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Four Zones Of Career Search

January 29, 2014 by voiceofthebox

Matt Crevin, Founder of Voice of the Box says there are four zones, or development stages, in the evolution of a career search. Here they are, along with his advice for how to progress through each.

 Zone 1: The focus is on yourself – because you’re terrified! You’re worried about how you look in an interview, whether you’re dressed OK, and whether the interviewer likes you. “If you’re in Zone 1, there’s no shame in that,” Crevin says. “You’re in there trying to overcome your fears, so good for you!” Matt’s tip: Think about normal conversations you have every day and how you handle typical questions in an informal setting.  If you relax, don’t over think anything and be yourself, the results will follow. Maybe even practice basic mock interviews so you’re in the most comfortable situation possible as you enter the live interview.

Zone 2: The focus is on your content. You’re self-confident about how you look and your ability to answer questions, and you know that content is king, (offering solid answers to interview questions) so you’re simply going to tell the hiring manager what you think (opposed to what you think they want to hear).  In Zone 2, the job candidate knows his or her material and delivers it through carefully constructed talking points, usually while seated across from the manager.  There’s no effort to engage the manager or to tell them how and why you can bring value to their company. Matt’s tip:Give real examples of the value you bring, be authentic and conversational, not overly rehearsed.  Don’t try to provide just the “perfect” answer but speak from your gut on how and why you would make a difference to the company if you were in the role.  In normal conversation, we communicate through our movements, facial expressions, even eye contact.  This body language will also enhance your interviews, so work on adding it to your delivery. It will also help communicate your desire to share something of value – people don’t care what you know until they know that you care.

Zone 3: The focus is on providing something of value. The job candidate is fully confident and knows his or her interview strategy as well as the companies true needs inside out. He or she frames it as something the manager could find beneficial and around solving some the current needs (additional sales, experienced customer service, project management, etc)  “People will often leave a Zone 3 stage saying, ‘I really enjoyed meeting you, thank you for your time” Crevin says. “But they don’t leave the hiring manager with the inspiration or knowledge that they are the right candidate that can be a problem solver.” Matt’s tip: Engage the hiring manager by asking questions about what they hope to leave the interview with. Do they want to learn just about your background?  How about leave them with how your background, experience, skill sets and personality can mesh nicely with their existing team and that you are ready to deliver results. By understanding the companies’ goals, you can create a conversation during your interview that helps them achieve what they really are looking for.

Zone 4: The focus is on developing rapport with the hiring manager and internal contacts.  Most candidates know that they must do something in the first 90 to 120 seconds to engage the interviewer. Asking open-ended questions is one tool; telling the brief story of how you were drawn to the current opening is another. You can quickly scan the office you are in to find a topic to use as an icebreaker.  (I see you like to fish, I’m curious, what’s been your favorite location to fish?) Observe the manager and look for signals on how far to take this light approach to banter.  Most important in my mind is leaving with the knowledge of what the interviewer is looking for in a successful hire.  (Simply ask in the process what he/she is looking for and at the end of the interview rephrase it and position that towards your background and skill set with what you now know will most satisfy them. “People in Zone 4 have arrived, usually through practice and having had interviews before,” Crevin says. “They know the do’s and don’ts. They will keep the interview as real and conversational as possible.  They understand the managers true needs and do the best possible job of mapping the companies’ needs to their core skill set and practical experiences.  Lastly, the candidate will take a multi-dimensional approach to addressing how their background is a fit, the value they bring that will ultimately resolve the true needs of why they are hiring in the first place.  Anyone can tell a hiring manager about their background, previous results, awards, (the Who they are, what they do, etc)…few can tell a manager, in a compelling way, why they are a good fit for the role and why they are good at what they do.

A career search process, like anything else, is a “progression of expertise,” Crevin says. So no matter which zone you fall into, with practice and help from a career coach with experience, you can improve.

For more: contact Matt Crevin at matt@voiceofthebox.comm

Filed Under: Matt's Blog Tagged With: career coaching, Matt Crevin, voice of the box, work in sports

Almost 60 Days Until New Years Resolutions

October 30, 2013 by voiceofthebox

When was the last time you invested some quality time (even a small amount) towards your professional or career development? Imagine how valuable it would be to have a game plan for your career search.  A strategy in place to help you stay focused and moving forward opposed to all over the place and getting overwhelmed.

Having a career search strategy as well as a process in place is truly the key. Having a piece of mind that not only do you have a roadmap but methods on how to execute that plan.  That’s exactly what happens when you work with Voice of the Box.

If you’re considering investing some time into your career search and professional development, please do two things:

1. Send an e-mail to: matt@voiceofthebox.comm

2. Find a 10-minute time slot for a call to learn more about how we can help.

Also, below are a few testimonials of folks who have worked with Voice of the Box:

Dear Matt, 

Thanks for doing the webinar yesterday. It was extremely insightful. We actually met briefly last year when you came to speak to the Sports Business Association at Arizona State University. I really enjoyed hearing you speak on both occasions.  I am extremely excited to begin what I hope to be a long and successful career in the sports industry.  Thank you again for taking the time to inspire people and for believing in a new generation of aspiring sports professionals. 

— – – – – – –

“When I first met Matt I was a college student looking to get into the sports industry. He was instrumental in helping me understand the value of networking, and helped me build a network of my own with other sports professionals. Now that I work in the sports industry full-time, I can fully appreciate the lessons he shared and realize the positive impact he had on my career.”

————-

I truly feel your coaching sessions were the catalyst in landing a position with a NFL Franchise. I appreciate all you have helped me with advice wise and networking wise.

 

I hope to work with you to get you “in the game.”

Matt

Founder- Voice of the Box, LLC

 

Filed Under: Matt's Blog Tagged With: career coaching, Matt Crevin, sports industry, sports jobs, voice of the box, work in sports

Show 112 – 10/09/13

September 11, 2013 by voiceofthebox

Matt was back tonight and the crew was off to the races with the “Fastest Hour in Sports.” Starting off we had Tips of the Hat, coming from Don he gave a Tip to the Eagles and to the NFL fining the Detroit Lions. Following up Kristina gave a Tip to both Serena Williams and Terrell Pryor. Finishing up Mr. Ron gave a Tip to the University of Illinois and to most importantly to the Packers for losing to the 49ers. Moving on we had a quick college rundown roundtable with Don, Kristina, and Mr. Ron. Next we had our sporting highlights from the past week Don starting off giving a shout out to the Oregon Ducks. Moving the train along we had an open roundtable on the upcoming Alabama & Texas A&M game this Saturday. Following up we had an open roundtable on last week’s NFL games.

Coming back from break we headed into the end of our NFL roundtable.  Next we had our Pick of the Week sponsored by InkFiends. Starting off we had the first pick of Alabama vs. Texas A&M, Kristina picked Alabama while Don picked Texas A&M. The next pick was Seattle vs. San Francisco, Kristina and Don both picked Seattle. Following we had our Around the Dial segment prepared by Kristina. Following we had our Rant of the Week by Kristina sponsored by PG Sports featuring the abysmal USC football team’s performance against Washington State. Closing out the show we had we had a quick Buy & Sell featuring Don and his favorite sports baseball and football.  We’d like to thank you all for listening in we appreciate the support….AS ALWAYS LADIES AND GENTS GOOD FIGHT GOOD NIGHT!

[button link=”http://www.spreaker.com/show/beyond_the_game_sports_talk” newwindow=”yes”] PODCAST[/button]

Filed Under: Rich's Blog Tagged With: beyond the game, Matt Crevin, sports talk

Show 108 – 08/07/13

August 7, 2013 by voiceofthebox

The fastest hour in was off to the races tonight with Matt, Kristina, Tony and Mr. Ron we buckled our seatbelts for a wild ride.  Starting off we had our sporting highlights where Kristina and Mr. Ron both gave a shout-out to Tiger Woods. Next we had our Tip of the Hats from Kristina and Mr. Ron. Kristina gave a tip to Tiger and Mr. Ron gave a tip to the MLB for the suspensions. Moving forward we had a roundtable discussion on the biogenesis scandal in the MLB. This roundtable leads to a comparison of the NFL and MLB in handling the use of PEDS. Moving along we had another roundtable on lightning round topic Alex Rodriguez on whether you would trust him on your team.

Coming back from the break we started off with a quick roundtable on Johnny Manziel and the rest of the scandals in the NCAA this year. Next we had our Pick of the Week sponsored by InkFiends Clothing. This week we had the final major of the year on the PGA Tour. Kristina picked Tiger and Mr. Ron went with the field. Following up we had our Around the Dial segment prepared by Kristina. Next we had our Rant of the Week featuring Riley Cooper of the Eagles. Closing out we had a quick Buy and Sell featuring the top sports frauds and whether Bud Selig will have a positive or negative career in the books once he’s done. As always Ladies and Gents….GOOD FIGHT GOOD NIGHT!!

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Filed Under: Rich's Blog Tagged With: beyond the game, Matt Crevin, sports radio, sports talk

Show 103 – 02/07/13

July 3, 2013 by voiceofthebox

It’s a new day and it’s time for another jam packed hour of sports with BTG. Starting off the show we had Kristina breaking down the first blockbuster trade in the NBA involving the Clippers, Suns, and the Bucks.  Following we had a quick buy and sell on how got the better of the three-team trade and we had a lead-in into Doc Rivers leaving Boston for the Clippers. Moving the train along we had Don and Kristina give us the sporting news they’re tracking right now.  Moving along we had our quick Tip of the Hats and that lead to a baseball roundtable with Encyclopedia Don on players being hit by pitchers.

Coming back from break we opened up with the Pick of The Week sponsored by InkFiends featuring Tomas Berdych vs Novak Djokovic Kristina and Don both picked Novak for the win. Up next we had our Around the Dial segment prepared every week by Kristina. Moving forward we had Kristina giving you the Rant of the Week featuring NFL players and their off season choices. Following we had Don, Matt and Tony giving a breakdown of the NCAA Realignment of Conferences. Wrapping we had our events we’re looking forward to this week.  We’d like to thank you all for staying with us for this hour long sports session as always LADIES AND GENTS GOOD FIGHT GOOD NIGHT!!

Become a Fan on Facebook!
Join us each Tuesday night at 9PM EST and go BEYOND THE GAME!
Listen to our 24/7 feed of the most recent show:
CLICK HERE!

Filed Under: Rich's Blog Tagged With: beyond the game, Matt Crevin, sports talk

Show 102 – 25/06/13

June 26, 2013 by voiceofthebox

Sound the horn America the Cap is back Ladies and Gents Matt Crevin is back in the building!! Opening up the show we had our sporting highlights and lowlights from the week that was. Don gave a quick shout out to UCLA and Mississippi State for playing in the College World Series. Kristina gave a shout out to her Clippers for hiring Doc Rivers. Moving forward we brought in Mr. Bear Fan Ron for a quick look into the Chicago Blackhawks Stanley Cup win. Afterwards we had our lowlights from this week and Aaron Hernandez from the Patriots was the hot topic of discussion. Closing out before break we had a quick baseball roundtable discussion.

Coming back from break we opened with our Pick of the Week featuring soccer sponsored every by InkFiend Clothing first off we had Uragray vs Brazil both Don and Kristina picked Brazil; moving forward we have Spain vs Italy again Don and Kristina both picked Spain. Moving forward we had our Around the Dial segment prepared every week by Kristina. Moving forward we had our Rant of the Week by Kristina sponsored by PG Sports. Closing out the show we had a roundtable Buy and Sell featuring hockey and basketball. To finally wrap it up we had the sporting events that we’re looking forward to this week. AS ALWAYS LADIES AND GENTS THANKS FOR LISTENING…GOOD FIGHT GOOD NIGHT.

Become a Fan on Facebook!
Join us each Tuesday night at 9PM EST and go BEYOND THE GAME!
Listen to our 24/7 feed of the most recent show:
CLICK HERE!

Filed Under: Rich's Blog Tagged With: beyond the game, Matt Crevin, sports talk

Happy Spring from Voice of the Box

May 2, 2013 by voiceofthebox

Spring has arrived! This is the time of year we often find ourselves cleaning out our closets, making room for new opportunities, and asking ourselves how to refresh our lives and perspectives. We at Voice of the Box truly enjoy helping people alter their careers and start anew. Coaching our clients to success is our commitment.

In the spirit of Spring time cleaning and starting anew we wanted to share how we can help you enhance and bolster your career search process.

First, and most important,  it starts with having a strategy…nothing can happen unless you have a solid plan in place and that is where we start with all our coaching clients.  We help you create a game plan that you can go out and execute.

IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO BREAK INTO A CAREER IN SPORTS…

All it takes is 3 things:

1) Proven strategies,

2) Dedication

3) And a little personal attention from someone who has already gotten the results you’re after.

I’m here to help you “Get in the Game.”

Matt

Founder of Voice of the Box, LLC

Filed Under: Matt's Blog Tagged With: career coaching, Matt Crevin, sports careers, sports industry, sports media, voice of the box, work in sports

What Not to Say in a Thank You Letter

April 24, 2013 by voiceofthebox

You know it’s a good idea to write a thank-you note after an interview, but a lot of people fail to take this basic step. While unlikely to make an employer totally reverse an opinion about you, when done well, thank-you notes can help you stand out from a crowd of applicants. Consider that a lot of employers interview numerous candidates, many of whom gave similar answers to a series of basic questions. If you want hiring managers to remember you favorably, write a knockout thank-you note; it may make a difference.

Be mindful, though: some follow-up notes leave employers cold and less likely to pursue candidates. For example, if your letter is too generic, too short, or if it sounds like a template or scripted message, you probably won’t win any points. Other red flags for the employer: Were you in too much of a hurry when you wrote your message? Are there mistakes or typos? Does your follow up cause the reader to doubt your interest in the job? If you can’t sound invested in the position and take the time necessary to write an interesting note, you may be wasting your time.

FULL STORY

Filed Under: Featured, Matt's Blog Tagged With: career coaching, Matt Crevin, sports careers, work in sports

Game Plan For Success

April 9, 2013 by Matt Crevin

The new book by Career Coach Matt Crevin – Get In The Game – is on sale now! Buy it here.

As is the case with most endeavors, there is rarely one magic bullet, one piece of advice or one thing to share in terms of what would help others break into the sports industry. For the most part it is a series of events that must take place and an action plan put in place (and implemented) that will help secure the job of anyone’s dreams.

There is so much that goes into an effective career search for any dream job that is very tough to narrow it down to one suggestion.  Here is what I would suggest to anyone:

It is one answer broken down into several parts

Have a game plan:

Successful teams as well as businesses have strategies in place to achieve goals, in both the short and the long-term. Job searching and networking is no different.

  • Combine your passion with a specific technical aptitude to find your niche.
  • Make sure you position yourself and your message to the specific market(s) you are going after.
  • Surround yourself with people you can learn from and be available to return the favor in the years ahead.
  • Continually build an industry specific network and leverage your network effectively to eventually have your own “advisory board” that you can rely on and utilize for years to come.

A big key is to be seen. Like successful marketing plans and branding strategies there needs to be a differentiation aspect to you as a person and a professional. What is it that seperates YOU from EVERYONE else??? A skill, a degree, an experience? Whatever it is, it must be not only improved on daily, but also perfected.

If you really pushed me to provide one thing that would ensure anyone to have a successful career search…BE AUTHENTIC

What does that mean?

It means to go about your career search with passion, integrity and professionalism but first and foremost be yourself and let that be your guiding principle. Too many people try too hard to be someone they are not and get caught eventually.

Why not show your true colors and be genuine right from the start. It will help you differentiate yourself and also it will set realistic expectations because at the end of the day, people hire people.  Sure you need all the traditional information to support your case (resume, cover letter, (positioning statement) but when given the opportunity to meet/interview with someone, be authentic!

The new book by Career Coach Matt Crevin – Get In The Game – is on sale now! Buy it here.

Filed Under: Matt's Blog Tagged With: career coaching, careers, Matt Crevin, sports careers, sports jobs, sports management, sports marketing, voice of the box, work in sports

How To Win In Your Job Interview

March 12, 2013 by Matt Crevin

Whether I am on college campuses or talking on the phone with coaching clients, I’m asked for advice on how to break into the sports industry all the time. I really enjoy when some little bit of advice really resonates for someone and makes a difference in his or her search –

The consistently best bit of advice I offer, that has come back to me time and again, is this:

When it gets to that part of the live interview with your future boss where they ask, “well, do you have any questions for me?”, say yes, and ask:

“How do I help YOU get a great review next year?”

This bit of advice has helped more people in more interviews than any other bit of advice I’ve shared over the years.

Why?

Well, the interview process lends itself to self-absorption. We spend so much of the time talking about ourselves that we forget that we sound like one of those people who only talks about themselves.

People typically ask all sorts of questions about the job and reporting structure and how it fits in with the company’s five-year plan and so on. We get so obsessed with the details of the job that we forget about the work.

Working together and being a good addition to the team means being concerned with how you are making the team successful. And that means being concerned with how much you are helping to make your boss successful.

Asking this question shows that you have empathy. It shows that you have an interest in your boss’ career and future success. It shows that you are not just a self-absorbed “what’s-in-it-for-me” kind of person. And it shows that you know you are there to “give” as much as you are there to “get”.

The “get a great review” question is an easy tip to implement in your job search: it’s easy to do, easy to understand, and it’s easy to measure.

And that makes it my best bit of career advice ever.

Are you ready to get in the game?

The new book by Career Coach Matt Crevin – Get In The Game – is on sale now! Buy it here.

Filed Under: Matt's Blog Tagged With: job interviews, Matt Crevin, sports careers, sports jobs, voice of the box, work in sports

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