Is it the soft OR hard skills that are derailing your interview?
Spicy take
Is it the soft OR hard skills
that are derailing your interview?
My take…
both.
Both are important, but they need to be showcased in a way that conveys value.
Otherwise, they'll fall flat.
An easy way to show how you’ve used BOTH soft or hard skills to achieve results is this:
(Result + Metric) by (Method), (Stakes/Relevance)
An example is:
Reduced turnover by 85% by mentoring internal sales talent in weekly 30-minute sessions, despite the launch of competing drug in the region.
(S)he who conveys the value best -- wins!
Want to hear more ways?
Check this out: https://lnkd.in/gTRvy76T
Does getting an interview feel a litttttle like this?
Does getting an interview feel a litttttle like this?
Only when the stars are aligned?
Hitting home?
That's 2024 for you -- there is a LOT of talent on the market and companies are tightening their budgets as they balance efficiency with volume coverage.
(But we just had our 108th/112th client hired from 2023)
SO
...let me increase those odds for you.
[Scroll to that first comment for my favorite DIY worksheets and templates]
Now, you can get that resume updated
between your sales calls
AND
before you
head out to watch this
incredible astrological event today.
(or 🏀🏀🏀)
;)
PS -- in case you want to see what your day will LOOK like: https://lnkd.in/gSKWW7jM
So, Social Saturday 👍 or 👎 ?
So,
Social Saturday 👍 or 👎 ?
Whether you choose to get social (or not) on Saturday
Here are 3 hard lessons from someone laid off 4 (almost 5) times.
1// Your 'company loyalty' will not keep you from being laid off
2// Expecting results from online apps ends in 90%+ frustration
3// Putting networking on hold when you're happily employed is dangerous
_______
_______
What WILL help reinstate your career despite a layoff (or 5)?
Networking.
That's it.
So, Social Saturday-style activities
when done with genuine intention
are one of the most rewarding, profitable activities you can do for your career.
________
And, it feels SO good.
Get social and happy Saturday, everyone!
If your resume says
If your resume says:
"a dynamic, results-oriented leader with a proven ability to develop successful teams and exceed expectations."
...it may be time to look deeper at your personal brand.
3 Levels of Networking
3 Levels of Networking
(tl;dr: The Good, The Better, + The HOW)
LEVEL 1
Reconnecting with buddies and colleagues when you get laid off
>> Low Trust
>> Need-Based
>> Lowest Effectiveness
CHALLENGE: Valuable BUT Lowest Authenticity, Highest Time-To-Rebuild Cost
LEVEL 5
'Holiday' check-ins (Christmas, Birthdays, Layoffs)
>> Trust-Reinforcing
>> Relevance-Boosting
>> Medium Effectiveness
CHALLENGE: Remembering events, sporadic connection, organization
LEVEL 10
'Systematic, Fresh, Top-of-Mind Networking
>> Trust-Building and Growing
>> Most Effective, Top-of-Mind, Opportunity++
>> Highest Effectiveness + Greatest Authenticity
CHALLENGE: Keeping it organized (see the PS of this post)
CHALLENGE 2: Choosing between the opportunities coming your way. Deciding which you want to and can handle, vs. the ones you will pass on to others.
(Hellooooooo reciprocity)
CHALLENGE 3: Choosing a systematic way to do and track all this
Now...the HOW
Try my 5-5-5 Networking Approach
Reach out to:
5 people you KNEW
5 people you KNOW now
5 people you WANT TO KNOW
Revive your old connections, nurture your current ones, and stay engaged with new people who are active in the arena where you want to be seen.
A rule of thumb: Network with these 5-5-5 every work day and once you've done it, check it off your list.
Don't spend all day networking.
Do it, check it, and be done.
No burnout badges.
OKAY, THAT'S IT!
Hope you enjoyed this system.
Have a wonderful day!
And if you're on Spring Break like we are -- have a blast with the family!
xo, Claire
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Okay...
well... there's one more thing
but it's only available to 25 people.
(hence the secrecy)
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I might
have
one
more
way
that I secretly launched in last month
(iykyk) 😶
________________________
Now, you know me.
Networking is THE WAY to get your next role
-- faster and YES sometimes before they're posted.
but I THRIVE on a system
-- bc we ALL fall flat when there's no system.
And as much as I know you can manage all this
-- you can!
(I built you something)
It helps you manage this easily (actually)
Like a WOD for networking
And you become 'the guy' or 'the gal' who never forgets
...to text when it's a birthday
...to be the first on that LinkedIn post in ONE click
...to (actually) follow up w/conference contacts (and never lose them)
(and -- it's NOT owned by your company ... so if they shut your computer off right now, you're good)
right?
_______________________
If you want it in its 3rd BETA launch
DM me: TNT
...and I'll set you up for the rest of your career
xo
Claire
PS -- 25 people only. $8/mo
Check out the full post below:
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/clairemdavis_how-to-network-so-youre-always-the-first-activity-7180937320273973249-M-FH?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
The 4 most important words you’ll ever hear are
The 4 most important words you’ll ever hear are:
You
Can’t
Do
This
Throughout my career, I've heard this a lot.
🗣You can’t write those emails directly to clients.
🗣You can’t post your story on social.
🗣You can’t develop that new territory.
🗣You can’t start a podcast.
🗣You can't put color on your client's resume.
🗣You can't find any place better than this company.
🗣You'll never meet that doctor, she's unreachable.
Here’s the deal.
“You can’t do this”
may be the 4 most important words you'll ever hear.
but, the trick is how you use them.
Personally?
I like to counter with 4 words of my own.
Oh
Really?
Let’s
See
Have you ever used these 4 words as die hard, Sparta-style motivation?
Before you vent in a TGIF post
Before you vent in a TGIF post
remember...
... these 5 ways to turn off your hiring manager:
>> Mentioning that your last boss was a tyrant
>> Referring to your doctors as ‘pawns in a game’
>> Asking about work/life balance incessantly and before they talk about it
>> Mentioning you’ve always done it ‘this way’ and don’t like change
>> Serve up a canned “I’m an overachiever” response to a “what’s your greatest weakness,” question.
>> Referring to your former colleagues as "people who just didn’t get it”
>> Telling them a project wasn't done because "it just wasn't worth your time"
...okay, there were more than five.
I know, I know
It was a tough gig
And you're no doormat
BUT
Flip these and you'll increase your chances of closing that interview strong.
Feel like you're coming on too strong?
DM me.
Xo
Claire
If you were in the audio room 30 min. ago
If you were in the audio room 30 min. ago,
here were those 3 little secrets we mentioned:
1. We gave you a HALL PASS:
George A. Pace, MBA, Kenneth Lang, Virginia Franco, and myself give you a hall pass from applying online first (yep, even to companies posting jobs on Linkedin)
don't. do. it.
...until you connect with at least one person who was/is at that company.
Who?
>> People currently working at the company
>> People who used to work at that place
>> Bonus: if they share your alma mater
2. Leverage Thought Leadership
>> Search articles
>> Chime in and share them
>> Repost thoughtful ideas with your take
3. Sell Your System
>> Remember, YOU are the product.
>> What is the systematic way that you get results for others/companies
>> THAT SYSTEM -- is very 'sellable' about you
Learn it
Own it
Use it
And if in doubt, join us for another Lions, Tigers, and Resumes...Oh My event in April.
We love to help unlock those career doors you're banging on, in real time.
Have a great week, all!
you have to look close for this one
you have to look close for this one
like a secret code.
it's the simple art
of thanks
One way to thank someone is to endorse them or edify them with a kind and appreciative note.
Try this to guide you:
"When I was [experiencing xyz problem], I reached out to [your contact's name] and (s)he [what did they do for you]. (S)he has a true skill for [what did she help you solve].
Because of his/her help, I'm now [your situation after this problem was solved]. If you're looking to [solve the problem you shared at the beginning], seek out a mentor like [his/her name]. Thank you so much, [contact name]."
Send out a few of these today.
Best served as a surprise.
(and looks great on a resume!)
______________________
📄🧬 My name is Claire and I'm a Medical Sales Resume Writer, LinkedIn Profile Writer, and Brand Strategist.
(after 5 Layoffs, you get really good at it!)
Whether you:
>> Want to break into med sales
>> Keep coming up 2nd in the final
>> Have a resume that's not winning interviews
we'd love to position you for those Biotech, MedTech, Device, or Pharma roles you want.
--> Hit the bell on my profile 🔔 so you never miss a post or guide.
--> DM me! 📨 for resume help and LinkedIn profiles that sell.
what if
__ what if __
instead of applying to 50 jobs online
you sent personalized messages to 50 people
you Knew, Know, and Want to Know
__ + what if __
when you did that
you were able to actually reconnect
with 25 of those people
in the DMs, on the phone, or zoom
__ + what if __
you made 1 hour per day to do these catch-ups
and you caught up on family, life, and work...
and you're reminded of what
they're all about and
what bonded you
in the first place
__ + what if __
you suddenly think of something
or someone you know
that might help them out.
A friend they should meet, a book you read,
the website that helped you pick paint colors.
__ + what if __
it feels good to reconnect with them.
dare I say it -- fun even
momentarily freeing your mind
from the job application doom scroll
that is getting you absolutely nowhere
__ + what if __
you start to feel thankful you did this
grateful for their time
their connection
bc they care
__ BUT what if __
the conversation
naturally turns back to you
and they ask you what you're up to now
and you tell them about your life and family
and the part where you're now looking for work
__ what if __
you tell them specifically what it is you're looking for
and that you're excited to find that thing
but want to make the right choice
and you ask their thoughts
__ + what if __
they mention they have a friend
over at that company
in that industry
that part of the country
__ or what if __
they wish, but they don't know someone
but they're rooting for you anyways
and they want to keep in touch regardless
__ + what if __
suddenly they say "oh, waiiiiit you know what?"
and they think of 2 people you could chat with
or maybe -- you ASK them if they know
2 others you could chat with
(love this move Virginia Franco)
to get an idea of what that company
or industry, or specialty -- is really like.
and they'd totally chat with you to share
what's really going on there
so you thank them
and then
you
do
it
__ + what if __
that leads to more opportunities
more confidence and support
more peace and productivity
than applying online ever did
__ what if __
__________________________
I wrote this post in <4 minutes
Because I know this story SO well
bc it happens all the time
it's what I "coach"
but really -- it's what you're WIRED to do.
_________________________
less than 4 minutes
I only went back to fix a few typos
and add the design-ey "__ + what if __" piece
This is so familiar to me and to my clients, it flows like water.
This is exactly how my clients land jobs that fall into the category of:
best job
favorite gig
that 'right fit' role
...and without that whole Easy Apply but there are already 250 applicants to
this role shenani...ahem, "helpful new button".
yep.
what if?
___________________________
hashtag#YouDeserveIt
and if you forget that, DM me and I'll remind you today.
xo,
Claire
I hope you
I hope you
Find people who
Lift you up and keep you humble
Cheer you fiercely on yet challenge you
Remind you of your values and dreams
And believe in you when you aren’t able.
There will be tough days ahead
Beautiful days ahead
Big wins and big losses
and everything in the middle.
And through it all, I hope you find ‘em.
I hope you’re surround by people
who will stick by you regardless
And make every single mile worth it.
______________________________
Feeling beyond lucky 🍀 today.
It’s a vibe.
We’ve got a great team and it’s growing
They keep me sane and inspire me
We’re truly blessed beyond measure
And our clients just keep on winning
And here I sit wondering how in the world I got so lucky to tell the stories of amazing people
…and impact both our lives at once.
Happy Saturday, all!
See ya tomorrow.
✌🏼
Xo
Claire
And to Jameil ‘Jay’ Pendleton™ — thank you for making my week, my friend. You sure make social media and business FUN. 🤩
I cut my son’s hair
I cut my son’s hair
once
On a sweltering June day in Northern, CA outside our little 1,200sqft farmhouse
I was stuck between little brother's naps and my husband's call schedule
...and a very shaggy 4 yo.
So, I picked the most logical option -- DIY haircuts.
After all, according to my neighbor and the Post Office clerk -- “it was easy”
I'd been "crazy I'd not been lowering our family's ears all this time!"
How long HAD I been living under this rock?
So, the plan was set in motion
I dug up our Wahl clippers out of the garage
Eagerly whipped through some YouTube tutorials
Learned "everything I must know" about fades and trims
And plopped my cherub of a 4 year old boy on our porch bench
(the one I'd just reupholstered because ... DIY)
And he sat with *stunning patience*
Angel-level
First-time ever
(probably shock)
And. I. Went. To. Town.
I went at that sweet, wispy toddler hair with clippers
Like I imagine Andy Warhol did with the soups
All grace and gumption and raw enthusiasm
"
This is fun!
A swoop here...
Gotta wet the comb
We'll go shorter there
Even shorter on the back
Uhoh...where's the # 1 guard?
His head is getting really sweaty now
Guard's broken -- I'll just hold it in place...
They didn't mention 'broken guard' technique
It's really hard to hold this broken guard when clippppping
"
45 min. later
done.
And while I'd LOVE to tell you this was a "W" for both of us
That it ended up like newfound barbershop success !!!
(You remember the "once" part?)
It was more like a 45-minute attempt at the worst cutout paper snowflake -- the kind that you accidentally snip too close and need tape to cover and eventually realize...maybe paper snowflakes aren't your 'thing'
...and we ended right back in the Kidz Cutz hairdresser chair that very afternoon.
_______________________
So while I can DIY many things
🤞🏼making homemade pickles
🤞🏼paint & remodel
🤞🏼bread
…haircuts?
never
again
____________________
But a small silver lining?
My collection of save-it-for-the-wedding-pictures got a bit bigger that day.
____________________
So here I am waiting for my hair color and cut by my GENIUS and LOVELY and PROFESSIONALLY TRAINED hair dresser.
And wondering if there’s anything like this that you’ve tried, changed your mind, and now go with a pro?
Would love to hear it👇🏼
Keep me busy in the hair chair🪑❤️ 💇🏼♀️
Video interviews are here to stay
Video interviews are here to stay
so
Keep these pieces in mind when interviewing on video:
Dress professional and comfortable -- ideally with a bit of color on top.
Sit in front of a brightly colored window or position two lights at 45 degrees in front of you.
Ensure you're in a quiet environment and have a notepad and pen at the ready.
Smile when the camera turns on and look right at it when you're talking. A great hack for this is to grab a 'center cam' where your camera is suction cupped to the center of your screen.
ty Lyndsay Dowd for the center cam rec!
I could write a book about you
I could write a book about you
seriously.
Here are a few things I could cover based on what my clients said this month:
>> getting in with impossible-to-reach people
>> supporting colleagues through hardship
>> how to inspire demotivated teams
>> leadership in a volatile market
>> marrying sales + marketing
>> consulting in new markets
>> parenting with autonomy
>> hiring for fit > function
>> commercialization
...and more
So when we condense someone's brilliance -- their System for Success -- in these areas, it's an art.
This slider is an example of how we distilled one of the most motivational, loved, and trusted women in medical sales from 5 pages of wins and war stories...
down to 2.
2 Powerfully Written Branding Pages
(aka, a resume)
>> And the point of it all can be found on slide 16 <<
Congrats, Kellie.
Well-deserved!
________________________
Hi, I'm ✒️Claire M. Davis🖋️
And after 16,000 Medical Sales Resumes, riding 5X layoffs in the medical sales industry, and helping 105 of 110 clients land roles last year -- I'm feeling pretty solid that I can sort out your complicated career story for you.
I've heard it all. Trust me.
So if you're looking to...Get In...Get Back In...Stay In...Medical Sales -- and you need a hand, send me a DM.
I'm ready to make this a whole lot easier on you.
Check out the full post below:
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/clairemdavis_resume-transformation-activity-7176212928122036224-ptaN?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
Heading to an industry conference?
Here are more ways to handle your nerves and your job search
at an industry conference (or job fair):
Check out the full post below:
https://bit.ly/3PpCagE
Pharma reps can't do device sales
Pharma reps can't do device sales
+
hiring teams use behavioral analysis in interviews
+
no one cares about a cover letter or ty note
+
the ATS will hide your resume
+
you can only lateral when pivoting industries
+
you can't make more $ than you do now
+
it's impossible to break into medical sales
(ik Jacob McLaughlin loves this one)
+
women don't do well in medical device
(great poll Jameil ‘Jay’ Pendleton™)
+
doctors are people to win over, not to help
(iykyk Jessica Zampedri, MBA)
+
only training from your company is relevant
(eh, Matt Zaun?)
+
becoming the boss will make your problems disappear
(ikyky Lyndsay Dowd)
+
generosity and kindness are overrated
(I know NGOC TRAN and Tara Horstmeyer are giggling now)
+
+
+
Just thought I'd air out all the bad internet advice out there
All the things you may be worrying about today
As you're looking for that new role
The one you deserve to be in
That you CAN have
__________________________
Here's the thing:
There are a million people who will tell you 'no'.
you can't
not in 2024
you're dreamin'
you haven't paid your dues
you just don't know the industry
the "accepted way of doing things"
but
take it from someone who has debunked ALL of these
>> herself <<
______________________
So, don't listen to the 'masses' and industry intel you've heard since 1995
(I see ya 'Challenger Selling')
You
Can
Get
That
Role
The catch is -- first, you must believe you can.
Then, you build a plan to do it.
_____________________
Hi, I'm ✒️Claire M. Davis🖋️
And after 16,000 Medical Sales Resumes, riding 5X layoffs in the medical sales industry, and helping 105 of 110 clients land roles last year -- I'm feeling pretty solid that I can sort out your complicated career story for you.
I've heard it all. Trust me.
So if you're looking to...Get In...Get Back In...Stay In...Medical Sales -- and you need a hand, send me a DM.
I'm ready to make this a whole lot easier on you.
Happy St. Paddy’s, everyone!
Happy St. Paddy’s, everyone!
🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀
May the roof above us never fall in,
And those gathered beneath it never fall out
Xo,
Claire
the ultimate leadership flex 👇
the ultimate leadership flex 👇
(actually) investing in your people.
how?
>> Introduce them to MENTORS in your network
(and yes, outside of your company)
>> Pay for their RESUME *and* LINKEDIN profile to be done by a professional
(not your HR team...no offense HR, but go with a specialist)
>> Recommend them for PROMOTIONS and AWARDS
(then help them develop a CAREER PROGRESSION PLAN to get there
_____________________
Often, my clients ask me for leadership training.
Where they can get it?
Who's the best coach?
What they can develop?
For me?
>> Leadership training is a Zoom call away <<
Invest in the people you already know.
to build the reciprocity and leadership already within you.
____________________________
When you (actually) invest in others, people will:
>> Follow you
>> Share your name
>> Help you in return
Things like this are *rarely* forgotten
And it builds reciprocity that others can't "learn" by anything other than "doing"
The truth is:
You've got everything it takes -- right now.
...now, back to pancakes and photo albums with the kids. Enjoy your Saturday!
3 Ways to Lead a Job Search in 2024
3 Ways to Lead a Job Search in 2024
1. GO SOLO
(much time spent, free)
PEOPLE: You.
FOCUS: Creating, writing, telling, tweaking your story, maintaining positive energy and mindset
>> Periodically assess your impact
>> Craft talking points about it
>> Manage up your mindset
>> Practice in the mirror
>> Update routinely
>> Iterate, repeat
2. BUDDY SYSTEM
(avg. time spent, free-to-paid)
PEOPLE: You. Friends.
FOCUS: Gathering and digesting feedback, creating, writing, telling, tweaking story
>> Identify impact
>> Craft talking points
>> Write it up in a resume
>> Practice in job search groups
>> Iterate, get feedback, then repeat
>> Set cadence of routinely updating materials
3. TEAM APPROACH
(least time spent, paid/outsourced)
PEOPLE: You. Friends. Network. Resume Writer. Interview Coach. Career Consultant. Recruiters.
FOCUS: Networking, job searching/shopping, mindset
>> Find a recruiter, resume writer / coach you trust
>> Tell your story in branding session
>> Resume and strategy delivered
>> Right-fit roles are presented
>> Writer keeps you current
>> You leverage their ppl
__________________________
There's no right way
There's just the way that works for you
__________________________
Whether you seek an accountability partner -- or want to outsource your resume to focus on networking and job shopping -- you've got this.
__________________________
PS -- Whatever you choose, DO update your resume every 3 to 6 months. Your future self will thank you!
__________________________
📄 🧬 My name is Claire and I'm a Medical Sales Resume Writer, LinkedIn Profile Writer, and Brand Strategist.
(after 5 Layoffs, you get really good at it!)
Whether you:
>> Want to break into med sales
>> Keep coming up 2nd in the final
>> Have a resume that's not winning interviews
we'd love to position you for those Biotech, MedTech, Device, or Pharma roles you want.
--> Hit the bell on my profile 🔔 so you never miss a post or guide.
--> DM me! 📨 for resume help and LinkedIn profiles that sell.
No branded post from me today
No branded post from me today.
Just this 🌶️ 👇🏼
(After another dear friend was laid off)
If your company does a round of layoffs
And your job is deemed safe
Start logging
Now
____________________
Log what?
>> wins
>> metrics
>> contacts
____________________
Start logging
*before*
👉🏼 you finish that next project
*before*
👉🏼 you respond to those *highly urgent email requests*
*before*
👉🏼 you forget (and have to deal with the emotions of the layoff that will prevent you from remembering some things anyway)
BEFORE
you do anything AT ALL that wouldn’t matter a hill of beans if you didn’t work there tomorrow
…because you might not
…and they WILL turn your computer off
…and by then, you won’t have the chance
________________________
And you still have to put food on your table.
________________________
So today, I give you permission
To call in sick
Or start your day at 5am
Maybe skip the team drinks
…so that you can take care of you.
And if a 3rd party consultant has come in to “refine operations and realign the business” — today would be a great day for a head cold.
Xo,
Claire