Winning the Job is No Different Than Winning the Sale

Why? The same rules apply and, when you are job hunting, you are selling yourself. In fact, up until COVID, I regularly volunteered to conduct workshops for the Idaho Department of Labor on LinkedIn for Job Seekers and the same workshop for Mountain Home Air Force Base for service members who were mustering out.

Why me? I’ve hired a lot of people, but I have never worked in the placement industry. I’m a salesperson and a sales manager. Same steps, different product.

What prompted this post was an article that I was reading on Fox News that laid out suggestions for job seekers in order to increase their chances of winning that job, post interview. It’s a good read!

As I read this, I was struck at the similarities to selling. If a salesperson were to follow these exact same steps following a presentation, or even an initial meeting, what effect would that have on their chances of securing that sale. A major effect! Here are 6 simple steps to get you started.

Step #1 – Do Your Research

Before applying, learn what you can about the company and include references to what you discover in your cover letter. Be specific! Let them know that you have done your due diligence.

Step #2 – Before Your Interview

Ask who you will be interviewing with and then find out everything you can about that person or persons. Use Google and also scour the social networks. If you are on LinkedIn, don’t do this anonymously. You want them to know that you were looking at them.

Step #3 – Let Them Know That You Have Done Your Research!

Some folks who I have worked with have hesitated to admit that they have looked at people’s social profiles. Isn’t that kind of creepy? No! It’s only creepy if you try to hide it. It’s due diligence if you proudly announce it!

People create social profiles because they want people to learn about them and what their interests are so … oblige them. I might suggest something like …

“I wanted to be fully prepared for our meeting so I took the liberty of doing some research on your company and on you. I was impressed to learn that …. (give specific details)”

I can tell you this, nothing disappoints me more than, when people reach out to me regarding their services, it is painfully obvious that they know nothing about me or my business. People ask to connect with me on LinkedIn and the first thing that they say is “Tell me what you do.” Really!?

Step #4 – Send a Thank You Note

Nothing fancy. Thank them for their time, express your strong interest in the opportunity, and that you would welcome a chance to take this to the next level. As in … when can I start?

Step #5 – Don’t Be Afraid to Follow-Up

I’m not suggesting that you pester them but there is nothing wrong with following up and doing so for a specific reason. Always have a reason to go back.

Maybe it is another testimonial from someone you worked with. Perhaps it is a question regarding an article that you read on their website. Maybe you are sharing an article on their industry that you felt they might find to be of value. Whatever!

Step #6 – Ask For the Order!

Now we are getting salesy:) Do you want this job? Then ask for it! Here is the deal, and once again this is no different than selling. If you are competing with multiple, and let’s say equally qualified, individuals for this job … something has to tip the scales in your favor.

If you can perform these 6 simple steps, I can just about guarantee that you will be the only applicant who has. Will it guarantee you the position? No, but if you are qualified, it will go a long way toward you being able to reach that goal!

Are you thinking about leveraging AI for more effective LinkedIn prospecting or perhaps using advanced marketing in your business? With so many people talking about these things, it’s tough to figure out who to talk to.

My area of expertise is Nimble CRM (specifically sales), however, I would be happy to connect you to an AI or marketing professional who I know and trust. Please reach out to me at craig@adaptive-business.com for an introduction!

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Craig M. Jamieson

Managing Member at Adaptive Business Services

Craig M. Jamieson is a lifelong B2B salesperson, manager, owner, and a networking enthusiast. Adaptive Business Services provides solutions related to the sales professional. We are a Nimble CRM Solution Partner. Craig also conducts training and workshops primarily in social selling and communication skills. Craig is also the author of "The Small Business' Guide to Social CRM", now available on Amazon!