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Articles from Peggy McKee | Selfgrowth.com
- Can You Over-Prepare for Your Job Interview? - by Submitted on Aug 27, 2010 from Peggy McKeeI don't think it's even possible to be "over-prepared" for your job interview. The better prepared you are, the more confident you will be--and that shows. Especially in this job market, you've got to show up with your "A" game right off the bat to avoid getting eliminated from consideration. ...
Views: 2155 - Why You Need a 30/60/90-Day Plan to Shine in Your Job Interview - by Submitted on Aug 27, 2010 from Peggy McKeeThe best-prepared candidate is often the one who gets the offer. And the hands-down, very best way to ensure that YOU are the best-prepared candidate is to construct a 30/60/90-day plan. A 30/60/90-day plan is a written outline of what you will be doing in your first 3 months on the job. ...
Views: 1839 - Job Interview Advice: Why You Need a Career Coach - by Submitted on Aug 24, 2010 from Peggy McKeeCareer coaching is sometimes thought of as a counseling session for “what do you want to be when you grow up?” That has its place, for sure, but career counseling is not career coaching. Career coaching works a lot like athletic coaching—it’s an experienced trainer standing behind you, helping ...
Views: 1755 - Job Search Advice for the Unemployed and Over 40 - by Submitted on Aug 24, 2010 from Peggy McKeeIf you’re unemployed and over 40, it can feel like a “double whammy” of trouble for you in the job search, but it doesn’t have to be a negative. First of all, unemployment is a temporary status that you are going to change. Don’t be ashamed of that. Many people (especially right now) face ...
Views: 3086 - Job Interview Follow-Up Tips - by Submitted on Aug 24, 2010 from Peggy McKeeSo what happens when you have a really great interview, you send your follow-up email in a timely manner, but then you hear nothing? What do you do? Do you send another note? Do you contact HR? Or the hiring manager you spoke to in the interview? It’s a tricky situation, and a lot of people ...
Views: 1866 - Job Search Advice: Are You Applying Online, But Getting No Interviews? - by Submitted on Aug 24, 2010 from Peggy McKeeHere’s a common scenario (and complaint) for job seekers: “I spend all day long applying to jobs online through Monster.com, CareerBuilder.com, or niche job boards—and I never get a response. Have I lost the understanding of how this job search works?” If this is happening to you, you’ve ...
Views: 1859 - Job Interview Advice: Talking About Salary - by Submitted on Aug 22, 2010 from Peggy McKeeMoney is a big item on a job seeker’s mind, for sure. You know you’re interested in the job, or you wouldn’t be there, and the top of the list for you is finding out the mystery of what you could get paid. But one of the cardinal rules of interviewing for job seekers is: Never bring up ...
Views: 2271(1 vote) - Job Interview Advice: The Very Best Way to Stand Out - by Submitted on Aug 21, 2010 from Peggy McKeeCandidates always want to know the ONE thing they can do in the job interview that’s going to be the most impressive to the hiring manager. And there really is one answer. There are a lot of other pieces that go into a successful job interview, but the number one thing you can do in the ...
Views: 1764 - Job Search Advice: How to Navigate Networking When You’re Unemployed - by Submitted on Aug 21, 2010 from Peggy McKeeWhat do you do if you’re currently unemployed (like so many others are in this economy), and you go to a networking function and are asked “What do you do?” If that question makes you uncomfortable, it’s an indication that you are ashamed of that particular circumstance. That’s the first ...
Views: 1816 - Job Search Advice: How to Explain Your Unemployment (and Get Your Confidence Back!) - by Submitted on Aug 21, 2010 from Peggy McKeeIt seems that there’s always been a stigma attached to being unemployed, and even in this economy, when so many people are without a job for a lengthy stretch, it still causes candidates to be uncomfortable and nervous about telling people that they’re unemployed. They don’t quite know how to ...
Views: 1862 - Job Interview Tip: What To Do If You Got the Offer, But It's Not From the Company You Wanted - by Submitted on Aug 23, 2010 from Peggy McKeeIt’s a little rough-and-tumble right now in the job search, and it’s not uncommon for a candidate to receive a job offer that’s not quite the one they wanted. Often, the candidate then feels like there’s a decision to be made, but it’s not the decision they think. Candidates weighing a job ...
Views: 2527 - Job Interview Mistakes: Oops! I turned down a job that I want now! - by Submitted on Aug 23, 2010 from Peggy McKeeHave you ever found yourself in this situation? You turned down a job offer because you were sure you were getting a better one…and then you didn’t. What now? Can you get that offer back? Maybe. Here’s your best shot at turning this situation around for you: First of all, find out ...
Views: 6115 - Job Search Advice: References – Written vs. Verbal - by Submitted on Aug 20, 2010 from Peggy McKeeHave you ever wondered if it carries more weight to have a written reference letter, or if it makes a better impression to have your reference speak directly to the hiring manager on the phone? The answer is: both. Written references and verbal references serve different purposes in your ...
Views: 1770 - Interview Coaching for Medical Sales Interviews - by Submitted on Aug 20, 2010 from Peggy McKeeThe medical sales arena is the top-tier of sales positions in the workforce. Because the area is so varied, exciting, and lucrative, many, many candidates are vying for those jobs. So, if you want to land a job in medical sales, you’re going to have to bring your “A” game. Every ...
Views: 1811 - What to Look for In a Great Interview Coach - by Submitted on Aug 20, 2010 from Peggy McKeeToday’s job search is unlike any we’ve seen before. Competition is especially fierce in this economy, and candidates get weeded out quickly. If you’ve landed the interview, you need to bring your best game right off the bat and knock the socks off the hiring manager. One of the most effective ...
Views: 1607 - Job Interview and Preparation Coach - by Submitted on Aug 20, 2010 from Peggy McKeeDid you ever wish you had the “inside track” at your interview? Or that you knew exactly how to explain that slightly difficult/embarrassing/sensitive situation in your job history? Or even the very best way to explain who you are and what you do in a compelling, “hire me” kind of way? Maybe ...
Views: 1680 - Should You Bring a 30/60/90-Day Plan to the First Job Interview? - by Submitted on Aug 18, 2010 from Peggy McKeeMany candidates wonder if it’s a good idea to bring their 30/60/90-day plan to their first job interview with the company. They have questions about timing, etiquette, or even saving a “wow” moment for the second interview. A 30/60/90-day sales plan (or action plan, if you’re not in sales), ...
Views: 3767 - Do You Have a Brag Book? Don’t Leave It at the Interview - by Submitted on Aug 18, 2010 from Peggy McKeeBrag books are a fantastic way for you to showcase the best you have to offer as an employee. It’s a historical look at what you’ve done over your career, and it’s made up of your performance statistics, project results, product brochures you’ve created, awards, rewards letters, and even ...
Views: 3206 - The Importance of Questioning Skills in the Interview - by Submitted on Aug 11, 2010 from Peggy McKeeIt might surprise you to know that asking questions of your own during your job interview is just as important as answering them. Candidates spend a lot of time on interview preparation, and they should. Doing your research on the company, bringing your 30/60/90-day plan, and preparing ...
Views: 3435 - Job Interview Workshop: References Are Not an Afterthought - by Submitted on Aug 11, 2010 from Peggy McKeeIf you’re asked about your references in the job interview, do you have a few names ready? Do you know what those people would say about you if they were called? You need to know how to choose the best references, how to make sure they say fantastic, glowing things about you, and why it’s ...
Views: 2321 - Coming Back With Creative Questions at the End of the Interview - by Submitted on Aug 04, 2010 from Peggy McKeeAs a recruiter, I am always impressed by candidates who have questions of their own to ask—and I consistently receive feedback from hiring managers all over the country who feel the same way. The candidate who’s asked, “So, do you have any questions?” at the end of the interview better come up ...
Views: 1953 - Speak Up to Prove Your Skills in the Job Interview - by Submitted on Aug 04, 2010 from Peggy McKeeDo you have a good work ethic? Do you have good communication skills? Are you a team player/a strong leader/an enthusiastic, innovative, driven job candidate? Well, so is everyone else. In job interviews, candidates tend to speak in generalities. It’s one of the most common flaws. ...
Views: 2814 - Win in Today's Job Search: Don't Apply Online - by Submitted on Aug 04, 2010 from Peggy McKeeThe Old Job Search: Not too long ago, if you were in the job hunt, you’d see an ad, or maybe hear about a job opening from someone you know, and you’d turn in your resume or fill out an application to 15 or 20 companies total, get 3-4 interviews, get 1-2 offers, you’d take one, and it would ...
Views: 1741 - Preceptorships (or Job Shadowing): Great Career Builder - by Submitted on Jul 12, 2010 from Peggy McKeeAre you looking to transition into a new career? Whether you are being forced to move on because of the current economic situation, or whether you’re one of the millions of adults switching careers just because you’re ready for a change, consider job shadowing to give yourself a boost. Job ...
Views: 1690 - Post-Interview Follow Up Tips: After The Thank You Note - by Submitted on Jul 12, 2010 from Peggy McKeeCandidates often ask me, “Post-interview, how long should I wait AFTER I send the thank you note to contact the hiring manager again? What should I say? Should I call or email again?“ The post-interview follow up period can feel like the trickiest of situations for candidates. Push too ...
Views: 2495 - A Winning Career Search Principle - Form and Presentation is Critical - by Submitted on Jul 02, 2010 from Peggy McKeeI've often been amazed at how little preparation some folks put into their job search and especially into the preparation for the interview itself. So much matters in this process. The day of the week, the color and make of your suit, the condition of your personal hygiene, your plan for the ...
Views: 1655 - How Many Contacts and Resumes Are Enough? 10, 100, 1,000? - by Submitted on Jul 02, 2010 from Peggy McKeeHow many contacts and resumes are enough? That is an excellent question. Perhaps the answer is simpler and at the same time more frustrating than we would like. As success driven people, we like concrete answers with concrete solutions performed in a concrete, fixed period of time. Yet, in this ...
Views: 1989 - Using LinkedIn For Long Term Career and Business Success - by Submitted on Jul 02, 2010 from Peggy McKeeLinkedIn is an amazing tool. I've seen a wide range of folks land both jobs and contracting opportunities. Careers can grow in unexpected and amazingly positive ways with this tool. Before LinkedIn, a young person beginning their career could have spent decades contacting and connecting with ...
Views: 1870(1 vote) - Stand Out In Your Medical Sales Job Interview - by Submitted on Jul 02, 2010 from Peggy McKeeWhat does it take to set yourself apart from the competition in the job interview process? Is it a killer resume, a brag book, a 30/60/90-day plan, a great LinkedIn profile, smooth interview skills, or how well you prepare for the interview? Yes, it’s all those things. AND, it’s more. It’s ...
Views: 1863 - What’s Your Greatest Weakness? How to Answer the Most Irritating Job Interview Question—And Still Get It Right - by Submitted on Jul 02, 2010 from Peggy McKee“What’s your greatest weakness?” is one of those typical but tough job interview questions. We all hate this question, but it comes up all the time, and your answer is critical. You know you’re going to get asked, so be prepared. It’s trickier than it seems on the surface, and there’s an art ...
Views: 4972 - How to Handle Unusual Interview Situations - by Submitted on Jul 02, 2010 from Peggy McKeeOccasionally, candidates will get to the final interview and discover that the company has hired a third party to conduct the interview. Understandably, these interview situations make candidates a little more nervous….but I have a job interview strategy for you to handle this situation. To ...
Views: 1758 - Don’t Send a Thank You Note After Your Interview –Send an Email! - by Submitted on Jun 29, 2010 from Peggy McKeeThe era of the thank you note after a job interview is over. Well, not the actual “thank you,” just the delivery system. It’s critically important that you thank the interviewer for the opportunity, but it’s also critically important that you get it to him within 24 hours. And a ...
Views: 2118 - A 30/60/90-Day Plan Is The KEY to Winning the Job! - by Submitted on Jun 29, 2010 from Peggy McKeeAs a recruiter, I’ve always recommended to my candidates that they bring a 30/60/90-day sales plan to the job interview and it never fails to impress hiring managers. Although most candidates who use this plan are in sales, job seekers who are not in sales roles often ask if they should use ...
Views: 3006 - A Job Search is a Job - The Number 1 Step to Win an Interview - by Submitted on Jun 24, 2010 from Peggy McKeeMany of us have the wrong idea about the job search. We believe that our skills, the industry requirement for skills, and our dedication to hard work is enough. This is never the case and in today's environment this is even less so as you may be competing against dozens and sometimes hundreds of ...
Views: 3126(2 votes) - Job Search Technique - Find Hiring Managers on LinkedIn - How Can I Use LinkedIn in My Job Search? - by Submitted on Jun 29, 2010 from Peggy McKeeYou may be wondering what LinkedIn is. Or you may be a user of LinkedIn and wondering what is the big deal? Or you may be thinking to yourself, I think everyone is wasting their time investing in LinkedIn. Well, read on... LinkedIn may be the positively greatest tool ever created to help you ...
Views: 2669(1 vote) - Job Search Tip - Join LinkedIn Today - by Submitted on Jun 29, 2010 from Peggy McKeeLinkedIn is an amazing professional career tool and perhaps an even more amazing job search and prospecting tool. With over 65,000,000 members (and adding thousands of new members daily), this social networking service is your ticket to a world of career connections that would have been possible ...
Views: 2091(1 vote) - LinkedIn Hints For Building a Great Network - by Submitted on Jun 29, 2010 from Peggy McKeeMany people work wildly, seeking to grow their networks. Besides the largest sites of LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, you can find many more that are dedicated to the subject, whether they are a smaller social networking site, a blog devoted to the topic, or simple product website that "helps" ...
Views: 1860(4 votes) - Job Search Technique - Find Hiring Managers on Social Networks - by Submitted on Jun 25, 2010 from Peggy McKeeHmmm... Being unemployed stinks. Finding a job is a killer. How do I find the job? Why don't I begin by finding the hiring manager instead? If I can do that, I might be on my way to getting the position that I want. Maybe online social networks offer the key I need to unlock the doors to the job ...
Views: 1671 - More Skills to Develop Before Your Interview - by Submitted on Jun 21, 2010 from Peggy McKee"A" players demonstrate many strong competencies on a consistent and convincing basis. As a medical sales professional, having these items clearly in your mind is a great way to structure your performance, develop your resume, present your experience, and understand your own weaknesses. Some ...
Views: 1627(4 votes) - How Do I Use Twitter Now? - by Submitted on Jun 18, 2010 from Peggy McKeeTwitter is one of those social media sites that might surprise you. On the surface, it seems frivolous—do you really need to read all those Tweets about the smallest daily details of life? But if you dig a little deeper, you’ll realize just how powerful Twitter can be for your medical sales or ...
Views: 1637(2 votes) - 3 Simple Things You Can Do To Strengthen Your Resume - by Submitted on Jun 18, 2010 from Peggy McKeeAs a medical sales recruiter, I specialize in placing sales and sales management professionals, and I’ve seen tens of thousands of resumes throughout my career. Since I often sift through them quickly, it takes a great resume to stand out from the crowd and get my attention. And job seekers in ...
Views: 2032(3 votes) - 10 Proven Tips for Your Medical Sales Job Search Success - by Submitted on Jun 18, 2010 from Peggy McKeeYour job search is one of the most significant tasks you’ll ever have. What job you end up with determines how you’ll spend the majority of hours in your day, how much money you’ll have, and how satisfied you are with your life. It’s worth making the effort to end up where you’ll be happy. ...
Views: 2442(1 vote) - 5 Killer Questions to Ask In Your Medical Sales Job Interview - by Submitted on Jun 11, 2010 from Peggy McKeeUsually, the emphasis in job interview prep involves getting your answers ready for the toughest interview questions–and there’s no doubt that it’s a critical component. But you must remember that interviewing is a two-way street. In one respect, the job interview is your chance to find out if ...
Views: 9471 - How to Keep Your Medical Sales Job Search Confidential - by Submitted on Jun 11, 2010 from Peggy McKeeThe very best time to look for a new job is while you still have your old one–but what if that means you need to keep it on the down low? Keeping your job search confidential can seem virtually impossible, but it isn’t. One great way to stealth job search is by using LinkedIn. It’s entirely ...
Views: 1630 - Do I Have To Be On Twitter? - by Submitted on Jun 11, 2010 from Peggy McKeeIf you want to build your personal brand, establish an online presence, and be in the right place at the right time for your job search, then you have to utilize social media. The big 3 social media sites are LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. While LinkedIn is focused more fully on business, ...
Views: 1811 - Are You Job Hunting? What Will Employers Find When They Google You? - by Submitted on May 28, 2010 from Peggy McKeeOnline social media is a fantastic tool for job hunting. The Big 3 (LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter) each have their own unique style that you can utilize in different ways for your job search. But while you're working these sites to land the perfect medical sales job, employers and recruiters ...
Views: 1910 - Why Should I Join LinkedIn? - by Submitted on May 28, 2010 from Peggy McKeeIf you haven't joined LinkedIn by now, you should. There are over 65 million professionals involved in LinkedIn, making it the most significant online business network around. Don't make the mistake of thinking of it in the same terms as Facebook or Twitter (although they have their place). ...
Views: 2456(2 votes) - What You MUST Ask Before You Leave The Interview - by Submitted on May 28, 2010 from Peggy McKeeTo prepare for a job interview in medical or health care sales, you have to make sure you're ready to answer both common and tough interview questions, and know how to frame your answers to highlight what you're going to bring to the company (a great way to do that is to structure your answers ...
Views: 1596 - 3 Sure-Fire Ways to Ace Your Medical Sales Interview: Prep, Technique, and Follow Up - by Submitted on May 28, 2010 from Peggy McKeeThere are so many details involved in a successful job interview, and every one of them is more critical than the last. Hiring you is a big, expensive risk for the company. (If they put in the money to train you, pay you, and give you health care benefits, are you going to make it worthwhile ...
Views: 2049 - 3 Easy Ways to Strengthen Your Online Brand Identity - by Submitted on May 22, 2010 from Peggy McKeeYour personal brand is nothing more (or less) than the image you project to others. It’s the whole (although abbreviated) picture of who you are and what you do–professionally. Online, it’s the sum of the parts. A large (maybe the whole) purpose of creating and maintaining an online brand is ...
Views: 1965(1 vote)