there will be a point (soon I promise) where you’ll get not one, but two and maybe even three job offers.

When it rains, it pours

I always like to tell the students of my coaching program that when it rains, it pours. I’ve seen it over and over again to where people get two job offers in the same week whereas before they started working with me they had gone 6 months without even getting an interview. When you start getting job offers, they come at you hard and fast.

Today I’m going to show how to turn a job offer down in a way that’s professional, respectful, and doesn’t burn any bridges. Remember, just because you’re not working with them this time, doesn’t mean you won’t be working with them sometime during your career.

Turning down a job offer isn’t a terrible thing and it won’t brand you as someone that’s ungrateful or too big for their britches. I actually spend quite some time coaching people on this because it’s something they truly struggle with. I think it’s because it can be hard to go from hoping and wishing you get any job to getting having to pick from two or more awesome jobs.

It’s not about the money

Some job offers are easy to turn down because they’re bad jobs. Either they pay too little and aren’t willing to negotiate, there isn’t room for professional development, you don’t like the people, or the company just plain sucks.

The hard decision is when you have two great offers. They may both pay the same, same benefits, great people. Both of them are the whole package. This is when you have to make a decision based on what you want. When you’re making a decision on what job offer to take, you have to really think about what the pros and cons of your choice, what each particular job can help you achieve now and in the future. It’s not as easy as choosing a job that pays you more. Sometimes it’s about choosing the job that will prepare you for the next job.

At the end of the day, you have to make the decision based on what you want now and what you want in the future. You have to make the choice based on what’s best for you and not on how it’s going to make other people feel. “I don’t want to disappoint them. They’re such a great company and everyone was super nice” and that may be true, however, this is a business decision and their feelings don’t really matter. Think about it another way: Would a company make you a job offer just so their feelings wouldn’t get hurt? Absolutely not. They made an offer because it made business sense to hire you instead of someone else.

So how do I do it?

First off, make sure you already have a signed offer letter from the company you want to work at. You wouldn’t want to turn down a job offer only to find out that you don’t have the other.

Another thing, no matter how you do it, the people you’re turning down are going to be disappointed and frankly, that’s not your problem. No matter what, you want to maintain the level of professionalism they’ve come to expect from you throughout the whole interview process. Anyone can be polite when a company is wining and dining you to convince you to work for them. A true professional is the one who can maintain that level of professionalism when it’s time to deliver bad news.

“Hi NAME OF CONTACT,

Thank you very much for your offer. After much consideration, I have decided to go with a different company. I was very impressed by the whole team and the recruitment experience. I hope we will be able to work together sometime in the future.

Sincerely,

YOUR NAME”

Notice how I don’t include the name of the company you’re going to, or why I chose the other company, or any type of explanation. Your decision isn’t up for consideration or change. You’ve made a decision and you’re sticking to it.

As a side note, this is very much like breaking up with your boyfriend/girlfriend. It’s better to just be straightforward, honest, and decisive about it. Would you tell your ex all the reasons why you’re breaking up with them, who you’ll be going out with next, and why this new person is better than your ex? Absolutely not! That’s why restraining orders were created.

Same goes for job offers. You never know how they’re going to take it and frankly, it’s none of their business so don’t give them extra info they don’t need.

The company you turned down may reach out to you and ask you all types of questions (same goes for exes) and it’s up to you to decide what you want to let them know. I personally like to stick to my guns and just tell them that that other job was a better fit for me long term. Why don’t you want to get into specifics? Well, for starters, it’s doubtful that they’ll try to negotiate at this point or change any other terms. Second, If they’re willing to throw in more money/benefits now, why wouldn’t they do it at the beginning when it was time to negotiate? Third, if you chose another job based on things besides money/benefits, that means that the job you turned down would have to radically change what they would give you career-wise. Not only that, they would have to change it so much that it would be better than the other offer. This is very unlikely to happen. Along those lines, changing your mind about jobs because they offer you a couple thousand dollars more after you’ve made a decision, in my opinion, shows a lack of character. At some point you will have to make a decision and stick to it. Remember, not making a decision is a decision itself.

Be Bold!

Ramon

P.S. And, whenever you’re ready... here are 4 ways we can help you turn job search anxiety into interviews, job offers, and self-confidence.

1. Watch my free charisma challenge course

For the next 3 days, I'm going to show you the steps you need to know to start building your network one day at a time. You will learn how to choose the right networking event for you that fits your personality and your career goals. You will know how to approach strangers and you will know how to start and end a conversation. You will know how to follow up. -> Click Here

2. Download my Instant Interview Coach E-book

I wrote this book to answer the most pressing questions people have about interviewing, how to manage their job search, and the best ways to answer the difficult interview questions you might get ("Why are you looking to switch jobs?").  I am only able to work with a limited number of people a month so this book is the perfect way to get all the advice and knowledge you need to be successful without having to book an appointment with me. Download the e-book by clicking here - > Instant Interview Coach: Your most pressing questions about interviewing answered!

3. Join our FREE Official Persuasive Interview Parents group and connect with other parents who are committed to helping their child find their dream co-op -> Click Here

4. Work with me 1-on-1

If you’d like to work directly with me to find your dream co-op... just schedule your complimentary “Persuasive Interview Consulting” Call with me so we can clarify your fastest path to finding your dream co-op and create a strategy for you to make it happen... Schedule your FREE call with me here -> Click Here To Schedule

Salary Negotiation Resources

Several weeks ago I gave a salary negotiation presentation to the SHPE DFW chapter and it was a great turnout.  The group really enjoyed the material and as a bonus, I sent them a list of resources they can use to start developing their negotiation skills.  

Since the material was so good, I figured you would like to get it too.  The link below ncludes the slide deck of the presentation as well as a list of the top negotiation books you can use to get started.  Just this info alone will make you be ahead of your competition and is my gift to you.

You can access the gifts using this link:  SHPE DFW Bonus Gifts

If you have questions on how to approach your next negotiation or starting your job search, feel free to reach out to me.  I’m always happy to help.

Happy negotiating!

 Be Bold!

 Ramon

P.S. And, whenever you’re ready... here are 4 ways we can help you turn job search anxiety into interviews, job offers, and self-confidence.

1. Watch my free charisma challenge course

For the next 3 days, I'm going to show you the steps you need to know to start building your network one day at a time. You will learn how to choose the right networking event for you that fits your personality and your career goals. You will know how to approach strangers and you will know how to start and end a conversation. You will know how to follow up. -> Click Here

2. Download my Instant Interview Coach E-book

I wrote this book to answer the most pressing questions people have about interviewing, how to manage their job search, and the best ways to answer the difficult interview questions you might get ("Why are you looking to switch jobs?").  I am only able to work with a limited number of people a month so this book is the perfect way to get all the advice and knowledge you need to be successful without having to book an appointment with me. Download the e-book by clicking here - > Instant Interview Coach: Your most pressing questions about interviewing answered!

3. Join our FREE Official Persuasive Interview Parents group and connect with other parents who are committed to helping their child find their dream co-op -> Click Here

4. Work with me 1-on-1

If you’d like to work directly with me to find your dream co-op... just schedule your complimentary “Persuasive Interview Consulting” Call with me so we can clarify your fastest path to finding your dream co-op and create a strategy for you to make it happen... Schedule your FREE call with me here -> Click Here To Schedule

How to answer the most difficult interview questions

I received great feedback from last week’s email and received a bunch of questions from readers on how to handle particular interview questions.  Right now I’m compiling all the questions and ranking them based on the number of times they were asked. In the following weeks I’ll answer them and share a little surprise I’ve been working on.

Below is an actual question that was emailed to me although there were different variants of it from different people.

It reads:

“I had an interview where the director asked me the following: "I have 40 candidates that want this position, why should I hire you specifically instead of any of them?". That question made me freeze for a seconds, and it shook me. I wasn't expecting such a direct and personal question. Plus adding her strong personality and her fixation on me, made me feel a little intimidated instantly. I was answering all the questions in a good manner, until she hit me with that question.  

What are your thoughts? I would love to hear them.”

Most interview questions are the same and they just vary somewhat between interviews/interviewers.  However, sometimes you get a question from left field which you may have no idea how to answer. Instead of practicing 101 Interview questions, you should focus on creating an Interview Theme.  

An Interview Theme is what you think you want to be seen as.  In other words, what kind of impression do you want to make when you’re there and what do you want to be seen as once you leave the interview.  As long as you have your Interview Theme created, you should be able to answer any question that comes your way.  

Instead of just telling you to practice a question, I’m going to help you break it down to its different components until we get into the why (purpose), the typical answer and why it’s not the best answer, an example of the perfect answer, and what makes up the perfect answer.  

By understanding what makes a perfect answer, it will help you create your own perfect answer.  This is better and more authentic than parroting some generic answer from a book.

On to the question!

What makes you different than the other candidates?/Why should we hire you?/I have 40 candidates that want this position, why should I hire you specifically instead of any of them?

Purpose:  This question is typically asked towards the end of the interview and it is used to see if there is anything else you would like to mention to make your case as the top candidate.

Typical Answer: “I’m a hard worker, I’m dedicated, and I’m a team player.”

Problem with Typical Answer: What makes you think you’re the only applicant who is hard-working, dedicated, and/or a team player?  Chances are everyone else gave the same answer.

Best Answer:  “I haven’t met the other candidates so I don’t know if they’re better than me but something that I know makes me different is my ability to find solutions/get everyone on the team to work together/get done things on time.  

For example, there was a time when I found a solution/got everyone on the team to work together/finished a project before the deadline by.… (Provide examples).”

Why this is the Best Answer: For this question you will obviously come up with one of your strengths. This is what makes you different than the other candidates.  An important point is to use a strength that relates to the job at hand.

If you notice that the job description has several instances of needing an expert in Excel, bring that up as your strength.  If communication is what the job requires, bring up examples of why you’re better at communication than everyone else (member of debate team, editor of college newsletter, etc.)

However, what will turn this answer from good to great is citing examples.  Instead of just saying that you’re good with Excel, talk about examples where you have used Excel successfully in the past.  Tie that in to how your previous Excel experience will tie in with the hiring company’s needs.  

Your Turn: What makes you different than the other candidates?

Remember to cite your strengths, provide examples, don’t be generic, and tie it to the job at hand.

Be Bold!

Ramon

PS: Send me other questions you’d like me to answer and I might include them in my next email.

P.P.S. And, whenever you’re ready... here are 4 ways we can help you turn job search anxiety into interviews, job offers, and self-confidence.

1. Watch my free charisma challenge course

For the next 3 days, I'm going to show you the steps you need to know to start building your network one day at a time. You will learn how to choose the right networking event for you that fits your personality and your career goals. You will know how to approach strangers and you will know how to start and end a conversation. You will know how to follow up. -> Click Here

2. Download my Instant Interview Coach E-book

I wrote this book to answer the most pressing questions people have about interviewing, how to manage their job search, and the best ways to answer the difficult interview questions you might get ("Why are you looking to switch jobs?").  I am only able to work with a limited number of people a month so this book is the perfect way to get all the advice and knowledge you need to be successful without having to book an appointment with me. Download the e-book by clicking here - > Instant Interview Coach: Your most pressing questions about interviewing answered!

3. Join our FREE Official Persuasive Interview Parents group and connect with other parents who are committed to helping their child find their dream co-op -> Click Here

4. Work with me 1-on-1

If you’d like to work directly with me to find your dream co-op... just schedule your complimentary “Persuasive Interview Consulting” Call with me so we can clarify your fastest path to finding your dream co-op and create a strategy for you to make it happen... Schedule your FREE call with me here -> Click Here To Schedule

Can a high functioning person with ASD get a job at a Fortune 500?

As attitudes towards hiring those who fall under the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or aspergers have slowly been changing, there has been a lack of resources available to those who want to pursue careers at the higher levels like Fortune 500 companies or those in Silicon Valley. Through my work coaching these specific types of candidates, I have identified a 3 pronged approach to help them make progress and ultimately get results during their job search.

Looking for a job when you have high functioning autism or asperger’s syndrome is possible by following three steps:

1. Make sure you identify 3-4 ideal companies

2. Understand the “why” behind the questions you will be asked

3. Research the person who will be interviewing you to understand what they value

Identify Your Dream Jobs

A mistake most people make when looking for a job is to use the “spray and pray” approach.  In other words, people start focusing on applying as many jobs as possible hoping that one of them will eventually call them.  This approach can be exhausting as well as overwhelming for anyone.

Recently, when I started working with a client that fell on the spectrum, he asked me how many jobs he should be applying per day.  I suggested to instead spend some time thinking about 3-5 ideal companies that matched up to his major, his short/long term career goals as well as some “nice to haves”.  These “nice to haves” included what city and how far away from his parents’ home he wanted to live.

Instead of applying to 10 jobs a day until he got a call back, he was able to more effectively use his time and apply to the companies he sincerely wanted to work at.  Focusing his time and energy allowed him to spend the extra time needed on his applications to make sure they were producing the results we wanted (interviews).  

This strategy paid off: Soon after, my client was able to get 3 interviews and two job offers including one as a software engineer at a Fortune 500 company.  Not only that, but by identifying his “nice to haves” from the beginning, his top choice was a company that was 30 mins from his parents’ home and in an area where he was familiar with the support systems available to him.  It was far enough away from home where he could ease himself into living in an apartment on his own but close enough to home in case he needed extra help.

Understand the “Why” behind the “What”

Another thing that helps those with high functioning autism or asperger’s syndrome when preparing for job interviews, is not only practicing interview questions but rather understanding the “why” behind those questions.  Those who are neuroatypical may think that questions like “Tell me about yourself” or even “What kind of salary range are you looking at?” are useless and may answer them abruptly or worse yet, not at all.

This can be done in two ways: First, create an Interview Theme.  Similar to an avatar, an Interview Theme helps during preparation by allowing you to create the type of persona you want to project during the interview.  You determine the theme by figuring out what the employer is looking for and how you want to present yourself.

If you want to be seen as the software developer who is a self starter, we want the Interview Theme to touch on the summer project you did on your own.  If you want to be seen as the software developer that works great on teams, then we have to make sure we talk about your experiences working with teams and how you influenced and helped the team reach its goals.  

By knowing what the employer is looking for (based on your research) and creating the Interview Theme, you’ll have an easier time coming up with answers to any question you get asked.

The second part is understanding why these questions are being asked.  

Your job during the job interview is to answer questions in a way that sells your skills and abilities and makes you look like the most likeable person out of all the candidates.  

For example, when you get asked “Tell me about yourself” they’re not really interested in a complete run-down of your resume.  They’re asking this question because they want to get a better feel of how you interact with people and if you can be concise with your answer.

Another typical question “What’s your biggest weakness?”  The real reason behind this question is to find out if you are  self-aware and if you work towards correcting those weaknesses. Imagine how you would look if you said you didn’t have any weaknesses or that you haven’t taken steps to correct those weaknesses.  Saying you don’t have any weaknesses makes you sound egotistical and saying what your weaknesses are without presenting a plan to correct them makes you sound aloof.

Instead bring out a weakness, how you identified it and then the steps you’ve taken to correct it.

Pre-interview the interviewer

When meeting someone new, I always recommend everyone,particularly those that have high functioning autism or asperger's to research the people who will be interviewing them.  Doing this research helps you be prepared by knowing more about the other person. Although using LinkedIn is a good start you can take your research deeper by reviewing their social media accounts and using google to find out more about them.

Knowing more about the interviewer also helps reduce some of the anxiety that often occurs when meeting someone you don’t know.

Jon, a client of mine, used this strategy and found out that the assigned interviewer liked trail running, a pastime that my client also enjoyed. By bringing that topic into the conversation, Jon was able to establish and build rapport with his interviewer. The last 20 minutes of a 60 minute interview were spent talking about the different trails near the office. Jon knew the interview went well when his interviewer told him as he finished their conversation, “I can’t wait for you to start so we can go on some trail runs!”  Less than a week later he was offered a position at the company.

By breaking down the process, those with ASD or Asperger’s can make the job search process less daunting and more fruitful.  Remember that this is a skill that you can develop. The more you practice and implement it, the better your results will be.

Be Bold!

Ramon

P.S. And, whenever you’re ready... here are 4 ways we can help you turn job search anxiety into interviews, job offers, and self-confidence.

1. Watch my free charisma challenge course

For the next 3 days, I'm going to show you the steps you need to know to start building your network one day at a time. You will learn how to choose the right networking event for you that fits your personality and your career goals. You will know how to approach strangers and you will know how to start and end a conversation. You will know how to follow up. -> Click Here

2. Download my Instant Interview Coach E-book

I wrote this book to answer the most pressing questions people have about interviewing, how to manage their job search, and the best ways to answer the difficult interview questions you might get ("Why are you looking to switch jobs?").  I am only able to work with a limited number of people a month so this book is the perfect way to get all the advice and knowledge you need to be successful without having to book an appointment with me. Download the e-book by clicking here - > Instant Interview Coach: Your most pressing questions about interviewing answered!

3. Join our FREE Official Persuasive Interview Parents group and connect with other parents who are committed to helping their child find their dream co-op -> Click Here

4. Work with me 1-on-1

If you’d like to work directly with me to find your dream co-op... just schedule your complimentary “Persuasive Interview Consulting” Call with me so we can clarify your fastest path to finding your dream co-op and create a strategy for you to make it happen... Schedule your FREE call with me here -> Click Here To Schedule

How to answer interview questions like Steve Jobs

I came across this the other day and I thought it was interesting.  It talks about how Steve Jobs (founder of Apple), handled an insult wrapped around a question during one of his famous keynotes.

You can see the video here: Steve Jobs Response

Aside from masterfully handling the question, the key to his answer was that he took time to think about his answer.  Many times when we’re in an interview or other high stress setting, we feel like we have to say something, anything, otherwise we might look like we don’t know what we’re talking about.  

Part of having a successful interview is being able to manage it.  A good way to manage an interview is to make sure you control the speed.  If you ever feel like you don’t know an answer or don’t know how to articulate something, don’t be afraid to say so.  

Just like Steve Jobs, don’t be afraid to slow it down and pause in order to gather your thoughts during the interview.  Not only does it show that you are human, but also that you are thoughtful about how you come across and what you say.

Below are two ways to handle this:

Situation 1: They asked you something you haven’t considered before and just need a little more time to think about it.

How to handle it: “I’ve never considered that before.  Can you give me a minute to think about it?”  

Use this time to figure out the answer to the question.  I’ve even gone as far as writing on my note pad some points I want to make sure I cover.  You would usually use this when you know an answer but you want to make sure you are concise and not ramble.

Situation 2: They asked you something you have no idea about.  It can be something technical or maybe a weird interview question.  You’re pretty sure you don’t know how to answer this one.

How to handle it: “Can we skip this one for now?  I’m not really sure how to answer this”  You can also say “I’m not sure about this.  How would you solve/answer it?” If you aren’t able to answer the question later on in the interview when they ask you again you can always tell them that you’ll think about it some more.  Once you get home, send them what you think your answer should be in the Thank You email.

I’ve used all of these during interviews that lead to job offers.  Interviewers know that sometimes you may get caught off guard by some question.  They realize that you’re human so they’ll cut you some slack. Now if they ask you something  that will be expected like “What’s your biggest weakness?” and you don’t know your answer, then maybe you won’t make the great impression you’re looking for.  

Have you had an interview question you weren’t able to answer?  What was the question and how did you handle it? What was the result?

You can read a detailed run-down of the video here: Steve Jobs answers questions with grace

P.S. And, whenever you’re ready... here are 4 ways we can help you turn job search anxiety into interviews, job offers, and self-confidence.

1. Watch my free charisma challenge course

For the next 3 days, I'm going to show you the steps you need to know to start building your network one day at a time. You will learn how to choose the right networking event for you that fits your personality and your career goals. You will know how to approach strangers and you will know how to start and end a conversation. You will know how to follow up. -> Click Here

2. Download my Instant Interview Coach E-book

I wrote this book to answer the most pressing questions people have about interviewing, how to manage their job search, and the best ways to answer the difficult interview questions you might get ("Why are you looking to switch jobs?").  I am only able to work with a limited number of people a month so this book is the perfect way to get all the advice and knowledge you need to be successful without having to book an appointment with me. Download the e-book by clicking here - > Instant Interview Coach: Your most pressing questions about interviewing answered!

3. Join our FREE Official Persuasive Interview Parents group and connect with other parents who are committed to helping their child find their dream co-op -> Click Here

4. Work with me 1-on-1

If you’d like to work directly with me to find your dream co-op... just schedule your complimentary “Persuasive Interview Consulting” Call with me so we can clarify your fastest path to finding your dream co-op and create a strategy for you to make it happen... Schedule your FREE call with me here -> Click Here To Schedule

How realizing your value can turn into a promotion and a 7% raise

I love my dad.  I'm proud of my dad.  My dad is one of the smartest men I know.  The more I grow as a person, especially now as a father myself, the more I understand him and realize how awesome he is.  My dad can do everything.

Except negotiate.  He sucks at negotiating things.  

I remember one time when I was 14 and we went to the flea market (aka Farmers' Market for the fancy people out there) and  looking to buy a lawnmower. My parents had just bought a house so money was tight and he needed to get a good deal.

We walked around for a while until he found one he liked.  It wasn't pretty but it would do the job.

My dad walks to the guy selling it and starts his "deal making":

My dad: "How much for the lawnmower?

Lawnmower Guy: "$25"

My dad (acting like he's pondering some Shark Tank deal): "Can you give me a better price?

Third guy that shows up out of nowhere: "I'll give you $15 for it"

Lawnmower Guy (directly to 3rd guy and completely looking past my dad): "It's yours.”

Not only did someone literally bought a good priced lawnmower from under his nose, we ended up buying a crappier looking one for $25.

So even though my dad can do anything, I never had someone to show me how to negotiate anything.  I went through life accepting what I was given and hoping someone would notice and give me a little more (spoiler alert: no one did).

It's been a long time since that failed lawnmower negotiation.  At some point I realized that negotiating is a lot more than haggling some $25 purchase.  Negotiating is about realizing your worth to yourself and to the person at the negotiation table.

Obviously since then I've gotten better at negotiating.  Much better.

Just this year, through my interview and negotiation coaching programs,  I've coached 35+ people get dream jobs and helped them negotiate their salaries.  

Earlier this year I received this email from someone that gets my newsletter that I want to share with you.

A promotion AND a 7% salary raise

Several things that are interesting in this email:

• She never went and gave them an ultimatum ("Give me a raise or I leave!").  She instead made a business case for that 7% raise.

• This wasn't about the money.  It was about her realizing her value to the company.

• She went in looking for a raise and walked out with a 7% raise and an upcoming promotion.  Coincidence? Probably not. Sometimes employers consider you for better roles only after you show them how you contribute.

Learning about these types of successes from my clients as well as the subscribers to my newsletter make me very happy.  Has my newsletter helped you out with your interviewing or salary negotiation?  Let me know.  I would love to hear your story.

Be Bold!

Ramon

P.S. And, whenever you’re ready... here are 4 ways we can help you turn job search anxiety into interviews, job offers, and self-confidence.

1. Watch my free charisma challenge course

For the next 3 days, I'm going to show you the steps you need to know to start building your network one day at a time. You will learn how to choose the right networking event for you that fits your personality and your career goals. You will know how to approach strangers and you will know how to start and end a conversation. You will know how to follow up. -> Click Here

2. Download my Instant Interview Coach E-book

I wrote this book to answer the most pressing questions people have about interviewing, how to manage their job search, and the best ways to answer the difficult interview questions you might get ("Why are you looking to switch jobs?").  I am only able to work with a limited number of people a month so this book is the perfect way to get all the advice and knowledge you need to be successful without having to book an appointment with me. Download the e-book by clicking here - > Instant Interview Coach: Your most pressing questions about interviewing answered!

3. Join our FREE Official Persuasive Interview Parents group and connect with other parents who are committed to helping their child find their dream co-op -> Click Here

4. Work with me 1-on-1

If you’d like to work directly with me to find your dream co-op... just schedule your complimentary “Persuasive Interview Consulting” Call with me so we can clarify your fastest path to finding your dream co-op and create a strategy for you to make it happen... Schedule your FREE call with me here -> Click Here To Schedule

Interview Advice for People with Autism or Asperger's Syndrome looking for Fortune 500 jobs

Interviewing can be a stressful situation for anyone especially for those in the Autism Spectrum. However it doesn’t have to be.  Here are some tips, which I call the 3 P’s of Interviewing, you can use when preparing for your next interview.

Prepare

Most people don’t prepare for an interview.  Preparing for an interview means figuring out the logistics before the day of the interview.  As soon as I find out the details like time, date, location, and person I’ll be meeting with, I start preparing.  I make sure I clear out my calendar a couple of hours before and after so I won’t be rushed, I figure out how I will be getting to the interview (uber, drive myself, get a ride, or take bus), the best routes to get there, and start doing research on the job, company, AND the person I’ll be meeting with.  Many people forget that you need to build rapport with the interviewer so having a good idea of who they are, how long they’ve worked at their current company, and their career history (all things easily found on LinkedIn) can mean the difference between an offer letter or a rejection email.

Which brings me to...

Practice

A quick Google search can help you find interview questions that you can use to practice.  All you have to do is search “Interview Questions” + “Name of Company” and you’ll find the most common interview questions asked by that company.  

The next step is to write out your answers.  Most people “practice” interview questions in their heads, however they never develop the answer.  This gets them in trouble during the interview because all they practice were the high points and not the details that make up a good answer.

Once you’ve written out your answers, practice out loud with a partner.  This can help you figure out if your answer makes sense and if it gets the point across.  Your interview partner can also give you feedback on your body language and tone of voice.  

Don’t worry about memorizing a “script”.  You should focus on making sure your answers portray the real you and match up to the job description.

Positive (as in “Stay Positive”)

A “No” doesn’t mean “Never”.  It just means “Not right now.”  Use this opportunity to reach out and ask for feedback from the interviewer to learn where you can improve.  Most companies will provide feedback if you use the template below:

Send it directly to the people who you met with.

I've used this same exact email several years ago and I still think this last interaction with them made such a good impression that they called me back to offer me a new position literally 30 days later.   

You can use that feedback when you prepare for your next interview.  When you receive the response, a simple "Thank you for the feedback. I'll take this into account as I prepare for my other interviews." shows that you appreciate their input and that there aren't any hard feelings further cementing in their brains that you're a great candidate.

“Thank you once again for taking the time to meet with me yesterday.  It looks like I was passed up for the NAME OF ROLE at NAME OF COMPANY, which is unfortunate but there is always a way to make a situation into a learning experience.  As such, I would please ask that you provide me with any feedback you may have regarding our meeting and how I can improve in order to make a better impact either with NAME OF COMPANY or any other company I interview with in the future.  I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

YOUR NAME”

When they respond, reply with this:

“Thank you for the feedback.  I'll take this into account as I prepare for my other interviews

Sincerely,

YOUR NAME”

Remember, finding a job you love is making sure you find something that fits your needs as much as them finding someone that fits theirs.  Make sure to test different approaches to find the one that best fits your skills and abilities.

Be Bold!

Ramon

P.S. And, whenever you’re ready... here are 4 ways we can help you turn job search anxiety into interviews, job offers, and self-confidence.

1. Watch my free charisma challenge course

For the next 3 days, I'm going to show you the steps you need to know to start building your network one day at a time. You will learn how to choose the right networking event for you that fits your personality and your career goals. You will know how to approach strangers and you will know how to start and end a conversation. You will know how to follow up. -> Click Here

2. Download my Instant Interview Coach E-book

I wrote this book to answer the most pressing questions people have about interviewing, how to manage their job search, and the best ways to answer the difficult interview questions you might get ("Why are you looking to switch jobs?").  I am only able to work with a limited number of people a month so this book is the perfect way to get all the advice and knowledge you need to be successful without having to book an appointment with me. Download the e-book by clicking here - > Instant Interview Coach: Your most pressing questions about interviewing answered!

3. Join our FREE Official Persuasive Interview Parents group and connect with other parents who are committed to helping their child find their dream co-op -> Click Here

4. Work with me 1-on-1

If you’d like to work directly with me to find your dream co-op... just schedule your complimentary “Persuasive Interview Consulting” Call with me so we can clarify your fastest path to finding your dream co-op and create a strategy for you to make it happen... Schedule your FREE call with me here -> Click Here To Schedule

How to create a resume when you don't have any experience and have ASD

This was a guest post I wrote for the AutismMom.com website where I walk you through the steps to creating the perfect resume for someone who is on the spectrum and is looking for a job.  I hope you enjoy it!

Many times those on the autism spectrum may not have much “official” work experience. This lack of work history can seem challenging when preparing a resume. However, there are several ways to turn your autistic youth’s unique experiences into a resume that will get an employer’s attention.

Focus on the Content

For starters, if the youth is applying for an entry level position or if your youth doesn’t have much experience, the format of the resume will be straightforward. You can see the image below for an idea of what it should look like.

I won’t go into details since the format is self-explanatory. What we want to focus is on the content. The content, not the format, is what will get you the interview and soon after, the job offer.

Bonus: Get my educational email course to go from the classroom to a career

This 5-day email course will teach you how to ace interviews and get the co-op/internship of your dreams.

By preparing to answer these questions, college students can reduce interview anxiety and build confidence.

Sign up for this FREE course by filling out this form.

First Name:

Email:

Send me the interview questions insights!

Create a Deck of Accomplishments

The best way to start is by creating a “Deck of Accomplishments.” This is a list of any projects, accomplishments, recognitions, awards, scholarships, presentations, or experiences they’re proud of. At this point just create a list. You will pare it down and develop the ideas later on in the process.

Here is a sample Deck of Accomplishments

For this particular student, creating his Deck of Accomplishments lead us to find out that he had several interesting things he had done even though he had not officially held a job before. These included things like scholarships and honors, activities and interests related to his degree, school projects, and personal projects.

Sometime people have a hard time coming up with their accomplishments because they feel like they’re bragging. Don’t fall into this trap! Even small projects that may seem inconsequential can make a big impact on a resume.

Segmenting your Deck of Accomplishments

For things that are straightforward (i.e., scholarships), put them under the “Scholarship” section which is usually towards the bottom. However, instead of just putting the name of the scholarship, feel free to add some details.

For example, you can put how many people applied, the amount, how many times you’ve received it, and any requirements to apply like a minimum GPA. You want to add meat to your resume to make it attractive to employers.

Volunteer experience can also be attractive to employers. Again, focus on the work done and any transferable skills that another employer would find useful. Was the youth responsible for a certain task or area of a project? Were there any amazing results that came from their time spent there? Make sure you write them down.

Next up, things like personal projects can be a gold mine. Many times youth on the autism spectrum have personal or school projects they’ve worked on that they have spent many hours on.

The job now is to find the real lessons learned from the projects.

In the example above, one of the personal projects was creating a website where he took a deep dive into side-scroller video games, one of his personal passions.

Although an employer may not care too much about video games, they do care about being a self-starter, creating a plan, and seeing something completed to fruition.

Another of his personal projects was creating an app for his mom’s medical clinic. This is something definitely considered an asset since it aligned exactly with the type of experience potential employers would look for.

Even though he wasn’t considered an employee, based on the work done, responsibilities, and the deliverable, we decided to go ahead and put this and a volunteer role of “Website Manager” under “Work Experience.” Both of these projects aligned exactly with what future employers would look for since he was looking for software engineering positions.

Developing the Story

Turning bullet points on a resume into a story is my favorite part of creating. Remember how I mentioned earlier of thinking about the lessons learned when creating your Deck of Accomplishments? This is where you’re going to get into high gear.

For example, when creating the resume above, I learned about the app this student created for his mom’s autism focused clinic. He didn’t think it was worth mentioning it since it was work he did for his mom.

After we discussed it, we were able to present it as a long-term project, that he planned, directed, and delivered all of which were true statements. Also, these are all code words for “self-starter, “highly motivated”, and “detail oriented” all of which are skills highly desired by hiring managers.

Think about the skills that jobs like babysitting or lawn care create. Babysitting teaches responsibility, flexibility, and trustworthiness. You wouldn’t have much of a babysitting business if people didn’t trust you with their kids.

Even maintaining your own yard requires you to be detail oriented and consistent.

Remember, this is an exercise in “spin.” You don’t want to lie, however you also don’t want to sell yourself short. Even the smallest projects can deliver a powerful message. You just have to take the time to develop the story.

Conclusion

Creating a resume for someone who doesn’t have much work experience isn’t hard. It just requires time and some imagination. Remember, employers don’t expect an entry-level employee to know everything.

All they want is to hire someone who is hard-working, dedicated, and a self-starter. Focus on those transferable skills when helping your autistic youth create their resume.

This originally appeared on the AutismMom.com website

P.S. And, whenever you’re ready... here are 4 ways we can help you turn job search anxiety into interviews, job offers, and self-confidence.

1. Watch my free charisma challenge course

For the next 3 days, I'm going to show you the steps you need to know to start building your network one day at a time. You will learn how to choose the right networking event for you that fits your personality and your career goals. You will know how to approach strangers and you will know how to start and end a conversation. You will know how to follow up. -> Click Here

2. Get my educational email course to go from the classroom to a career

This 5-day email course will teach you how to ace interviews and get the co-op/internship of your dreams. By preparing to answer these questions, college students can reduce interview anxiety and build confidence.

First Name:

Email:

Send me the interview questions insights!

3. Join our FREE Official Persuasive Interview Parents group and connect with other parents who are committed to helping their child find their dream co-op -> Click Here

4. Work with me 1-on-1

If you’d like to work directly with me to find your dream co-op... just schedule your complimentary “Persuasive Interview Consulting” Call with me so we can clarify your fastest path to finding your dream co-op and create a strategy for you to make it happen... Schedule your FREE call with me here -> Click Here To Schedule

From C Student to the C Suite: A Book Review

I’ve read my fair share of “career experts” and “job gurus” who give advice that sounds good on paper.  Problem is, sometimes what sounds cool in theory doesn't work in "our" real world.

I remember this one book in college that was part novel,part career guide.  The book was how this fictional character overcomes the trials and tribulations of being a student who is trying to find his first accounting job.

Ideally you would read the book and then follow the steps the main character did and you would end up with a job.

This is a summary of that book:

1. Call your dad and have him introduce you to his friends, one of which is probably a partner at an accounting firm.  Why? Well because your dad is a partner at a law firm so he should know other professionals high up in their organizations.

2. Meet that partner at a country club where you both have been members for many years.  That will show him that you are part of the community.

3. Focus 100% on your job search.  If needed, take less classes on your last semester.  (No mention of what to do if you have a job while you're in school.  You don't need a job if your rich dad is paying for your college. See #1 above).

I'm sure this advice would work fine for some people.  

But what about the rest of us whose fathers aren't partners at their law firm, who don't have connections, and who have to work to survive, much less to be able to attend school?

And that's why I loved "From C Student to the C Suite" written by Tami Holzman.  Her no bs approach to succeeding in your career really resonated with the rebel in me.  

I want to share some great insights from the book that will help you get ahead even if you didn't get a fancy Ivy League degree.

1. Value Emotional Quotient (EQ) over Intelligence Quotient (IQ)

Tami explains in great detail how even though intelligence is great, you do business with people so being able to connect with them is more important that trying to be smarter than everyone else.  

You've probably seen it in action where the people who aren't necessarily the brightest, somehow always know who to get in touch to help them out with a problem.  Strive to connect with people first before you wow them with your brain power.

2. Your past doesn’t define your future

She technically didn’t graduate from any of the four colleges she attended (she needed 3 more math credits) and still was able to deliver success to her employers and clients.

Many times we impose self limiting beliefs on ourselves because of what we have or haven't done in the past.  No degree?

No problem.  If you can deliver value to your clients, they really won't (or shouldn't) care where you got your education from.  The higher you go up in your career, the more you'll notice this to be true.

The book keeps it simple to where you don’t have to read some study to figure out what it means.  She lays it out in plain English so you don’t have to wonder what she meant. She talks about how she made a BFF (Business Friends Forever) over a bra mishap.

3. Ask for the sale

I love her approach for asking for the sale.  Just like interviewing, most people go into a meeting, spill their guts out and then just walk out without having asked for the job or the business.

You haven't done your job right if you don't ask for the sale/job before you leave the meeting.  

4. “Be Present: aka put your f*cking phone away”

The chapter title pretty much gives it away.  

By the way, this isn’t one of those theoretical, I’ve never tried it but it sounds good on paper books.  Tami is pretty straightforward with how she dishes out her advice and she doesn’t mince words.

This respectful, but candid way of writing is part of what makes this book endearing and useful.  There were times where I felt like Tami was sitting me down and just telling it to me straight on how to improve my career and life, f-bombs and all.

Do you want proof of how much I love this book?

This is the actual Amazon review I gave it:

Perfect book for anyone who wants to succeed without being put into a "box"

I recommend this book for anyone who:

A. wants to succeed despite not having the "perfect" grades/degree/experience (she doesn't even have a degree)

B. women who want to learn how to better sell themselves and reach the C suite (she uses all the tools at her disposal to move up while staying true to herself)

C. people who want to learn how to connect with others at networking events (great tips on how to start talking to people)

D. All of the above

As an interview coach that works with MBAs, this book will be recommended to all my clients, particularly the females. It's just an awesome example of how you are "enough" just by being yourself.

Also, the design was very cool. I would buy the book just to look at the "Tam-isms".

Get the book by clicking here!

As a side note, I reached out to Tami just to tell her that I love her book and she responded!  It’s always good to know that the truly successful people don’t just talk the talk, but they always walk the walk (in Jimmy Choo’s).

P.S. And, whenever you’re ready... here are 4 ways we can help you turn job search anxiety into interviews, job offers, and self-confidence.

1. Watch my free charisma challenge course

For the next 3 days, I'm going to show you the steps you need to know to start building your network one day at a time. You will learn how to choose the right networking event for you that fits your personality and your career goals. You will know how to approach strangers and you will know how to start and end a conversation. You will know how to follow up. -> Click Here

2. Download my Instant Interview Coach E-book

I wrote this book to answer the most pressing questions people have about interviewing, how to manage their job search, and the best ways to answer the difficult interview questions you might get ("Why are you looking to switch jobs?").  I am only able to work with a limited number of people a month so this book is the perfect way to get all the advice and knowledge you need to be successful without having to book an appointment with me. Download the e-book by clicking here - > Instant Interview Coach: Your most pressing questions about interviewing answered!

3. Join our FREE Official Persuasive Interview Parents group and connect with other parents who are committed to helping their child find their dream co-op -> Click Here

4. Work with me 1-on-1

If you’d like to work directly with me to find your dream co-op... just schedule your complimentary “Persuasive Interview Consulting” Call with me so we can clarify your fastest path to finding your dream co-op and create a strategy for you to make it happen... Schedule your FREE call with me here -> Click Here To Schedule