
Written by Jim McBride
KEYNOTE
They Want It, and You’ve Got It…How to Communicate Your “It” Factor
Bridgett McGowen – Awarded International Motivational Speaker, Educator, Author
Are you fit to communicate your “it?” Excite, engage, uplift and inform with your personal “It” Factor in everything you say during job interviews.
From what the box-checking recruiter actually wants, to navigating the hiring manager’s communication style, award-winning speaker Bridgett McGowen enthusiastically addressed our audience of in-transition professionals with a dynamic presentation loaded with tips on delivering your It Factor.
When conducting candidate interviews, Bridgett said recruiters are looking for specifics: CAN you do the job? WILL you do the job? Not a deep dive into your skills but more of a checklist approach on your general experience. Show you’re the right preliminary fit because you’ve worked in similar environments. Your overall interview demeanor is extremely important. Have a superb and enthusiastic mindset. Your mindset is your It Factor.
With hiring managers, Bridgett says to be prepared to converse during the interview in the way they like to communicate. Bridgett targets these four traits to watch for:
• Peacemakers – need a sense of rapport, show you’re comfortable building relationships
• Truth-Keepers – messaging that fits with what they know makes sense and is logical
• Solution-seekers – bottom line thinkers, cut to the chase, no fluff
• Risktakers – need to see energy, bring it and look alive!
When interviewing with the hiring manager, look for opportunities to connect with the company’s mission, vision and/or products and services. What drives them? Find out what the company desperately wants to change and make that change incredibly important to you. Make sure you’re not giving the impression you’re just looking for a job…say, “I’m the best person for this position!”
You’ve likely heard this before. It’s not what you say, but how you say it. Bridgett says, “your It Factor is communicated with everything you say to a recruiter or hiring manager.” So, when interviewing, keep these suggestions in mind:
• Your ability to synthesize is critical – when asked to “tell me about yourself,” focus on themes. Your response should be condensed. Start with your first role, then ascension into leadership, your current/last role.
• Focus more on strengths than on weaknesses – limit harping on what is not working, show commitment to finding solutions and how you’re moving forward and getting better.
• “I am the best person for this position” – sound as if you’re already on the team, give an idea of what life will be like with you on board.
And know this, Bridgett is passionate here, everything you say “has to scream” you’re the right person for the position. Use “we” “our” and “us” so the hiring manager hears what life would be like with you already on the team.
• Excite – drive enthusiasm and gain buy-in and interest in you. “Yes, I can do that.” “Yes, I’m looking for ways to grow and learn”
• Engage – create a connection and build rapport. Find current events about the company, challenges of the position/company, connect with the interviewer
• Uplift – make your message all about how you will elevate the company. It’s not about how you will benefit, but how the company will benefit
• Inform – your background and experience
There is absolutely no doubt that Bridgett really brings the energy when she’s talking about…energy! It Factor energy simply cannot be same-old-run-of-the-mill-I-just-need-a-job-energy. Do not expect success if you’re only mildly interested in being a part of the company. Start every response with affirmative energy, say “yes” “absolutely” “sure” “let me tell you what I did.”
We all reach the point in the job interview when it’s our time to ask questions of the interviewer. Bridgett strongly advocates these It Factor questions:
• What does success look like in this role?
• What is the first problem you want me to solve?
• What can I do to make your job easier?
• What other questions can I answer to help you determine I am the perfect person for this position?
When it comes to articulating your value to an interviewer it’s best to “learn what they have, do, believe and want.” Then, show them that you have what gives them what they want. Enhance your It Factor with a well-crafted value statement:
• Identify what you do incredibly well
• Create a one-line value statement
• “My name is…I help…or, I design…or, I create…”
• Practice – ensure that showtime is not the first time you say it
• Hear the actual words you will say
• See the body language you will use
• Avoid just going through the motions
They want it and YOU’VE GOT IT! Now harness that energy and land your perfect fit.
HIRING COMPANIES
Eric Johnson, Talent Acquisition Manager
• Mission – We build meaningful connections to help businesses run smarter
• Core Values – Hunger, Heart, Harmony
• Strong values and excellent work culture
• 5300 employees in 20 countries.
• Solving IT needs since 1988, based in Tempe
• Partnering with the top, featured technology brands, global reach
Open Positions:
Internal Auditor
Buyer
Sales Solution Associate
Partner Champion
Financial Services Representative
Benefits Analyst
Contract Specialist
Travel and Expense Analyst
Business Intelligence Analyst
Balynda Western, HR Biz Partner
• Global IT company – Managed, Professional and Cloud Services
• 5500 employees worldwide
• Culture – challenging, diverse, fun, flexible, collaborative
• Benefits – medical, dental, vision, unlimited PTO for salaried employees
Open Positions:
Account Executive – IT
Account Executive – Business Development
Business Solution Consultant
Cloud Architect
Service Desk Technician
Solution Architect – Data Center
Technician – Security
RESOURCES
Goodwill of Central & Northern AZ
Ron Mack – Community Awareness Partner
Goodwill’s Mission
Through the goodwill of others, we create the pathway to a better future for all by helping those who desire self-sufficiency.
Goodwill Career Centers (on-site services)
• Career Advisors – career coaching
• Navigators
• Mock Interviews/Resume Review
• Employment Support and Events
• My Career Advisor
• Digital Skills Training
• Talent Sourcing
• Employer Engagements on site
Community Partnership
• Target the professional job seeker
• Provide awareness at community events
• Ongoing support during job search
Training – Digital Literacy Courses (Computer Basics)
• Basic computer skills, information literacy
• Internet skills, social media, email
• Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Windows, Mac
CLOSING
Jessica Pierce thanked our keynote speaker, the hiring company representatives, valued partners and the many volunteers who make Career Connectors such a terrific resource for those in career transition.
Up next, The MINDset Game™: How to Master Your Mindset to Land Your Next Jobpresented by Vered Kogan on April 4th at GCU. Watch your email for updates each Monday morning.