 Photo by DL Wyer on Unsplash Most people like watching the popular TV show Shark Tank because it is entertaining and can teach you a lot about entrepreneurship. But even if you don't aspire to become an entrepreneur, it can also teach you a lot about how to ace a job interview. It's hard for entrepreneurs to get on Shark Tank. Very few get to pitch their business to "sharks" (investors interested in funding entrepreneurs' business for equity). Getting a deal from "sharks" is harder. You have to prove your mettle and your growth potential. Similarly, getting a job interview is hard; walking away with a job offer is harder. Getting a deal on "Shark Tank" is not much different than getting a job. You have to use the same skills. Just like entrepreneurs on Shark Tank, to get a job, you must have these five things: Product, Purpose, Passion, Presentation, and Prize. Product Entrepreneurs on Shark Tank have a product or service they have developed over a long time. The product must solve customers' problems and make money. In a job interview, you are the product. And you have to show how you can solve an employers' problem so they can make money. Purpose This is your why. Most entrepreneurs on Shark Tank have a good story on why they are entrepreneurs. Sharks like to hear about entrepreneurs' why before they invest. When interviewing, you must have your why. Interviewers need to know why do you love what you do as a professional. Passion Entrepreneurs on Shark Tank are passionate about their products. This is a MUST. If entrepreneurs can't get excited about their product, they can't get "sharks" excited about making an investment. You must do the same when you are interviewing. You must show passion for your product---You--- and the value you will deliver. Presentation Entrepreneurs on Shark Tank are judged on how well they can present to "sharks." This is the test all entrepreneurs must ace. In a job interview, you must also do the same. You have to show who you are, what you have, and why they should care. If you do this well, you are likely to get the job. Prize Entrepreneurs know why they are on Shark Tank. They want a deal from the "sharks" to take their business to the next level. Also, they need to show why they are a prize for the sharks to want a bet on them. In a job interview, you must focus on getting a job offer and showing why the employer should bet on you to drive growth. Presentation Wins Deals To secure a deal from "sharks," entrepreneurs have to do a great job at presenting their product, business, and growth. Similarly, getting a job comes down to how well you can articulate the value you bring to an employer. You have to show confidence by displaying these five attributes in your interview like you are on "Shark Tank":
Simplicity Sharks get pitched a lot, so entrepreneurs must keep it simple. The successful ones tell, sell and close.
You have to do the same when interviewing. You have to keep it simple and must tell, sell and close. Clarity Entrepreneurs who are talking too much and not clear of what they are doing and where they want to go with their business are less likely to get a deal. The ones who get a deal are very clear and don't make the sharks think too hard. You must do the same when you are interviewing. Clarity is key to your success. You want to say less and let the interviewers ask for more if they are interested in knowing more details. Remember, the more words you use, the more you will confuse. You are likely to make the interviewers think hard. And when they have to think hard, they don't make a decision in your favor. Focus A lot of entrepreneurs lose deals because they are not focused. Lack of focus confuses the sharks, and they don't invest. In a job interview, you must stay focused on your message, narrative, problem-solving skills, and the value you can deliver to an employer. And keep repeating it. Saying it once is not enough. In the Old Testament, you see the Lord reminding Israelites how He rescued them from Egypt and gave them the land filled with milk and honey? There is a lot of repetition in the Bible. And the Bible is still the most popular book in the world. In an interview, act like a Lord and repeat what value you have delivered and will deliver in the future. It works. Money Entrepreneurs must be able to talk about money confidently. They must explain how much money they have made. How they plan to make more money in the future and how. Entrepreneurs are judged heavily on their ability to explain money. In a sense, it's all about money. Similarly, you must talk about money you have made for previous employers. How you plan to make money for the employer with whom you are interviewing. You are going to be judged on this part of the interview more closely than anything else. Employers may like what you can do for them, but it is your job to link it to money. Companies are in business to make money and lots of it. If you have done it, say it. Don't assume the interviewers will figure it out. And yes, like the Bible, keep repeating, "I help companies make money." Attitude If you are on a stage that can change your life, you have to act like a winner. Entrepreneurs who act like winners on the show not only get a deal but get an excellent deal. When you are interviewing, you must show a winning attitude. It's contagious. You will not just get an offer but get an excellent offer. You have to act like a winner before you can be a winner. You must maintain your composure in a stressful situation and stick to your game plan. If you do that, you will exude confidence and increase your chances of getting a job offer. Getting a job is no different than getting a deal on "Shark Tank." You must have something sellable, but that is not enough. You have to do a great job in presenting your value in a job interview. It is a test to get the job. With some work, and perhaps so some targeted coaching, anyone can ace it. Good Luck! #####  I guide people thrive on high stakes stage whether it's for a job interview, career advancement, a sales presentation or a high-stakes speech. I wrote an advanced and comprehensive on speaking titled Winning Speech Moments: How to Achieve Your Objective with Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere. The main idea of the book is that if you want people to remember you and take action, you must create a winning speech moment in your speech.
Please contact me if you would like to thrive on high stakes stage. You can reach me at joza@winningspeechmoments.com or 732-847-9877. Time is Money but Communication is Wealth
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