Get Hired At Your Dream Job
By Closing With These 3 Things
Over 20 years ago , I taught as a volunteer business finance teacher at a low-income / high-crime high school . A junior at that school approached me for mentorship , so my firm bought this aspirational leader a Wall Street Journal subscription and requested that he read it every day . We also invited him to check back with us every six months if he wanted more career advice to become a successful business leader .
This student continued to work hard and earned a scholarship to a highly respected college . After graduating , he worked long hours for two different investment banks and even served a successful stint as a COO of a public company . Recently , he reached out to me and asked , “ Geoff , a headhunter says I ’ m one of two [ finalists for my first CEO job ] with a decision to be made shortly . Any thoughts on how to close the deal , or should I let it close itself ?”
I was excited for my mentee , as this was a great opportunity . I didn ’ t have to ponder his question long to come up with an answer . I told him , “ You close it ! Here ’ s how . You reflect your understanding of their goals and wishes , tell them you are fully excited , tell them you look forward to working closely with them , seek their counsel , and keep them fully apprised of what ’ s happening in the business and your intentions .”
Hiring managers and boards want to know that their potential candidate is crystal clear about their expectations and long-term goals . By stating your understanding of their specific goals , you ’ re showing that you ’ re on the same page as them . Boards don ’ t feel comfortable when they feel that CEOs want to take the company in a direction that does not match their wishes .
You tell the board that you are fully excited because sharing enthusiasm and unbridled excitement for the mission is not something your competitors are going to do . They ’ ll view it as a sign of vulnerability when in reality , it ’ s a sign of confidence . Sharing your love for the opportunity is never a bad idea .
And you tell the board that you ’ re looking forward to working closely with them because one of their greatest fears is that a new CEO will leave them in the dark . Boards want to know what is happening in the business and what the CEO plans to do to reach their goals . When you inform your new bosses that you plan to be communicative , you ’ re reassuring them that you will keep them in the know .
Never leave the close to chance . Following this advice will lead to a better chance of landing that dream job you recently interviewed for . n
Dr . Geoff Smart is chairman and founder of ghSMART , a leadership consulting firm that exists to help leaders amplify their positive impact on the world . Dr . Smart and his firm have published multiple New York Times bestsellers . He stays active in his community and has advised many government officials .
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