Humanize your pitch - use your ears! -

Humanize your pitch - use your ears! - The current issue of Entrepreneur Magazine (September 2009, page 30) makes a great point about pitching. The piece, by Michael Port reminds us to focus less on making your pitch and more on listening to what your customers need. While this article is geared toward sales people and entrepreneurs, I think this message is equally important for job seekers! Port points to Daniel Golemans work that indicates your ability to sell depends, in large part, on your self-awareness and social savvy. So, too, with job seekers. Even a degree from a prestigious university wont matter if you dont make a point to connect with your target audience (in this case, potential employers) on an emotional/social level. Ports advice? Throw out the pitch and focus on being a good listener. He suggests, study your self-presentation so you can foster credibility, trust and customer confidence. Translate customer confidence to hiring manager confidence, and this advice is timely and crucial for job seekers. Yes it is a competitive market. Yesterday, I wrote about how to stand out in a sea of sameness. Todays tip offers yet another way to stand out. Instead of focusing on YOU what you want, what you offer start listening. Ask questions. Be the candidate who connects on an emotional level with your audience. Theres nothing that people like better than someone who seems interested in THEM its human nature. Be the one who listens first and answers based on what you learn. You may be surprised by how well this technique works! Learn how I can help you propel your search forward. photo by cindy47452