Free Career and Job Search Advice

adi · Newbie Joined: 11 Nov 2006 Posts: 1 Career Advice: +0/-0

I've moved to the Dallas area about a year and a half ago from Canada and I seem to be having trouble selling myself at my first interview, I've only gotten 1 second interview out of all my first interviews.
I knew how to sell myself when I was in Montreal but down here it's completly different.

I am completly lost, I don't know what to say (as what I've been saying isn't impressing anyone).

I am in IT with 18 years of experience.

Any thoughts, suggestions?

sweet_life · Expert Joined: 20 Sep 2006 Posts: 184 Career Advice: +0/-1

Well...there are somt things you have to take into account when..."selling yourself"...one of them may be the area in which you apply for that job....especially that you have mentioned the fact that you were allright in Montreal....
There are some articles you should read about interviews, starting with physical appearance and continuing with verbal aspects and personality. You can find such articles in here, on this site, if you just use the search option.
When selling yourself, sell first your cv...and I bet that in 18 years of IT experience you have what to show. Then sell your portofolio...meaning show the recruiter what you have accomplished...professionally. Explain your skills and how this skills will help the developing of a certain company.
You'll read more in the articles I was talking about.
Good luck!

kv · Newbie Joined: 11 Nov 2006 Posts: 3 Career Advice: +0/-0

Plenty of thoughts.
(1) Try to understand the problem they're having. They always have a problem or they wouldn't be paying a salary for the position. Listen carefully and when you understand it, show how you can solve their problem.
(2) Learn how to pace their tempo.
(3) Do lots of research about their company so you can ask intelligent questions during the interview.
(4) They're looking for (a) whether you can do the job as you stated in your resume which is the reason you're in the interview, and (b) for chemistry to see if you're compatible. If you've got the chemistry, they'll hire you even if you don't have all the qualifications.
(5) If you can, ask why you were selected. (Not easy to do, and often they won't provide any answer, but worth trying to see if you can get an inkling.)
(6) Don't get discouraged.
(7) Like Ann Landers, I might suggest you get a coach to help you through the process if it continues. Having the same problem repeatedly usally indicates a blind spot.

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