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August 25 2024

Ghosted After the Interview? How My Client Landed a Job with a 68% Salary Increase

Heather Constantine Job Interview Tips interview strategy, interview tips, job interview, job offers, job search

The job interview process has become more rigorous and demanding than ever before.

With companies looking for the perfect fit, candidates are often required to go through an average of five rounds of interviews—and sometimes as many as eight—before receiving an offer.

This intense process requires more than just a good resume and a polite demeanor. It demands strategy, thoughtfulness, and detailed preparation to showcase your aptitude and expertise.

As a strategic interview coach that has helped people at every age and stage move their careers upwards, trust me.

I know how difficult and painful it can be to sit there, be on the spotlight and only have 30-45 minutes to describe your expertise, skills and strengths – and have it lead to NOTHING.

Here I break down how to get the very most and present your very best in each job interview.

The return will be something completely different than what you have experienced ever before.

That Interview Sucked. What’s Going On?

Many candidates find themselves frustrated and disheartened after encountering one of these common pain points:

“I got ghosted after making it to the second round.” You spent hours preparing and felt confident, only to never hear back from the company. The silence can be deafening and leaves you wondering what went wrong.
“I just didn’t know how to answer their questions and stumbled over my responses.” You know you’re qualified and have the right experience, but when it comes to answering tricky interview questions, you find yourself at a loss for words.
“I felt like the interviewer wasn’t tuned into the Zoom call at all.” Virtual interviews add another layer of complexity. Technical glitches, lack of eye contact, and distractions make it feel like the interviewer isn’t engaged, leaving you unsure if you made a good impression.

getting ghosted by interviewer job interview 2024

If any of these scenarios sound familiar, you’re not alone.

Many job seekers are finding that landing a job today takes more than just having the right qualifications on paper.

It requires perseverance, a well-thought-out strategy, and, most importantly, preparation.

With companies often putting candidates through multiple rounds of interviews (sometimes as many as eight!), you need to be ready to showcase your skills and personality in a way that makes you unforgettable.

The key to moving from being ghosted to getting hired lies in your ability to tell your story, demonstrate your value, and connect with the interviewer.

How I Helped a Talented Project Manager Stand Out in an Oversaturated Market

When I first met my client, a skilled Project Manager with five years of experience, she was feeling defeated.

Despite her impressive track record and strong skill set, she was having terrible luck in an oversaturated market.

She was consistently facing challenges like:

Being ghosted by recruiters after initial contact.
Not making it past the second-round interview despite being highly qualified.
Going months without receiving any interview requests at all.

She felt stuck and was starting to question her abilities, even though she knew she had a lot to offer.

This is a scenario I’ve seen countless times—talented professionals feeling lost in a sea of applicants, unsure of how to differentiate themselves and get noticed.

When we began working together, I immediately identified several opportunities to enhance her messaging.

Her resume and LinkedIn profile were strong but generic. They didn’t fully convey her unique strengths or the breadth of her accomplishments.

In a mock interview, she didn’t talk with confidence or assurance.

Transforming Generic Messaging into a Compelling Narrative

Together, we revamped her professional story.

We moved away from vague descriptions and focused on specific achievements that highlighted her value.

We crafted a narrative that demonstrated not just what she had done, but the impact she had made in each role.

By emphasizing her leadership skills, her ability to deliver projects on time and within budget, and her knack for driving cross-functional team success that led to not only completing projects on time but saving companies hundreds of thousands of dollars!, we created a compelling personal brand and communication strategy that set her apart from the competition.

Making an Impact Beyond Words

But it wasn’t just about what was on paper.

We also worked on how she presented herself in interviews (this is the money piece!)

We focused on adjusting her body language to exude confidence and openness, even during virtual interviews.

She learned to assert her worth, speaking clearly about her achievements and how they aligned with the company’s needs. This not only helped her build rapport with interviewers but also showed that she was someone who knew her value and could bring significant contributions to the team.

Negotiating a Salary Above Expectations

The results were transformational.

After implementing these changes, my client started getting noticed. Not only did she begin receiving more interview requests, but she also progressed further in the interview process.

And when she finally received an offer, she was able to negotiate a salary 20% above her initial expectations, reflecting the true value of her skills and experience.

This is the power of the right positioning and preparation.

job interview tips job interview strategies 2024

Mastering the Most Important Question: “Tell Me About Yourself”

This question seems straightforward, but it’s one of the most critical moments in an interview.

It’s often the first question asked and sets the tone for the rest of the conversation.

Surprisingly, many candidates struggle with this question because they either ramble without focus or provide a bland summary that doesn’t capture their unique value.

How to Stand Out:

Craft a Compelling Story. Start with a brief overview of your professional background, highlight a few key achievements, and end with what excites you about the role you’re applying for. Tailor your answer to the job, focusing on experiences and skills that align with the company’s needs.
Be Concise and Impactful. Keep your response to about two minutes. This is your opportunity to make a strong first impression, so ensure every sentence adds value and demonstrates your expertise and passion.

Pro Tip: Practice your answer to this question until it feels natural. Record yourself to refine your delivery and ensure you’re hitting all the right points.

Navigating “Describe a Time When…” Questions with Confidence

Behavioral questions like “Describe a time when you faced a challenge at work” are designed to assess how you handle real-life situations.

These questions require you to provide specific examples that showcase your problem-solving skills, teamwork, leadership, and adaptability.

How to Stand Out:

Use the STAR Method. Structure your answers using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). This approach helps you deliver a clear and concise story that highlights your abilities and achievements.
Focus on Results. When answering, emphasize the positive outcomes of your actions. Did you improve a process, increase sales, or enhance team productivity? Quantify your results whenever possible to show the tangible impact of your efforts.

Pro Tip: Prepare at least three to five STAR stories that you can adapt to different questions.

Practicing these stories will help you feel more prepared and confident during the interview.

Preparing for the Most Common Interview Questions of 2024

Interviews in 2024 are focusing more on a candidate’s ability to think critically, demonstrate emotional intelligence, and adapt to a fast-changing work environment.

Aside from behavioral questions, employers are also asking about your adaptability to new technologies, your approach to remote or hybrid work settings, and your understanding of diversity and inclusion.

How to Stand Out:

Research and Reflect: Before your interview, research the company’s culture, values, and recent news. Reflect on how your skills and experiences align with their goals and challenges.
Showcase Adaptability and Growth: Be ready to discuss how you’ve adapted to changes, learned new skills, or overcome setbacks. Employers want to see that you’re proactive, resilient, and continuously learning.

Pro Tip: Have answers prepared for these common questions:

“How do you handle tight deadlines or high-pressure situations?”
“What steps do you take to stay updated with industry trends?”
“Can you give an example of how you’ve promoted diversity and inclusion in the workplace?”
“Can you provide an example of a project where you used data to make a decision? What was the outcome?”
“How do you prioritize tasks when you have multiple deadlines approaching?”

Job interviews are tough, but I make them much easier to take.

I also ensure that you get a job offer for a position doing work you love.

About Heather Constantine

Heather Constantine is a seasoned career coach with 14 years of marketing experience in building brands through strategic positioning, interview prep and job search strategies.

If you’re ready to equip yourself with customized and strategic interview prep to land an incredible job offer, schedule a strategy call with Heather today.

why aren't I getting hired-why am i struggling to get hired - solutions for job seekers 2024

August 24 2024

Why Can’t I Seem to Get Hired? 4 Job Search Solutions For 2024

Heather Constantine Job Search Strategies job interview, job offers, job search, job search 2024, Job search strategy

Finding a job can feel like a never-ending cycle of applying, interviewing, and getting rejected or, worse, hearing nothing at all.

You’re talented, skilled, and qualified, yet you’re still not getting hired. So, what gives?

There are a few reasons why you might be struggling to land that dream job, and the good news is that there are solutions.

Let’s dive into four common reasons you’re not getting hired and how to turn things around.

Passively Participating: Why Being Active in Your Job Search is Crucial

One of the biggest mistakes job seekers make is being too passive. Many people think that simply sending out a few resumes and waiting for a response is enough. However, the job market is incredibly competitive, and taking a passive approach won’t get you far.

Solution: Be proactive in your job search.

Instead of waiting for opportunities to come to you, go out and find them.

Network with professionals in your industry, attend job fairs and networking events, and reach out directly to companies you’re interested in working for.

Pro Tip: Leverage LinkedIn to connect with recruiters and hiring managers.

According to LinkedIn, 85% of jobs are filled through networking, so don’t underestimate the power of building relationships and optimizing your profile so it gets in front of their recruitment searches, first!

Comment on posts, share valuable content, and engage with others to increase your visibility.

(Learn about the time I took a project managers elevator pitch and turned it into a job offer with a 35% salary increase here.)

Lack of Positioning: How to Set Yourself Apart in a Crowded Market

I cannot stress this enough: if you aren’t standing out, you’re blending in with the thousands of other people looking for a job.

And, if you blend in, you’ll never be able to get seen for the incredible professional you are!

Think about positioning like this:

…if you don’t know what makes you unique or why a company should hire you over someone else, how will they?

Many job seekers fail to highlight their strengths and unique skills, making it difficult for employers to see why they’re the best fit.

Solution: Identify your unique selling points (USPs) and ensure they’re front and center on your resume, LinkedIn profile, and cover letter.

Think about what makes you different from other candidates and how you can bring value to a company. Work on telling your narrative in a way that compels people to learn more about you.

(When you do it right, these hiring managers will actually become emotionally invested in you, long before you become emotionally invested in the opportunity!)

{Get it right from the jump, and accelerate your job offer by booking a strategy call here.)

Pro Tip: Use storytelling to showcase your achievements. Instead of just listing your job duties, share specific examples of how you’ve solved problems, led projects, or contributed to a team.

According to a study by the Harvard Business Review, storytelling can make you 22 times more memorable to employers.

why aren't I getting hired - challenges and solutions to getting hired in 2024

Not Acing the Interview? There’s a Better Way

Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but they’re a crucial part of the hiring process.

Even if you have the perfect resume and cover letter, a poor interview can ruin your chances of getting hired. It’s not just about answering questions correctly; it’s about showcasing your personality, confidence, and fit for the company culture.

Solution: Practice, practice, practice! Prepare answers to common interview questions and rehearse them out loud. Research the company thoroughly and come up with questions to ask the interviewer.

Show that you’re genuinely interested in the role and the organization.

Pro Tip: Studies show that 55% of communication is non-verbal, so pay attention to your posture, eye contact, and gestures during the interview.

A firm handshake, a smile, and open body language can make a significant difference in how you’re perceived.

Poor Personal Branding: Why You’re Not Being Seen by Recruiters

In today’s digital age, personal branding is more important than ever.

If your LinkedIn profile is incomplete, your resume is outdated, or your online presence doesn’t reflect your professional abilities, you’re missing out on so many opportunities!

Recruiters often search for candidates online, and if you’re not showing up, you’re not getting hired.

Solution: Optimize your LinkedIn profile and resume with relevant keywords.

Make sure your profile picture is professional, your headline is compelling, and your summary highlights your achievements and skills.

Regularly update your profile with new projects, certifications, or skills.

Pro Tip: Create content to establish yourself as an expert in your field. Share articles, write posts, or comment on industry trends.

According to CareerBuilder, 70% of employers use social media to screen candidates, so make sure your online presence reflects your professional brand.

Take Control of Your Career with the Right Positioning and Preparation

If you’re feeling stuck in your job search, remember that you have the power to change your situation.

By taking a more active approach, positioning yourself effectively, acing your interviews, and building a strong personal brand, you can increase your chances of getting hired.

About Heather Constantine

Heather Constantine is a seasoned career coach with 14 years of marketing experience in building brands through strategic positioning, content development, and optimization.

She applies the same methodologies that have successfully built big brands to brand building for individual. By leveraging these proven strategies, Heather enables job seekers to get seen, heard, and hired in record time.

If you’re ready to move forward in your career journey, and equip yourself with a customized elevator pitch to land an incredible job offer, schedule a strategy call with Heather today.

August 24 2024

Fix My Pitch! Create an Elevator Pitch That Moves You to the Job Offer

Heather Constantine Job Search Strategies, Professional Branding job interview, job offers, job search, Job search strategy

In today’s competitive job market, mastering the art of creating a compelling elevator pitch can be the difference between landing a job interview and being overlooked.

A well-crafted elevator pitch is essential for job seekers to effectively communicate their value to potential employers.

This concise summary highlights your skills, experience, and unique qualities in a way that resonates with hiring managers.

Having helped over 800 career professionals land jobs they love, I’ve seen firsthand how a high-performing elevator pitch can accelerate your job search.

Understanding the anatomy of a successful elevator pitch can help you move from searching for a job to receiving job offers.

Let’s get started!

Anatomy of a High-Performing Elevator Pitch for Job Seekers

An effective elevator pitch for job seekers should follow a specific structure to address the needs of the employer while highlighting your unique strengths. Here’s the breakdown:

Start with the employer’s pain points. Identify the challenges the employer or industry faces.
Highlight your superpower or unique strengths. Emphasize a unique skill or strength that directly addresses these pain points.
Use outcome-based language to showcase results. Demonstrate your effectiveness by highlighting recent achievements and results.

You have only about 15 seconds to make a strong first impression. Without clearly articulating and positioning yourself in a way that stands out, you risk blending in.

Let’s explore each component of a successful elevator pitch in more detail.

create elevator pitch that lands you the job

1. Start with the Employer’s Pain Points

When crafting your elevator pitch, begin by identifying the specific challenges or pain points of that particular role (examples below).

This approach shows that you understand their needs and are proactive in addressing them. For example, if you’re applying for a marketing role, you might mention how companies are struggling to generate leads in a saturated market.

As a project manager, you may weave in the challenge of competing projects on time and within budget.

Why This Matters: Addressing pain points immediately captures the employer’s attention by making your pitch relevant to their needs.

It shows that you have insight into the industry and are prepared to tackle their specific problems.

2. Highlight Your Superpower or Strength

After hooking the interviewer with the pain points, introduce your superpower or strength.

This is a unique skill or attribute that sets you apart from other candidates.

Choose a strength that directly relates to solving the pain points you’ve mentioned. Some examples include:

“I turn chaos into streamlined efficiency” or “I bring expertise in SEO, B2B industries and high-performing content that supports high growth revenue teams.”

Why This Matters: Highlighting a specific strength that addresses the employer’s challenges shows that you are not only qualified but also uniquely suited to the role. This differentiation can make you stand out among other job seekers and demonstrate your value.

Learn how to elevate your professional brand here.

3. Use Outcome-Based Language to Showcase Results

Conclude your pitch with outcome-based language that highlights your recent achievements or results in your current or previous roles. Use quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your effectiveness and impact.

Why This Matters: Outcome-based language is persuasive because it provides concrete evidence of your capabilities. Employers are looking for candidates who can deliver results, and this approach shows that you have a proven track record of success.

Before and After Elevator Pitch Examples for Different Job Roles

To illustrate how this structure applies across various job roles, here are examples of before and after elevator pitches for a Marketer, an IT Director, and a Project Manager.

In every case, these customized pitches I created for my clients lead to not only a job offer but at least a 20% salary spike.

Elevator Pitch Example for a Marketer

Before:
“I’m a marketer with five years of experience in digital marketing and social media management.”

After:
“Companies today are overwhelmed with the challenge of breaking through digital noise to generate quality leads. I specialize in creating compelling content and data-driven strategies that increase brand visibility and engagement. In my last role, I led a campaign that boosted website traffic by 150% and increased lead conversion by 35% in just six months.”

Elevator Pitch Example for an IT Director

Before:
“I’m an IT director with extensive experience in managing IT departments.”

After:
“Many organizations struggle with outdated IT infrastructure that slows down operations and increases costs. My expertise lies in streamlining IT systems and reducing operational inefficiencies. At my previous company, I implemented a cloud-based solution that cut IT expenses by 20% and improved system uptime by 99.9%.”

Elevator Pitch Example for a Project Manager

Before:
“I’m a project manager with a strong background in managing cross-functional teams.”

After:
“Projects often fail due to poor communication and lack of clear objectives. My strength is in fostering collaboration and maintaining clear, consistent communication across teams to ensure project success. Recently, I managed a product launch that involved five departments and delivered it two weeks ahead of schedule, resulting in a 15% increase in sales.”

By following this optimized structure, you can craft an elevator pitch that highlights your strengths and positions you as the ideal candidate for the job.

Remember, the key is to address the employer’s pain points, showcase your superpowers, and use outcome-based language to make a lasting impression.

Ready to elevate your pitch?

About Heather Constantine

Heather Constantine is a seasoned career coach with 14 years of marketing experience in building brands through strategic positioning, content development, and optimization.

If you’re ready to move forward in your career journey, and equip yourself with a customized elevator pitch to land an incredible job offer, schedule a strategy call with Heather today.

August 22 2024

Are You Using These Job Search Strategies to Land Your Next Offer?

Heather Constantine Job Search Strategies job interview, job offers, job search, Job search strategy

Searching for a new job can feel like navigating through an endless maze.

Getting caught in dead ends? Gotten ghosted by recruiters?

Beaten out by fierce competition?

What if landing your next offer isn’t in how often you apply, but how you search, position yourself, and prepare?

As a career coach who provides customized positioning, strategy and interview prep, I promise you – the key is communication.

Let’s dive into three key strategies (the same methods I use with my coaching clients) that can make all the difference in your job hunt!

Diversify Your Search: Unlock More Opportunities

What if the job you really want is just under a different title/name?

What if you dream role in which you are a perfect fit exists, but it’s hiding beneath a different search term?

When you are job hunting, it’s natural to search for roles that align with your current or most recent job title. However, this approach can limit your options significantly.

If you’re a Customer Success Manager, for example, searching only by that job title might yield around 90 opportunities.

But what if you broaden your search?

Consider roles with similar scopes but different titles.

Terms like Client Relations Manager, Customer Experience Manager, or even Account Manager might encompass the same responsibilities and skills.

By expanding your search criteria, you could uncover over 200 opportunities, increasing your chances of finding the perfect fit.

Pro Tips

List Similar Job Titles. Research and create a list of similar roles to your current position. This helps in expanding your search parameters.
Explore Various Job Boards. Don’t rely solely on one or two job boards. Each platform may host unique opportunities. Branch out to niche job boards specific to your industry.

Position Yourself with Precision: LinkedIn Branding on LinkedIn

Your LinkedIn profile is more than just a digital resume; it’s a powerful tool for positioning yourself in the job market.

It’s also the #1 career asset that leads you to job opportunities.

In fact, over 73% of recruiters are using LinkedIn to source talent.

To stand out, you need to clearly articulate your unique value proposition and expertise.

This isn’t just about listing your skills—it’s about strategically using keywords that align with the roles you’re targeting.

ProTips for Optimizing Your LinkedIn Profile

Identify Your Superpowers. What are the top skills and strengths that make you unique?

These should be highlighted in your headline, summary, and experience sections.

Research Top Professionals. Look at profiles of professionals who have the career and skill set you aspire to.

Pay attention to how they position themselves and the keywords they use. Adapt these strategies while ensuring your profile remains uniquely you.

Analyze Job Descriptions. Review job descriptions for roles you’re interested in and identify common themes and key requirements.

Make sure your profile reflects these elements to increase your visibility to recruiters.

“I was job searching for two years before working with Heather. She helped me move into a role in 8 weeks. The positioning was key. Golden. Finally I was getting seen by the right people and with the right opportunities. Forever grateful.”

Master the Art of Strategic Interview Prep

Preparation is key to acing any interview, but strategic preparation goes beyond just rehearsing answers.

It’s about understanding the company, the role, and how you can uniquely solve their problems. Start by reviewing the job description in detail—what are the key skills and experiences they’re looking for?

How do your experiences align with these needs?

Pro Tips for Strategic Interview Preparation

Company Research. Understand the company’s mission, culture, and recent news.

This will help you tailor your responses to show how you align with their values and goals.

Practice Problem-Solving. Identify potential challenges the company might be facing and think about how you’ve tackled similar issues in the past.

Be ready to discuss these during the interview.

Prepare Questions. Show your interest and engagement by preparing thoughtful questions about the role and the company.

This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.

By diversifying your search, refining your personal brand, and strategically preparing for interviews, you’ll set yourself up for success in the competitive job market.

Remember, landing your next offer isn’t just about finding any job—it’s about finding the right job where you can thrive.

About Heather Constantine

Heather Constantine is a seasoned career coach with 14 years of marketing experience in building brands through strategic positioning, content development, and optimization.

If you’re ready to move forward in your career journey, and equip yourself with the tools you need to land an incredible job offer, schedule a strategy call with Heather today.