Your 45 Second Infomercial Part 2

When you're planning your 45 second "selling messages" it is important that you remember the difference between the "features" of your story and the "benefits" of those features to the potential employer. For example: "I was born and raised in the Midwest" is a feature. "Therefore I have a very strong work ethic" is a benefit to the employer. "I've lived in six different states" is a feature. "I know how to communicate and work with people of diverse cultures" is a benefit to the employer. "I've learned and used XYZ software" is a feature. "I can learn technical material quickly and put it to practical use in the workplace" is a benefit to the employer.

Ask yourself, "How does what I am or what I've done benefit this company and what they need?" Then, when you give your infomercial, it will meet the needs and desires of the hiring official and the sale will be made. You'll get hired.

Even with your accomplishments - like employee of the month, sales achieved, awards won, or certificates earned - you need to think about how it benefits the prospective hiring company. How do those accomplishments translate into what you can do for the company? People buy products they perceive will give them some kind of benefit. Just saying, "I can do what you need" leaves you on the shelf as just another can-opener. What you can do for the company will get you off the shelf and into the job.

Once you have your "scripts," practice with your family and friends. Get used to hearing your own voice actually saying what you want to communicate. Become familiar with what you practice so that you can very naturally deliver it in a conversational tone.

Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before obscure men. Proverbs 22:29 (New American Standard - Updated)

Remember, whether standing before "kings" or "hiring officials," people who can clearly state their own skills and what they bring to a prospective employer will stand out from the crowd. Good selling!