Myths And Realities
1. True or False: Luck plays a big part in the success of any job search campaign?
False. Golfing great Lee Trevino has been quoted as saying, “The more I practice the luckier I get.” The success you will have in your job search is directly related to the amount of time and effort you put into it. EVERY action you take, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem at the time, is a step in the right direction.
2. Is it you or the number of jobs available?
It’s neither and it’s both! There will always be opportunities and there will always be candidates. The key is to focus on identifying the jobs that are best suited to your skills, capabilities and temperament. Then use every strategy and tactic you can to gain the undivided attention of the hiring manager. You’re striving for separation, differentiation and competitive advantage; that takes resourcefulness, creativity, resilience, courage and unwavering confidence.
3. How do you take inventory of the value you add to an employer?
Where does your skill set fit into the value chain of the company?
Understand why a hiring manager needs your skills to control the bottom line.
4. How do you know when your resume is ready for prime time?
Your resume is ready for prime time when it effectively and succinctly
answers the following questions: What role do I play? What value do I offer? Do the experiences and contributions I describe substantiate those claims? Resumes, like interviews, should tell stories (albeit a relatively short ones) that create in the mind of the reader a compelling image of the capability you posses and impact can make. Strive for signal, not noise!
5. What’s the one interview question you should ALWAYS be prepared to answer?
“Tell me about yourself.”
A great question to be asked because it allows you, if you’re prepared to respond, to focus the subsequent questions and discussion on aspects of your personal and professional experiences that are directly related to the role you are being considered for. Keep it short – no more than three minutes – and share life and work experiences that have contributed to your development of the knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes, behaviors and wisdom that have enabled you to succeed in your field.
6. Is there more than the web for your job search?
85% of positions today are filled through networking.
7. True or False: First impressions are a critical element of the search process.
Answer: True. There are no second chances. Consider hiring a job search coach who has the professional knowhow to advise you at every step of the search process. Coaches work with you to define your passion, develop target institutions, hone your resume, create your competitive edge, practice tough interview questions and help negotiate the offer.
8. It is important to send out as many resumes as possible to increase the odds of success.
NEVER submit a resume and cover note that you don’t intend to follow-up on! It is a waste of your time. Strive for quality over quantity. Identify the types of roles and employers that are best aligned with your aspirations, capabilities, values, personality and needs. Of course, this assumes you have invested the time and energy to develop an awareness of what those criteria are. Then and only then should you invest the additional time and energy in a) developing a compelling expression of interest that highlights your capability and enthusiasm, and b) implementing a plan of attack to gain the undivided attention of the hiring manager.