Competition is Fierce

A couple of weeks ago I put myself forward for an opportunity which would help me to build on both my confidence and experience in speaking. After the first round I was overwhelmed by the outcome and I was asked to return to take part in the second round which took place yesterday. Much to my disappointment I was unsuccessful and another competitor was invited back to the next stage of the competition.

Where did I go wrong or perhaps where could I improve to ensure that next time I outperform my competition?

“Mistakes are stepping stones to success.”

Unemployment is currently at 2.51million and with 453,000 vacancies that’s on average, five or more applicants competing for each vacancy.

How do you intend to outperform your competition? Do you practice what you preach? What interview advice would you give to your close friend, loved one or child looking for their first job out of university?

I’ve been self-employed for nearly 10 years, I’ve mentored hundreds of individuals through the interview process, informing them all that they should prepare and practise for their all-important interview. When it came to taking my own advice did I really listen or could I have done more?

If I’m honest, then I could have done a lot more.

*I could have perfected my speech by attending a couple of local clubs to practice.
*I could have fine-tuned my story by asking close friends and family for their input.
*I could have rehearsed in front of my webcam or a mirror and watched my body language

These are all the points that I preach to others and yet I didn’t. Why?

*I’m busy with my day to day work.
*My family demand my attention.
*I felt embarrassed to approach others for help.

Of course these are all excuses and the point I’m making is did I really care enough about winning?

Initially I wasn’t bothered, but when I arrived for the second round last night I felt a feeling of competitiveness, I wanted to win but it was too late. I didn’t give 100% to my preparation and so I lost.

Next time you are competing ask yourself - How much do I really want to win?
The desire to win = the effort you put in.

“I honestly believed I would make it. I had the desire. A lot of people have the ability, but they don't put forth the effort.” Joe Carter

Nikki Hutchison, founder of Chilli Pepper Global http://www.chillipepperglobal.com/ advising you on every aspect of the job seeking process guiding you step by step whether you are looking to move internally or externally.

E is for…Experience

“When a company with money meets a person with experience, the person with the experience winds up with the money and the company with the money winds up with the experience”

It’s useful to know that no matter how strong your experience, qualifications and expertise your success will depend on how well you perform during the interview.

As an ‘icebreaker’ the interviewer may well ask “tell me about yourself”

In this case this is not an opportunity to tell your life story but instead it’s an opportunity for you to tell your professional story within 60 seconds. A ‘60 second pitch’ or an ‘elevator speech’ is a quick overview of your skill set and experience which can be shared with another person whilst in an elevator!

Your ‘elevator speech’ should be short and last for no less than 30 seconds and no more than 60 seconds. In this time you should be able to introduce yourself, explain what you do, what you can offer and why you should be hired.

Informing the person with just enough information to “hook” them in will leave them wanting to know more about you.

Take a look at the following 5 tips that will help you to create and perfect a winning 60 second speech during an interview, whether you are looking to move internally with your existing employer or external with a new company:

1) Too Long – It’s called a 60 second speech for a reason and whilst it’s very easy to speak for longer make sure that you stick to the allocated 60 seconds

2) STAR – Spend a couple of hours writing down five to ten work or personal experiences. These experiences should follow the STAR technique Situation or Task, Action and Result. What was the situation or task, what did you do, and what happened? Before the interview takes place think about what one of your experiences is appropriate to mention in your 60 second speech

3) Clear Language – Don’t try and be smart by using fancy words or industry jargon, use language that everyone understands. If your interviewer doesn’t understand what you’re saying then you will loose them and the opportunity.

4) Practice – Imagine an actor performing on stage without practicing his lines, remember that when you’re in an interview you are also on stage so be sure to practice. Practice your speech out loud whilst at home, perhaps in the shower! Stand in front of a mirror and practice until you feel comfortable and your speech feels natural.

5) Feedback – Ask a friend to listen to your speech, what did they remember and at what point did they stop listening?

Above all be authentic in your speech, show passion and enthusiasm. If however, your passion and enthusiasm is elsewhere other than your existing day job then it could be that you don’t know enough about the role so why not build on your knowledge and experience. By attending training courses, taking professional qualifications or just by sitting with a colleague you can build on your existing skill set. If on the other hand your enthusiasm lies within another interest then look at ways as to how you can build your knowledge and experience further within this field, create a plan that will enable you to perhaps make a living from your interest!

“Experience is more important than money”

Nikki Hutchison, founder of Chilli Pepper Global http://www.chillipepperglobal.com/ advising you on every aspect of the job seeking process guiding you step by step whether you are looking to move internally or externally.