Practice Makes Perfect

Think for a moment about great  athletes.  They certainly did not master  their sport quickly or easily.  It takes    years of dedication and practice in order for them to reach perfection.  Michael Jordan one of the greatest basketball    players of all time was also the hardest working player on his team.  He went to the gym after each game (no matter    how late) to work on any area he felt needed improvement.
You don’t win the Super Bowl,  NBA Finals or World Cup when you first begin to compete.  Your job search IS a   competition, so it is  not surprising that you don’t receive a job offer when you first begin to  interview.    Unless you are a “sales  professional” or “job hopper,” interviewing is not a natural process.  It is also not easy   to sell yourself.
Role playing is a very  effective process to enhance your ability to interview.  You can role play with family members,    friends or anyone who is willing to role play with you.  It’s better if you do NOT provide them with a  list of questions.    You must be able to  answer any and all questions during the interview process.
When you have finished  interviewing, have them rate you on the following areas on a scale from 1 – 10,  10 being   the highest.

 _____ First Impression
_____ Ability to Answer Questions
_____ Able to overcome objections
_____ Knowledge of the Job
_____ Ability to uncover challenges or hot buttons of the  interviewer
_____ Knowledge of the Company
_____ Ability to stress your accomplishments
_____ Quality of Questions You Ask
_____ Ability to set up your follow up process

Not everyone will be able to  rate you in all nine areas, especially knowledge of the job or company.     You need to focus on improving any area  where you receive a rating of less than an 8.   When you ask   friends or family to role play with you, be prepared for  their often blunt and very honest feedback.     It’s important that you view their comments as constructive criticism.
Once you have practiced the  areas where you were the “weakest” ask the same people to role play with you    again so they can see how you have improved.
If you find yourself nervous  during an interview, there is nothing wrong with stopping the interview and    explaining the following to the hiring authority:
“Can we stop this interview for  just a minute.  I’ve been up half the  night preparing for this interview   because I’m confident I can do this job and  I’m also very interested working for you.   My nerves however   are preventing me from interviewing well.  I wish you could watch me work for the next  month, because I   know you would hire me once you saw my abilities and work  ethic.  I just don’t know how to turn  this   interview around.”
Most hiring authorities will be  taken back  by your courage to say this  and your honesty.  Many individuals   who  have used this technique have received a job offer.  When you have this as an “interviewing tool”  you   can use, it has often reduced nerves where you don’t need to use it!
If you are not obtaining  offers, you have no choice but to role play and improve your ability to  interview.    Once you “master the ability  to interview” you will receive job offers!

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What Clients Say About Patrice & Associates

  • Chris Bousquet is Invaluable!

    I want to express my deepest gratitude for the support and guidance provided by Patrice & Associates during my job search. I was greatly impressed by the professionalism and commitment of your team in helping me find the right job opportunity.  In particular, I would like to highlight the invaluable assistance provided by Chris Bousquet, who stood by my side every step of the way in the search and interview process. His dedication and expertise were instrumental in achieving a successful transition to my new position.

     

    Once again, thank you for your assistance and commitment to my professional career. I wish you and the Patrice & Associates team continued success in your work.

     

    Sincerely,

    Miguel Pulla

    Chris Bousquet is Invaluable!
  • Clint Carpenter's standards of Recruiting are TOP NOTCH!

    To begin, Clint Carpenter was the ONLY recruiter I didn't get a generic template e-mail from. He actually took the time to look at my complete resume. In the first few days we spoke, he really took the time in our conversations to get to know what was important to me in a future job as well as what I knew I did not want. He checked in with me every day, whether it was to help coach me for an interview or just follow up if I'd gotten feedback. When I finally did get the offer I wanted, there was a snag and the paperwork with the company was delayed by 2 weeks. It was incredibly frustrating, but Clint called or texted me EVERY single day to encourage me and make sure I was ok as well as doing whatever he could from his end to help facilitate the paperwork. I never felt like I was alone in the job search process. Clint is professional, positive and you can tell he genuinely loves helping people. I would recommend him to anyone!!!!    

    Lethr' Rothert

    Clint Carpenter's standards of Recruiting are TOP NOTCH!
  • Dave took the time to get to know ME, who I am, my experience and my goals

    Dave Evens has been working with me these past couple months as I transition from a restaurant owner toward a corporate environment.  Along with this, I'm relocating from TN to NY.  I feel that he was able to capture my unique experience in the updated resume he created for me.  Dave was great with communicating options and feedback from all sources. It was a true pleasure to work with him.  While we were unable to find a good fit for me, I am blown away by Dave's approach and enthusiasm.  I found a great job, on my own, but I do not feel that reflects poorly on Dave nor Patrice & Associates. When, again, I enter my next job search, I will be sure to reach out to Dave first!

    Sincerely,

    Neil Archibald

    Dave took the time to get to know ME, who I am, my experience and my goals
  • Mike Buterbaugh is genuine and caring

    I honestly didn't know what to expect from Patrice & Associates. Upon my first time speaking with Mr. Mike Buterbaugh, I was instantly put at ease with his genuine approach to helping me find the best fit for me overall in my next career decision. Not only did he coach me on how to drastically improve my resume, he also had me an interview within a couple of days. I have never had an experience quite like this during a job search, but I would definitely give 5 stars to this company and their recruiting team. I have gained a new career that not only met my salary expectations, but balances with my personal life as well. Thanks again for your help, and although I don't plan to be on a search again, if the need arises, they will definitely be my first point of contact.

    Eula

    Mike Buterbaugh is genuine and caring
  • Patrice & Associates Video Client TestimonialsClint Carpenter was wonderful!

    I worked with Clint Carpenter on getting a job. Clint did an amazing job helping me with my resume, walking me through the process and giving me help and interview tips.  He was in communication with me everyday about what was going on and keeping me in the know. I would call on Clint again if I ever needed him!  

    Gary Summers

    Clint Carpenter was wonderful!