Impromptu

15Job Interviews, Networking, and Elevator Conversations

During my years in The Humphrey Group, one of my most rewarding experiences has been helping young people prepare for career interviews. This began when a client asked me to coach his daughter for her medical school interviews. Thanks to the work we did together, she aced the med school interview, was accepted by the medical school of her choice, and eventually won a fellowship in emergency medicine. She is now a highly respected emergency MD at one of Toronto's leading hospitals.

Few impromptu speaking situations are more important than those in which you need to “sell” yourself. These scenarios, discussed in this chapter, include job interviews, networking events, and elevator conversations. In each case it pays to develop a well‐targeted script and answers to potential questions. Doing so can make all the difference in your life and your career. Just ask the young MD in the opening story. She is crazy about being a doctor and her entire career was shaped by that ten‐minute interview for which she diligently prepared and rehearsed.

Job Interviews

With professional jobs at a premium, you'll want to prepare a winning script for every interview. Jay Rosenzweig, founding partner of Rosenzweig & Company, a global executive search firm, suggests how to start: “Get hold of a job profile for the position you're applying for and meticulously map out your qualifications in relation to the skills and experience required.” ...