The secret weapon to secure the job of your dreams

Congratulations you made it. You have managed to squeeze your entire life into four succinct pages. You wrote the most amazing cover letter. Your odds went from 1 in 150 to 1 in 5. You are now, down to the final two candidates. Now what?

Let me share with you a tip which will set you apart. A secret weapon to show the interviewer you really mean business. A blueprint for success. Create an outline for your first 90 days.

In my years as a recruitment specialist, I know firsthand this is one of the most powerful tools you can bring to the final stages of your interview process. It gives the interviewer, an outlined strategy. It demonstrates your understanding of what the job is and defines what success will look like.

Now yes, you can google it… you will most likely come out with a whole stack of resources. This is not the thing you do the night before the interview. The plan must be tailored and targeted, do not use a generic plan. It simply defeats the purpose.

Start with a clear definition of the objectives.
Sounds simple, but how do you know if you haven’t even gotten the job? Most organisations will have clear company objectives articulated on the website and posted up throughout the offices. Most job adverts and position descriptions, will have role responsibilities outlined. But I’m hoping most of you have been discussing the key objectives throughout the interview process.

Now for the naysayers, I understand, you haven’t started the role, hey you haven’t even secured the role yet. Yes, you won’t know all the nuances but the point of the plan is to demonstrate your thought process, your understanding of the role.

Identify WIG and identify quick wins.

90 days passes in a blink of an eye. Identify opportunities to have quick wins in your first 90 days. Tasks which take minimal time and effort yet make a visible impact to the business.

I recently attended the Global Leadership Summit, an amazing leadership experience where I heard Chris McChesney speak on the Four Disciplines of Execution. Life changing experience as I am one who is not short in the strategy department. I have great ideas but what I struggle with, is execution.

He broke it down into simple terms 1) Have one WILDLY IMPORTANT GOAL 2) Support by the fewest numbers of key battles you need to win in order to achieve this goal. Sounds simple, but that triggered something in me.

Who do I need to help me achieve my goals?

Ask yourself this question, who do I need to develop relationships with in order to achieve my goals? It may be developing relationships with internal stakeholders, both within your team and in different departments. You may need to develop relationships with your customers, your suppliers, external compliance bodies and relevant government authorities.

Make it look good

Your plan should be visually appealing. Yes, content is important but if you are taking the time to develop a strategy of success, go the extra mile and make sure you leave a copy for them. Yes, take that trip to Officeworks, go splurge on binding and 250 gsm paper. Attention to detail makes all the difference.

So now how do you feel?

By now, you have spent hours crafting a 30-60-90-day plan. You have demonstrated your understanding of the role and have a strategy for success. Congratulations, for going the extra mile and showing them why you are the best person for the job.