Job Search Tactics: How to Rehearse Saying the Right Things

Job searches are all about communication. There are a million things you have to say to people to find jobs, convince them to hire you, and negotiate a salary. And every one of these things needs to be said effectively, in a polished, persuasive manner. The best way to ensure you'll say the right words in the right way every time is to rehearse.

I know, rehearsing what you're going to say has the connotation of big, important speeches before a crowded room full of people. But in a job search, there are many much more mundane things that you should plan and rehearse beforehand, including telephone cold calls, interview stories, introductions, and answers to common questions.

Here's how to rehearse such important verbal communications to give them the polish and presence to set you apart.

Script it Out First
Whenever you've got something important that you'll have to say often, you should definitely script it out. Some people say this takes the "realness" or spontaneity out of what you say. Don't believe such things. The only thing scripting takes out of your job search communication is those bumbley, stumbling moments where you forget to say the most important things. Start your script by writing down the most crucial things you need to say in a given situation. Avoid stiff language such as "I have" instead of "I've," or "I am" instead of "I'm." While you're doing this, think hard about all the details that absolutely have to be mentioned in what you say. For now, don't worry if it all flows. Leave that for the next step.

Make it Natural
Those who say that scripting ruins the freshness of what you're saying probably didn't do it right. We all invariably write differently than we speak. So taking the written word and turning it into something you would comfortably, naturally say takes a little work. Once you've written the rough draft read it out loud. Note any parts that don't sound like something you'd actually say. Then revise them. Keep reading it outloud and tuning the script until it sounds comfortable and natural.