PPB June 2021

my ability to perform this job?” • “What do you expect of someone within the first 90 days of taking this position?” • “What’s the most important deliverable this position will be responsible for?” • “When will I hear from you regarding next steps?” One important note: don’t ask about compensation, benefits or paid time off in the first interview. Send A Thank-You Note Send a “thank you” note or email to the person or people with whom you interviewed. Be sure to reiterate again why you want the position and why you feel you would be an asset to the company. This can make you stand out from all other candidates because this is the one step most people forget. I’ve seen it make the difference between getting the job or not. The in-person job interview doesn’t have to be stressful or nerve-wracking. Be confident in yourself and your abilities. Believe in yourself, prepare diligently and you’ll stand out from the pack. Reference Check Most employers will ask you to provide at least three references. Picking the right references and asking those people to be a reference can be a task in and of itself. Here’s how to tackle this process effectively and professionally. • Choose people who will give you an exceptional reference—people with whom you’ve had positive experiences • Ask the question delicately and give the person the opportunity to decline if they feel they would not be able to give you an outstanding reference • Provide your references with all the pertinent information about the position, company and who will be contacting them • Put your request in writing • Say thank you The job search process is challenging on many levels. It is emotionally, mentally and psychically demanding. However, the process is manageable. By creating small, daily goals for yourself, treating the search like a full-time job and focusing only on what you control, you can turn the process into a positive and successful one. Focus on catching the eye of industry hiring managers and impressing him or her with preparation, skills and professionalism. Patrick McHargue (patrick@promoplacement.com) is director of talent at PromoPlacement, a recruiting firm focused on the promotional products industry. He grew up in the industry, earned an MBA in international business and managed a $35 million sales territory before focusing on the development of tools and services to benefit the promotional products industry. | JUNE 2021 | 17 INNOVATE