It seems the hiring cycle is beginning again. In the last 30 days, my clients and many job candidates are reporting that they seem to be "suddenly" getting interviews. That's good news, and yet, the competition is fierce for any desirable position.

Two weeks ago I was the keynote speaker for a Society of Human Resources Management luncheon, and I discussed the current job market with several HR managers. They openly shared opinions about why many candidates fail. Several commented about how people took "causal dress" to the limits and "forgot" they need to dress up and put forth a professional image when vying for a job -- any job. They also concluded that many candidates are not good at self marketing, or at giving examples of past results achieved on their previous jobs. They lack enthusiasm and energy, which leads hiring managers to look for those who do radiate interest and an aura of excitement about a job.

It distresses me to hear about so many people failing when they should be moving on into a better future. I've dedicated my life to helping make a difference and nothing makes me feel more rewarded than getting emails like these:

Kari S. wrote, "Unemployed for six months, I was trying to hone my interview skills to provide more professional sounding answers to questions. I followed your suggestions, Robin, and I'm thrilled to have just started a marketing manager position, and the best part is that I secured a 47% salary increase, a three-month salary review, and a comprehensive benefits package!"

Dick R. said, "Thank you for my new job as Branch Manager at Fleet Bank. Your book, '60 Seconds and You're Hired!' proved to be right on the money."

To get ahead, here is some Interview Know-How that will help you:

• Know what to sell. Identify the top five selling points that you bring to the job. Examine your previous experience, noting any special accomplishments. After reviewing the employer and position needs, determine which of your abilities and experience will be most important to the employer. Zero in on your important work strengths -- those abilities where you are most productive.

• Use Your 60-Second Sell. Create a customized 60-second statement that links your five top selling points into a few sentences. You open the interview by using your 60-Second Sell when asked: Tell me about yourself. Your answer focuses the interviewer, bringing attention to your most marketable skills and key strengths, not telling a life story.

• Pay Attention To Your Non-Verbal Language Your movements, gestures, posture and facial expressions are an important part of your overall performance. A sincere smile sends a warm, confident message. Eye contact is one of the important things employers notice.

• Important Questions You Should Ask. A top HR manager at Washington Mutual said: "I judge candidates by the questions they ask, someone focused on succeeding in the job and not how much money I will pay them." Prepare a list of questions that determine more about the actual job requirements, corporate culture and opportunities available.

• Know How to Negotiate Salary and Benefits. 90% of HR managers say salaries are negotiable, according to a recent SHRM survey. Investigate what comparable jobs pay for the job title you are looking for in your geographic area. First, establish why you're the best person for the job -- that will preserve your negotiating power. Once they decide on you, and make an offer, negotiate hard for a higher salary, more vacation, etc. Asking wisely yields prosperous results.

"Scoring a pay hike in a new job hinges on following Robin Ryan's advice."
-- Investors Business Daily.

Know someone graduating? A book or audio training program is the perfect gift for the graduate in today's competitive job market. Robin's four books (What to Do with the Rest of Your Life; 60-Seconds and You're Hired, Winning Resumes and Winning Cover Letters) at only $49 makes an ideal graduation present. Click Here to Order or call 425-226-0414.

Another great product is Robin Ryan's Winning Resume, Cover Letter & Interview Training Package

An easy-to-use and affordable Resume & Cover Letter Writing CD Program to provide an edge in creating attention-getting letters and resumes. The package includes:

• The 2-CD Set Creating Resumes and Cover Letters that Sell!
• PLUS The Resume & Cover Letter Templates(designed for MS Word)
• And, Robin's two benchmark books, Winning Resumes and Winning Cover Letters

"Ryan's two books, Winning Resumes and Winning Cover Letters are terrific resources-they are my top picks for career books for the year."-- Marvin Walberg, syndicated columnist

The average resume receives only a 15-second glance. Robin wrote the book on making those 15 seconds work for you!

You also get Interview Advantage, Robin Ryan's interview audio training program. There are no second chances in a job interview. One mistake and the job goes to someone else. You either make the cut, or you're out. Robin's interactive practice tapes have helped thousands land the jobs they wanted and to negotiate much higher salaries using her techniques.

You'll learn what to say and what questions to ask to impress employers and convince them to hire you. Robin highlights the most common mistakes interviewees make -- the mistakes that cost them the job.

"I used your approach on my interviews and received three offers in one week. At one company, I was competing against fifty other applicants and I came out on top! Thank You!" -- Tony Scuderi, Field Service Engineer, Lunar Corp.

You can order books and audio programs online at www.robinryan.com/careerCoachProducts.htm or call 425.226.0414.

Career Consultations with Robin Ryan

"Robin Ryan is one of America's top Career Coaches." -- Boston Globe

Robin works with clients all across the U.S., so no matter where you live America's top career coach can provide the best guidance possible. Robin offers individual career counseling services with several different program options. Just go to www.RobinRyan.com or call us for details at 425.226.0414.

Robin Ryan has appeared on Oprah, Dr. Phil Show, NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw, CNN, CNBC and is considered America's top career coach. She has recently appeared as career expert on the Dr. Phil Show. She is the best-selling author of: 60 Seconds & You're Hired!; Winning Resumes; Winning Cover Letters, and What to Do with the Rest of Your Life. She's the creator of the highly acclaimed audio training program Interview Advantage and The DreamMaker.

© Copyright 2004 Robin Ryan, all rights reserved. Permission to reprint her column is granted if user includes her bio, lists all four of her books and her website www.RobinRyan.com. Contact author at Robin Ryan, 14404 93rd Street, Newcastle, WA 98059, or call her at 425.226.0404, or e-mail RobinRyan@aol.com