GAME, SET, MATCH!

With the Wimbledon championships underway this week, the best tennis players from around the world will be aiming to showcase their talents to reach the top. Rafael Nadal, the Williams’ sisters, Roger Federer and of course local favourite Andy Murray focus their entire careers on that moment when they lift the winning trophy. So what separates the best from the rest when it comes to major sporting championships and how can job seekers learn from the top players?

With six Wimbledon titles to his name, the grace and guile of Roger Federer has wowed centre court crowds over the years, but what is the biggest reason for his success. Undoubtedly, it is Federer's killer instinct that time and again sees him come up trumps when it really matters.

Federer’s victories and continued appetite for success cannot, however, be overstated. It is not down to luck. Such an astonishing list of titles is only achieved through hard work, relentless practice and yes, a fair bit of talent. It is this relentless practice that gives Federer the ingrained habit of knowing how to handle the pressure situations where tight matches can often be decided on a few key points.

‘Winning a grand slam championship is much like winning the top job for an executive job seeker - you have to be committed to this same level of relentless practice in the job search,’ says Derek Pilcher from executive careers site TheLadders.co.uk.

TheLadders has these three tips for executives looking to reach championship heights when on the job hunt:
• Have a game plan – ensure you are clued up on the industry happenings, analyse your competitors and lay out your career goals.
• Be match ready – ensure your CV is up to date and rehearse interview questions and answers so you are ready to handle the pressure of the interview.
• Put on your game face – presentation is essential in the interview process, from the way you walk in to the room down to the shoes on your foot it’s important to possess a confidence and show you want to win that job.
‘With this same spirit of both competitiveness and commitment to 'practice', executive job seekers can reach their ultimate goal,’ says Pilcher.