In a recent job search workshop I led, a talented, well-educated and experienced professional listed a number of callback interviews that went nowhere. Apparently, this always-the-bridesmaid-never-the-bride syndrome had been going on for weeks.
He asked if he should expand his search targets. I told him the problem wasn't his targets, but himself, and hence the inspiration for this article.
The world isn't out to get you. Other people are too busy to spend their precious time sabotaging your dreams. If you haven't gotten what you want yet, the only person with the problem is you.
This doesn't mean I think he's a problem as a person. He was invited multiple times by great companies — think Citigroup, Goldman Sachs caliber. As I said, he's talented, well-educated and experienced.
But clearly, there is something wrong in his job search technique – his interview performance in the later stages, his ability to convert leads to actual offers.
In a fight between you and the world, bet on the world. – Franz Kafka
Getting a job is like making a sale – it is a combination of two factors, you and your market. If you're not getting what you want, it is up to you to make the market respond to you.
Maybe you're calling on the wrong market (the candidate did consider expanding his search list). But before doing that, I would look at your part of the equation. Are you doing the right things to reach your market?
Do you sell yourself appropriately and compellingly in interviews?
Do you represent yourself in the marketing before interviews (think resume, networking) in a consistent way throughout the interviews? Or do employers see a bait and switch?
Do you present yourself as the best solution for the employer's needs?
Do you engender rapport with the people you meet? People hire people they like.
Do you build trust with the people you meet? People hire people with integrity.
Do you ask for the sale? Do employers know you are interested and eager to work with them?
The job workshop participant recognized areas that he could improve, and we're working together to figure out how to shift his job search focus to closing on the sale.
Do you recognize some job search technique in the above list that you need to improve? The job market is improving. If your job search is not where you expected it to be, you need to look at your contribution to why you haven't been hired.
Do you have a plan, expertise, and support to turn your search around? If you are not sure what the problem is or how to fix it, work with someone who can help solve the problem.
Most successful people credit a coach or mentor or additional people outside of themselves with giving the extra guidance and encouragement they needed to break through to their goal. Who's on your team to help you?
Thanks to Caroline Ceniza-Levine / Blogs Forbes
No comments:
Post a Comment