Use lateral thinking to increase your interview hit rate

Barry Newman-Sparks

As the unemployment rate increases, the competition to get in front of the prospective employer is becoming intense. What we need is to be first in the queue, however how do we achieve that?

The covering letter is now becoming an even more important part of the application process, my advice is to always attach a covering letter with any application sent.

The reality is that the quality of the majority of the Resumes or CV is now quite high, a number are professionally written, the covering letter can be what sets you apart. You will need to use lateral thinking and research to make your application stand out.

The application of lateral thinking techniques in the search for employment works extremely well, in essence it’s quite simple to use this technique in the search for employment

As an example of lateral thinking and research making a real difference in your search for a job let’s look at an example. I will set out a broad based advertisement that will obviously attract hundreds of replies.

Veterinary Practice requires Receptionist, Male/Female. Must have bright personality.

Please send application to:
Anyvets
Spaniel Place
Dogsville 9020.

How will you ensure that you will be selected to attend an interview out of the hundreds of applications they receive?

To put you into the “˜must’ interview pile of applications will take one phone call and a bit of detective work

First, find out the controlling local jurisdiction for the area in which Anyvets is located.

Now let’s put that first piece of research into action.

Call the local county/shire/council/district and ask how many dogs are registered in the area, ask has figure has gone up or down compared to the previous year. Note their answer.

The next step is to get a map of the area, a normal street directory will do the job.

Using Anyvets as the centre, draw a circle three and a half kilometres around it.

Now, go to the Internet or local telephone directory, count all the veterinary hospitals whose addresses fall within the area that you have marked out.

This information MUST, I repeat MUST be used in the opening page of your application. The fact that you have done some research must be carefully and quietly introduced, however do NOT beat them over the head with how clever you have been.

Try this sort of approach within the application:

“˜I realise that a vital part of any business is not only gaining new customers but keeping your current clients happy. With 10 veterinary clinics within a three and a half kilometre radius of your location, and with dog registrations rising only marginally, presentation and promotion of the services offered by you must be of the highest order to stay ahead of the competition. I believe that with my personality and genuine enthusiasm I will be able to make a valuable contribution to your Veterinary Hospital.’

See how it works, the employer’s interest is bound to be aroused by the facts that you have presented. The prime function of the covering page of your application has been achieved, you have gained their attention and they can’t help but be impressed by your knowledge.

Lateral thinking is thinking outside of the square, in its application to job search techniques this is related to the joining of the thought process with the research that you have done on either the target role or the target industry.

Lateral thinking can also be the utilisation of humour and innovation in the method of delivery.

The way in which you listen and digest the daily news is also an opportunity to use lateral thinking, who is expanding? Who have won contracts?

Making a great first impression or getting to the jobs first is the key in this challenging environment.

Barry Newman-Sparks is the author of How to Get That Job, recommended by leading Australian companies and available in eBook form at his website