Thursday, February 14, 2008

Could It Be Love?

Attraction is in the air -- you're enthusiastic about this prospect and sending clear signals of interest.

This is no speed dating event; it's a job fair or first interview. Yet some approaches fit equally well for a dream date or dream job, said Shawn Graham, author of "Courting Your Career" and associate director of the MBA Career Management Center at the University of North Carolina.

"I like the comparison between first date and first-round interview. Job seekers get overwhelmed with anxiety," Graham said. Some tips for either situation:

¿ Know your type. There are many career options out there, so rule out those that clearly won't work.

¿ Use the law of attraction "in every sense of the word" -- from online profile to the interview outfit.

¿ Avoid canned pick-up lines. Don't say you targeted them because "they're a top company," he said. "Companies want to feel you get them" and their unique attributes.

When the interview is about to end, stress your value: "Why would a company want to hire you more than anyone else?" Then, Graham says, it's time for the good-night kiss, a risky but important moment. Ask about the next steps and sweetly reaffirm your interest.

-- Vickie Elmer