Let's take a look at how the hiring dynamic works. Unfortunately, we've been taught to focus on our work history and experience as the essential determination for a decision-maker to decide that you're the right person for the job. Nothing could be further from the truth!



You see, an employer looks way beyond your resume to make a hiring decision. And if you're not aware of what's going on in his/her mind, you'll miss out on what you have to do to lock up the job.

For example, we've been studying how hiring decisions are made for many years. We've learned that, in the final analysis, you'll be offered the job because an employer likes you. That's right! If an employer doesn't feel good about you or have some connection with you that goes beyond you work credentials,you're not going to get the job!

So, the question becomes, "What do I have to do to win over an employer?"

Well, being a phony doesn't work. But being friendly and focusing on personal strengths and character traits rather than work history and experience will go a long way. Keeping the communication with an employer informal and conversational rather than a Q&A session helps too.

But, most important of all, you have to create a lasting impression. The reason for this is very simple. An employer will rarely make a final decision about you on the spot. He/she will want to think about you,compare you with other candidates, review ways you can make a contribution to the organization.

If he can't remember you, you're out! This decision-maker has a lot more going on than spending time

going over your credentials. Unless you do something to make yourself stand out in his/her mind, you'll become just another forgettable job candidate. In short, you won't get hired.

So, what's the secret?

Learn to tell stories about yourself! I call them "war stories." Talk about yourself in vivid, colorful stories that paint a bright picture of you in action, actually doing the things you're especially proud of, rather than listing your work history and accomplishments.

People can get very interested in your graphic picture of you in action. And more importantly, they'll remember them after you're gone which, like I said before, is when most hiring decisions are made. In other words, the more memorable your stories the more you move the odds in your favor that you'll get hired!

Telling war stories about you takes a bit of practice because it's not something we're used to doing. However, if you write out six or eight good, juicy stories illustrating your main accomplishments and then practice them with family or friends, I promise you, you'll be in the winner's circle where you can count on hearing the welcome words, "You're hired!"