Moving from job interviews to job offers

The ultimate objective of interviewing is to get a job that is right for you. One where you can perform at your highest level while being happy about your work.

Breezing your way through an interview with no thought or preparation is not a good way of going about it. That approach leaves too much to chance.

You will, in effect, be no different from the dozens or even hundreds of other people who are also competing for the same position.

The good thing is, there is an approach that can deliver results. Better results than you thought possible.

But the fact is, it calls for a fair amount of discipline. There's no short cut around it. You just have to do the preparatory work, handle the interviews well enough using the techniques suggested and do all the necessary things after the interview.

You have to decide if succeeding at this game is important to you. If it is, then decide to pay the price and make the whole effort yield the results you desire.

Here is a four step framework that has been used very effectively by job seekers in a wide variety of situations.

* Lay the foundation by obtaining rock-solid information of the right kind. This helps you craft your strategy and put you ahead of competitors.

* Create your secret weapons - your personal career presentation and contribution profiles. This where you organize the information into power-packed ammunition to help you get the offer.

* Prepare for the core issues, questions and any potential negatives in your background.

* Multiply your results through planned, effective follow up.