Supercharge Your Job Search: The PREPARE Model for Career Success

Are you ready to take your career to the next level? Whether you're a job seeker looking for your next opportunity (either inside or outside your current company), a manager aiming for a more significant role, or an executive seeking new challenges, my PREPARE(TM) model is your roadmap to success. While securing an interview with your dream company is a feat unto itself, too many quality candidates get their foot in the door, only to squander the opportunity because they failed to prepare for this next critical step. Let's dive into this powerful framework that will help you stand out from the crowd of candidates and land your dream job.

P - Preparation is Paramount

Benjamin Franklin reminds us, "By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail." This couldn't be truer in today's competitive job market. Before blindly submitting resumes, immerse yourself in research about your target companies and industries.

One candidate I know spent weeks studying a tech company's recent product launches and mission statement before her interview. She set up Google Alerts for the company's name and their CEO, and read press releases and product reviews so she had recent and relevant information on the company. When asked about the company's goals, she wowed the interviewer with her in-depth knowledge, securing a second-round interview on the spot.

Another job seeker took preparation to the next level by attending industry conferences and following key thought leaders on social media. He researched acceptable and superior KPI thresholds for the industry and familiarized himself with any possible financial threats the industry was facing. This allowed him to speak confidently about emerging trends during his interviews, ultimately landing him a senior management position.

R - Reveal Your Value Proposition

You're not just a resume among the pile of paper – you're a unique blend of skills, experiences, insights, and potential. It's time to showcase what sets you apart.

Consider the marketing executive who didn't just list her achievements but quantified them: "I increased our social media engagement by 200% in six months, directly contributing to a 15% boost in new client sales and a 4% bump in average ticket sales across all client categories." Numbers scream louder than words, my friends.

Or take the software developer who created a custom app demonstrating his coding skills, tailored specifically to solve a problem for the company where he was interviewing. He presented a Competitive Set Analysis to address what he considered to be opportunities to capture new clients and build loyalty among existing ones. Talk about going above and beyond!

E - Engage with Thoughtful Questions

Remember, an interview should be a two-way street. Asking insightful questions shows you're genuinely interested in the organization and industry, and have done your homework.

One candidate asked, "How does this role contribute to the company's success and achieving its five-year plan?" He then asked the hiring manager to describe the company culture, and if it’s stabilized or in a transitional phase towards something better. These questions demonstrated long-term thinking and a desire to align with the company's goals.

Another job seeker inquired about the biggest challenges facing the department and how she could contribute to overcoming them. She followed up with questions about professional development opportunities, and what key indicators of performance were used in the role to ensure she would know if she was succeeding. This forward-thinking approach impressed the hiring manager and set her apart from other applicants.

P - Present Soft Skills

In today's collaborative work environments, your ability to communicate, adapt, work as part of a team, surpass goals, and bring out the very best in bad situations and co-workers is just as crucial as your technical skills.

A project manager I know shared a story about resolving a percolating conflict between team members, highlighting his communication and leadership skills. This real-world example resonated more than any bullet point ever could on a resume.

Another candidate demonstrated her adaptability by discussing how she successfully pivoted a marketing strategy for a disgruntled client during the pandemic, showcasing her decision-making and conflict-resolution skills, proving she could thrive in uncertain times.

A - Articulate Achievements with Metrics

Don't just tell them you're great – show them with verifiable, cold, hard facts.

Instead of saying she improved customer satisfaction, one candidate stated, "I implemented a new client feedback system that increased our satisfaction scores from 75% to 90% within six months." Specific, measurable, and impressive.

A sales manager didn't just mention that he exceeded targets. He said, "I led our team to surpass our annual revenue goal by 20%, resulting in the highest growth quarter in company history." Now that's an achievement that turns heads!

R - Resonate with Company Culture

Cultural fit is often the make-or-break factor in hiring decisions. Show them you're not just a great worker, but a great fit.

One candidate researched the company's commitment to community service and shared her passion for volunteer work. This alignment with company values made her stand out as someone who would thrive in their culture.

Another job seeker highlighted his volunteer mentoring efforts and the peer-mentoring program he led at a previous employer, aligning perfectly with the company's emphasis on professional and personal development. This shared value created an instant connection with the interviewer.

E - Express Enthusiasm and Authenticity

Let your genuine excitement shine through! Authenticity is magnetic, and enthusiasm is contagious. Remember, you can’t light a fire with a wet match.?

A candidate once told me, "I've followed your company's innovative projects for years, and I'm thrilled at the possibility of contributing to your next breakthrough." Her sincere passion was palpable and memorable.

Another job seeker shared a personal story about how the company's latest project had positively impacted his life, creating a powerful emotional connection with the interviewer.

Now, here's the kicker: The PREPARE(TM) model is a fantastic framework, but it's useless if you don't put it into action. As General George Patton famously said, "A good plan violently executed today is better than a perfect plan next week."

So, my ambitious friends, it's time to stop planning and start doing. Update that LinkedIn profile, reach out to that connection, and apply for that dream job. The perfect opportunity won't wait for you to be ready – you need to be ready for it.

Remember, every successful journey begins with a single step. Your future self will thank you for the action you take today. So, what are you waiting for? Go out there and PREPARE(TM) to succeed!

BIO: Larry Broughton is an award-winning entrepreneur, best-selling author, keynote speaker, leadership mentor, and former US Army Green Beret. CBS News has called Larry “the nation’s foremost expert on leadership and entrepreneurship.” He has been a guest expert on every major television and cable network and has been named among the “Top 10 Speakers in North America” by LA Weekly. www.LarryBroughton.com

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