By Sandy Prock M.Ed., JCTC, Co-Owner of www.ExpertResume.com  www.ExpertExecutiveResume.com

Preparing for an interview can be daunting, not because you are not capable, articulate and a great communicator, but because job search and interviewing for a new job is sometimes a new or rarely used skill.

As you know in business, preparation is a key to success. Preparation is vital when you interview. You will leap beyond your competition if you know the details of your executive/managerial experience and frame those experiences in a storytelling format that presents your real world experience. Show your practical understanding and your problem solving skills. Know how to frame and talk freely and informatively about your collective work experience.

Let’s look at some ideas from a blog written by Melissa Raffoni for you to consider as you prepare for your interviewing process. She is a leadership consultant, who writes for Harvard Business Review. Melissa shares what she learned from her top performing executives/managers. I want to share the eight characteristics she observed. If you take these eight characteristics, study your background, and develop your own stories and experiences that show any one or all eight of these characteristics, you are ahead in the interviewing game. Taking the time, whether you are out of work, or looking for a new job and doing your homework will pay off. Know how you might answer questions. Learn to frame your accomplishments reflecting your executive/managerial experiences using the following eight characteristics as a guide.

Here are the eight wining executive/managerial traits and actions that Melissa observed.

• They set clear goals and maintain an open conversation and accountability with others.

• They remain open to feedback, seek help when needed, and place a high value on their strong mentors, and peer relationships.

• They value and appreciate words that invite collaboration. They value clarity, are direct and motivating.

• They value risks; however, their risks are calculated and thoughtful.

• They are confident in the execution of their plans.

• People follow them because they have integrity. They keep their promises. They keep their word. They build trust by being trustworthy.

• Because they are open to feedback and bold at the same time, they exhibit egoless confidence.

• They are true students of life and business and continue to learn. Learning is a lifelong skill and enjoyment for them. Even the best continue to study and learn.

These eight traits and values of successful executives/managers will give you an idea of how to create your background and create your own personal stories showing how you exhibit any or all of these eight traits. Be prepared. This preparation will pay off in spades, giving you an edge and a surprising real and substantial boost in your confidence.

I hope this jump-starts your interview research process. Be prepared; know yourself and your background. Take time for reflection, plan your job search process, and plan your interview answers. If you work it - It will work for you - Ace your interviews!

Remember to make sure your resume, cover letter and other job search documents stand up to the competition. Shine and land your best position yet.

Bob and I wish you the best in your executive/managerial job search. If you have any questions about your resume, cover letter or other job search documents feel free to call Bob at 1-864-292-5288 or email him at expertresume@yahoo.com.

Check out www.ExpertExecutiveResume.com for more samples of executive and managerial resumes.

Sandy Prock M.Ed. (Masters in Education – Vocational Guidance and Counseling), JCTC (Job and Career Transition Coach), Co-Owner of www.ExpertResume.com
www.ExpertExecutiveResume.com