Assume that you are a well-qualified applicant who is applying for a mid-level leadership position and are 1 out of a total of 150 applicants. Assume that there are at least 15 other candidates who are equally qualified. Why do you need to be well prepared for a job search? What must you know and do so you don’t sound like the rest of the candidates? Consider the following:

1. Do you know how to strategically organize and design a resume that gets the reviewers’ attention?
2. Do you know how to differentiate yourself in your response to the inevitable question, “Tell us about yourself”?
3. Do you know the best order in which to be interviewed and how to get that “post position”?
4. Do you know when to stop talking in response to a question?
5. Do you know how to read the “body language” of the interviewers?
6. Do you know what questions to ask at the conclusion of your interview?
7. Do you know how to frame a final statement at the conclusion of an interview?
8. Do you know how to present yourself as someone who is likeable and a good fit?
9. Do you know how to adjust your interviewing approach as you move from screening to committee to leadership to Board interviews?
10. Do you know how to “close the deal” if you are a finalist”?
11. Do you know how to negotiate the best deal for yourself if you’re offered the job?
12. Do you how to make a good impression during your first 100 days?

There are many other things that you must know in order to be a highly competitive candidate. I have coached 100’s of my clients get their dream jobs. Let me help you, too.

The greatest blessing is to wake up every morning, do your life’s work, and then, at the end of the day, to return home to a loving family

The greatest satisfaction comes from mentoring those who seek to learn and grow

Believe in the power of “yes”. The word “yes” opens up every possibility

Being a grown up means that you don’t blame others, particularly your parents, for your own short comings

Don’t worry about things that you can’t do anything about

Take good care of your teeth. After elephants lose their teeth they die

There is no greater pleasure than eating a great Italian meal. However, avoid restaurants that have a sharing charge

Never be motivated out of feelings of guilt. Guilt is worthless

Making mistakes is okay as long as you learn from them. No one mistake will ruin you

If a shoe shine man gives you a stock tip, it’s time to get out of the stock market

Believe in Einstein’s definition of insanity: “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting to get a different result”

Don’t let your opponents know that you do your homework. You are then prepared to out play them

“Survival of the fittest” does not mean being the strongest or the smartest; it means being the most adaptable

Don’t expect anything in return when you do a good deed. Doing someone a favor should never be a transaction

Don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. This means that if do a good deed, keep it to yourself

It’s much more fun to tell a bad joke than a good one

Live your life, and ignore your age

Do something silly every day so you can laugh at yourself

Multi-tasking is exaggerated. If you’re driving a car and kissing a pretty girl, it means you aren’t doing a good job with the kiss

Slow down. Life’s true joys are even more enjoyable at a leisurely pace

There is nothing more joyful than being surrounded by a loving family and loyal friends