By Jeff Altman, Big Game Hunter
“Don’t wait for the right opportunity. Create it. ~ Bernard Shaw
If there were peace in the Middle East, something that had been thought impossible for thousands of years, you would have a job.
Don’t give in to what the late sales trainer said, Zieg Zieglerwould be called “a case of bad thinking.”
Focus on what could happen now.
As the saying goes, how you eat an elephant (answer: one bite at a time), taking one small step moves the needle forward. So something different. anything. It doesn’t have to be something you think is important. Do something.
When I owned my own recruiting firm, I would switch desks when my sales were down. Sometimes I turn to the built-in desk behind my forward-facing desk. I just need a different perspective on things.
What can you do today? People hire me for no-BS job coaching because I make finding a job easier. I don’t write resumes, although I will criticize resumes. I leave that to the experts in this area. I am someone who has helped tens of thousands of people find jobs.
I can get free information at: job search community. Also, scroll down to receive my Wednesday email with job search advice. Becoming an Insider at any level gives you access to all of my video courses, books, and job search guides, the ability to ask me questions, and if you choose the option above the minimum level, you can also get job search coaching from me.
I have some new content on my website. Become an insider and get all the information. I just posted “Quiet Confidence: The Secret Weapon for the Modern Job Search” As a Kindle book and audiobook on Amazon. Last week I misnamed the book I mentioned, saying it was the 15th or 16th. This is the 21st book in the Job Hunting Essentials series; the one that preceded it. I’m waiting for the editor to come back and start a new series. It will be released this week on JobSearch.Community.
Sell Your Value: A Guide to Modern Interviewing Strategies
Job interviews today are like strategic sales conversations. Just as sales professionals research their prospects before proposing a solution, you need to understand your company’s needs before positioning yourself as the answer.
Think about your interview preparation this way: What value do you bring? How do you solve their specific challenges? What makes you stand out in a competitive market?
Showcase your impact, not just your skills
Don’t simply list competencies, but demonstrate measurable results. When a position requires “strong organizational skills,” don’t just claim to be organized, but back it up with data and results.
For example: “I redesigned our project tracking system using Asana and Slack integration, which reduced missed deadlines by 40% and improved visibility across teams. Our stakeholder satisfaction score improved from 3.2 to 4.6 out of 5.”
Anyone can list skills on a resume. Top candidates tell compelling stories supported by metrics, portfolio examples, or tangible achievements that show real-world impact.
Interpret the job description like a data analyst
Start by systematically analyzing the job posting:
First pass: Understand overall roles and responsibilities.
Second time: Identify recurring keywords and required technical skills. These are the search terms used to tailor the narrative.
The third time: Read between the lines for hidden requirements. If you see “fast-paced startup environment with ever-changing priorities,” that suggests they need adaptability, people who are comfortable with ambiguity, and who thrive without rigid structure.
Create a two-column document that matches their stated and implied needs with specific examples from your experience. This will become your interview preparation roadmap.
Demonstrate cultural fit and collaboration skills
Technical skills to get you started. Soft skills get you hired.
Interviewers will ask themselves, “Would I want this person on my team with a stressful deadline?” They’re assessing your emotional intelligence, communication style, and how you handle conflict or feedback.
Research the company’s values on its website, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor. If they emphasize innovation, be prepared with examples of when you proposed new ideas or challenged the status quo. If they prioritize diversity and inclusion, share how you contribute to building an inclusive environment.
Don’t underestimate qualities like curiosity, adaptability, and genuine enthusiasm. In a competitive candidate pool, these differentiators can often be decisive.
Prepare your personal brand narrative
When you leave your interview, three things should be clear to the hiring team:
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What unique value do you bring? Address their pain points directly
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why did you choose them (Not just why they should choose you)
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How you will contribute Grow with their company from day one
When you take the time to prepare to “sell” your true value proposition, you turn the interview from an interrogation into an engaging conversation about mutual fit and mutual success.
Remember, just like the products on store shelves, you want them to be selected, not have them collect dust and move to the sales bin.
Ⓒ Big Game Hunters, Asheville, NC 2025
Last week I posted more, including:
Obstacles and Obstacles
Layoff Posts: Your Secret Weapon on LinkedIn
Are informational interviews a waste of time?
Explain how companies obtain salary discounts
How to Become a Product Manager – The Complete Guide
Careers you should be paying attention to but probably aren’t
That 1%. . .
How to get more interviews: Get out and about
Will you go to court without a lawyer?
If you have any questions about the interview, you can ask me.
The missing ingredient in most resumes
Look for clues: What recruiters look for when selecting new graduates
How to succeed in life and sales
What recruiters know you don’t
Avoid a bad hire
make your dreams come true
How do recruiters negotiate salary?
build charisma
Your most important professional asset
No BS Career Advice: October 5, 2025
Don’t just google yourself
The Seven Deadly Interview Sins
15 Ways to Evaluate Headhunters and Recruiters
Tough interview question: What types of people would you not want to work with?
Make it easy for people to contact you on LinkedIn
Find the skills that suit you: Skills Matching Tool
Want to take on a senior role? Stop application
Two main reasons why employees fail and quit
Who will do a better job for you – the recruiter or the coach?
Executive Trap: Good Job or Career Killer
How can you tell if a hiring manager is lying to you?
More and more recruiters are using Sizzle: What recruiters know that you don’t
What do you sell in a job interview?
Can the company find out where I actually worked if it’s not on my resume?
How to browse job opportunities today
Market yourself like a headhunter
Job hunting is not a sprint #shorts
The truth about employment agencies
What do hiring managers care about?
The modern resume: more than just a piece of paper
Why do recruiters ask about what they can find on your resume?
Tough interview question: What would a coworker who doesn’t like you say about you?
How should I word my social emails so that they don’t scare them off?
Executive Job Search: The Intangible Market
The “So What” Test for Every Resume Point
Careers you should be paying attention to but probably aren’t
Leading an organization when you have to lay off employees
First things to do if you’re fired
Schedule a free discovery call with me: www.TheBigGameHunter.us/schedule Discuss my guidance for you. My calendar is full. I work with more senior talent rather than individual contributors.
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#BeGreat
Jeff Altman
