Practice Makes Perfect!

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!


 

I’m not Comfortable Role Playing!

There are many reasons why role playing may not be something you can accomplish:

  • You don’t know anyone who can role play with you
  • You are currently employed and don’t want people to know you are in a search
  • You find it too embarrassing to get comfortable with the process
  • You don’t want to be judged by someone who is not a hiring authority

If any of these describe your situation, you have another option in order to enjoy the benefits of role playing. You can write down sample interview questions which I have included later in this presentation. Begin to record yourself as you ask the questions and provide your answers.

When you listen to yourself, you can pick out your strengths and weaknesses as you critique the recording. Listen to the recording as if you are a hiring authority and rate yourself on a scale of 1 – 10. Continue this process until you are scoring a 9 or 10 in most areas.

Once you become comfortable recording your interview, you then need to role play with family, friends, neighbors, individuals in Job Clubs or anyone else who is willing to role play with you. It’s important to realize that if you are NOT comfortable role playing, you are probably NOT comfortable with interviewing. You can delay the live role playing with another person, but you really can’t avoid it.

The most qualified person does not necessarily get hired, it’s the person who interviews best. When you think of how difficult it is to schedule interviews, you want to be at your best during the interview process.

Hiring authorities react to your ability to:

  • Make a great first impression
  • Answer questions effectively
  • Show your personality
  • Overcome objections
  • Stand out from other job seekers
  • Ask the best questions
  • Have the interviewer “envision” you in the position
  • Show your confidence level and interest in the position
  • Close strong
  • Set up the follow-up process

The more your record your interviews and role play with others, the better you will interview which will result in job offers.

Back

Duke Witte absolutely was amazing! 

I am writing to express my sincere gratitude to Duke Witte for his assistance in finding me a new job in the hospitality industry. I was disgruntled with my previous job, and I was feeling very discouraged about my prospects. I had been working in the restaurant industry for many years, and I had a lot of experience and skills, but I was having a hard time finding a better opportunity.

I was contacted via LinkedIn by Duke, and thank goodness I was.  Mr. Witte was incredibly helpful and supportive throughout the entire process. He took the time to understand my skills and experience, and worked tirelessly to find me a job that was a good fit.

Duke was also very honest and upfront with me about the job market. He didn't sugarcoat things, but also didn't give up on me. He kept me motivated and encouraged, and never gave up on finding me a job that I would love.

I am so grateful to Duke Witte and his team for their help. I am now happily employed, and I am so happy that I was able to find a job that I love. I would highly recommend him to anyone who is looking for a job in the restaurant industry. He is a true professional, and is dedicated to helping his clients find the perfect job!

Thank you again for everything!

Nick Grubbs

Working with Chris Bovio made job searching so much easier! 

Not only was he available and involved in my search, but also knowledgeable regarding the position. Chris used his industry experience and recruiting network to find the best position for me and my skill set. My only regret is that my new job is so perfect for me that I won’t need to use Chris or Patrice & Associates later.

Thanks,

Nick Guarino

Michael Greig was absolutely fantastic in every way! 

He gave me options and suggestions & eventually found a great for me. Communication was easy and he went above & beyond. Also, he seems like an all around good dude. Thanks again Michael. Solid work out there. You’re hired :)

Nic Callahan

Bryan Curtis was fantastic to work with!

Bryan was very on top of things throughout my recruiting process to the engineering firm I accepted my position with.  I responded to his LinkedIn posting and heard back from him within 24 hours. He continually spoke with me throughout the process checking in regularly and answering all my questions. Bryan was instrumental in helping me find a great job.

Thanks!

Austin

Frank Rondeau was a really big help! 

When it came to helping me find my new job, he knocked it out of the park!  He was very honest and thorough throughout the entire process. We had multiple conversations along the way and he always checked in after interviews. Frank was amazing to work with, and I'm super excited to start my new journey thanks to him.       

Many Thanks,

Chyanne

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