These are my two coaching ideas on the tip of my tongue right now.
For job seekers: Ask for the Job
The emphasis here is on job - not ask.
In your introductory email, you must be able to say “I AM A [insert job title here]“ The job title must exactly match the job role being advertised.
Do not fudge it. If the position is UI designer, say “I AM A UI DESIGNER” not graphic designer or UI/UX designer. Please do not ask the recruiter or hiring manager to select you over someone who introduces themselves with a title matching exactly.
When it comes time to interview, introduce yourself the exact same way. Say “I AM A SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING MANAGER” or whatever the exact job title is. The most recent job title on your resumé should exactly match this title. You should fudge this, if necessary.
Otherwise you are asking the recruiter or hiring manager to select you over someone whose most recent job was the same as the role they’re hiring for.
And why should they do that?
For salespeople: Ask for the sale
Salespeople often spend so much time scrounging and hunting for business that they forget that the customers they are looking for are also looking for them, as well. These customers want to buy — they want you to be successful at your job of making the sale.
Clients will help you stop guessing and clear the remaining obstacles if you ask them for their help. Ask them sincerely, and you’ll often learn what it will take to get the job done. You might also learn that a deal that you thought was close just isn’t going to happen, and that can be valuable as well.
Here are some words I’ve used for this recently:
“Could you let me know specifically a price that would enable you to move forward with this immediately?
“If we were able to offer this at $X, would you be able to get us a purchase order by [DATE Y]?”