In how many interviews have you heard you been asked: “Tell me about yourself” or “Where do you see yourself in five years?” Too many times I’m sure! However, reeling off the same answers to these questions for interview after interview is not good enough. I should know…

After just a few interviews, patterns DO began to emerge. For example, I saw that simply memorising answers to the most commonly asked questions didn’t work. So, I began to develop strategies that set me apart from other candidates and helped me get a new and better job whenever I needed one. Now, I’d like to share these strategies with you.

First, let me assure you that there are no shortcuts to getting the job you want. It takes persistent efforts to rise to the top. But you can significantly reduce your time in the job market if you follow these seven steps.

Also, remember that pursuing any job is an investment in your future. No interview is a waste of time or an opportunity missed. Rather, see each job interview you go on — successful or not — as another step toward reaching your true potential.

If you follow these seven steps closely, you’ll get all the job offers you want. In fact, you’ll probably be able to choose the best job from among several offers!

Be organized in your job search.
I urge you to create a file for each company you’re pursuing, then use that file to keep your papers in order. The more organized you are, the better you will handle multiple interviews.

I used to keep a file folder on my desk. As I collected information from the Internet, person contacts and other sources, I added this data to the file.

Date your notes, too. This is a good indicator of how long you have spent pursuing each company. Expect to spend up to three or four months per company from the time you begin researching to the time you receive a job offer.

The more thoroughly you research each company, the greater your chances are for an offer – there’s a direct correlation. For best results, stay focused. Try not to pursue more than three companies at a time.

Read books that put you in the right frame of mind.
Although it doesn’t hurt to read books on interviewing skills, don’t try to memorise answers to every interview question. Sooner or later, you’ll forget your lines and fall flat on your face.

One of the best ways to mentally prepare for an interview is to read biographies of successful people in your field. Or just read about people who achieved great success. While you may never aspire to conquer Asia, Leadership Secrets of Attila the Hun, or Victory Secrets of Attila the Hun (both by Wess Roberts), will give you insights on how people at the top conduct themselves.

Other books that offer direction and will create conversation points are The Power of Simplicity, by Jack Trout and Unstoppable, by Cynthia Kersey.

Research the company.

Using the Internet, you can quickly learn about almost any company. Most corporate web-sites are a gold mine of information. You can (and must!) read your target firm’s annual report, learn about their products and services, read biographies of top management, and acquaint yourself with their latest news releases.

But, to take really stand out from other candidates, take your research a step further. Research the competition of your target company. Learn about their products and services, and how they differ from those of the company you are pursuing.

If you do your homework, you’re on your way to an engaging and comfortable job interview. Fortunately for you, most candidates wait until the interview to learn about a company. But you’ll be able to say things like: “I read that your company is working on a new drug for diabetes — sounds like a blockbuster.” Comments like this help create an immediate bond between yourself and the interviewer.

Network! Network! Network!

Here’s another opportunity most candidates miss. Before interviewing, I always talked with an employee of my target company, to find out inside information about their products and strategies. And I found those employees by using my personal network.

You can uncover leads and create your own luck by talking with your friends, parents’ friends, friends’ parents, neighbors, professors, preacher, hair stylist, personal physician, etc. Most people are more than happy to help you out; you just have to take the initiative.

Eventually, your network will lead you to someone at your target company. Call this person and ask questions to get a clear picture of how the company is run and what opportunities lie within. After you’ve spoken with that employee, be sure to follow up with a hand-written thank you note. Although it’s more progressive to send an e-mail, a hand-written note is more personal and makes a lasting impression.

Put together a portfolio

A portfolio contains your CV and other supporting documents, with the aim of demonstrating your skills, achievements and potential. By creating a portfolio, you simplify and organize your strategy for securing a job offer.

Your portfolio starts with a professional-looking binder (available at any office supply store). You’ll also need dividers inside with labels to separate the different sections.

Good luck!