This is an Interview, Not a Blind Date!

On a recent trip into New York City, I struck up a conversation with a cab driver on the trip downtown. As it turns out his true vocation was as an executive in the pharmaceutical industry. Unfortunately, like so many others, he was the victim of corporate downsizing and was laid off 6 months earlier.

He explained he had tried unsuccessfully for months to find another position at other pharmaceutical companies, but without any success. In my natural curiosity as a Career Coach, I inquired about the steps he had taken to acquire a new position. He explained that he had been on a few interviews over the last 6 months. In fact, just two weeks ago, he had been on an interview but had not heard back from them. Of course, my next question was – “so, what did you do to follow-up with the company?” He confidently replied that there was no way that he was going to contact an employer after an interview. If they wanted to hire him, then they would let him know.

If you are not interested in an exciting new career as a cab driver – I implore you – do not use this method!!

This man was treating an interview like a blind date. On a blind date you may be hesitant to follow up because of shyness about what the other person thought of you and the impression you made. You may reason, if they like you - they’ll call. This shyness should not translate into the job search.

There is no shame in being persistent.

While interviewing for a job can be a long and trying process that can shake your confidence, don’t take it personally. A truly qualified interviewer will see your persistence as a strength, not a weakness.

Unfortunately, hiring managers just don’t have a lot of time.  In the current job market, there are typically hundreds of applicants vying for the same position. Once they narrow down their choices, it can take a lot of time to choose the perfect applicant. You can gain a competitive edge by being one of the applicants that follows up and by expressing your true interest in the position.

Back to our friend the cab driver – the fact that he was called in for an interview, was a good indication that the hiring manager was interested in learning more about him. Just because he didn’t receive a follow up call, doesn’t necessarily mean that he wasn’t still up for consideration. It could simply be that they were still in the process of interviewing other applicants.

One of the best questions I recommend that my clients ask towards the end of the interview is “At what stage of the interview process are you currently in?” This will give you an idea if you are the first candidate, the last candidate, and how long it will take them to fill the job.

Follow up or you will be forgotten

It is said that it takes eight interactions with someone before you can get their attention. Your best strategy is to follow up or you will be forgotten! Of course, it is important not to make a pest of yourself, but it is expected that you will call them within a week of the interview and then check back periodically to see if they have filled the position yet. During each encounter with them, make every effort to appear interested and eager to join their team. Do your research and explain why you think you would be a good fit for the position. Also, be sure to convey the value that you can bring to their firm by explaining how you have done so in your past positions and how it relates to the job you are applying to.

Do not treat a job interview like a blind date!

Do not wait for your interviewers to call you.

If you don’t call, someone else will.

– What is the WEIRDEST question you’ve ever been asked on an interview?

Please post your answer below.

When life hands you a lemon, it's time for Plan B

I recently went car shopping and met an extraordinary young salesman named Rich. Well groomed, impeccably dressed, personable, and outgoing. He is extremely knowledgeable and knows everything there is to know about the cars he sells. I recognized that Rich was not your typical run-of-the-mill car salesman. I became curious about his background and how such a talented young man ended up in his position.

He explained that he had graduated from a good college in 2009 with a degree in economics. His dream job was to work at Morgan Stanley and to have a career in finance. Rich did everything he possibly could to make his dream a reality. It just so happened that his uncle worked at Morgan Stanley and while he did his best to get Rich a job there, they just weren't hiring like so many companies in this bad economy.

So, what was he to do?

Life had thrown Rich a lemon.

After scouring the job market, he finally found a job working at his current job for a high-end auto dealership. While it wasn't what he originally wanted and certainly not the job he wanted to stay in throughout his career, he decided it was a good position for him because he loves cars and likes working with people. He also realized that working for a large corporation would provide him with many opportunities for advancement. He knew that if he worked hard and proved himself he would eventually be recognized by his supervisors.

His strategy has paid off. He has gained a reputation for providing extraordinary customer service (I certainly can attest to this!). He explained that he has been introduced to a few upper level executives and his plan is to move up within the company as soon as the opportunity presents itself. In the meantime, it's obvious that he works diligently at elevating his on-the-job performance to the level of excellence.  

So when life throws you a lemon and you can't get the job that you want because of these difficult times, how can you be like Rich and turn it into lemonade?

Use this strategy:

1)     Research industries to find out where they're hiring (such as retail, health care, and security) - go to http://www.bls.gov/ for information

2)     Find a job that incorporates your interests, even if it's entry level

3)     Choose a place where there are opportunities for advancement

4)     Become a valued employee by raising your performance to the level of excellence

5)     Have a plan for moving forward - then follow the plan!

I predict that Rich is not going to be a car salesman for long. It's obvious that he's on the fast track to moving up in his career. If you follow his example, you too can be on the fast track to getting ahead in your career!

My Friend Joe, and How to Find Your Competitive Edge - Part 2

Last week I told you about my friend, Joe, who is a derivative accounting professional specializing in hedge funds. He has no problem finding a job because his area of specialty is in such high demand in his field. His highly sought after career niche is his competitive edge.

So how can you find your competitive edge?

Here are some additional ways:

1. Make sure your qualifications match as closely as possible to your desired job position. 

So many people make the mistake of applying for positions that they are not qualified for and then wonder why they are never contacted. Don’t eliminate yourself from the competition right from the start – make sure you have similar qualifications to be considered in the first place.

Ask yourself - what competencies and credentials are usually required for someone working in my targeted position? 

If you’re not sure, an easy way to figure this out is to read job descriptions on job boards and want ads.  Look to see what qualifications the ideal candidate should possess, and then compare these qualifications to the ones you have to determine how you measure up. 

2. Beef up your credentials if necessary.

If your qualifications fall short, you may decide it’s time to go back to school and get a higher degree, certification, or specific training in your industry.  Or, if certain experience is required, perhaps you can get that experience through a volunteer position. 

Keep in mind that very often practical experience is just as valuable as a degree, so you may not need to go back to school to get an advance degree.

3. Elevate your expertise to the level of excellence. 

Are there any awards that you can win? Any special certifications or degrees that you can obtain that shout that you’re an expert in your field? Prospective employers are very impressed by these “pedigrees.”

4. Find your unique brand.

So, what’s so special about you?

Why would employers want to hire you over candidates vying for the same job?

The answers to these questions will help you to define your particular brand. If you’re wondering why you need to brand yourself, think of it this way -

If you went to the supermarket to buy a box of cereal and all of the boxes of cereal in the aisle had the exact same plain brown packaging with only the word “cereal” written on the box, - how would you decide which box of cereal to buy?

Marketing experts know that in order to get your attention, they need to convey a product’s unique selling proposition – the value of that product to the consumer. The same is true for job applicants. If you can convey what you can offer that the competition does not, then you’ll get hiring managers to notice you.

And,

Once you figure out your unique brand, you can express this on your resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile, and other marketing documents.

 5. Make sure that you have a resume that will entice prospective employers to call you in for an interview.

Your resume is usually the first opportunity a prospective employer has to “meet” you and get to know a little bit about you. If you don’t grab their attention at this critical juncture, you’ll be designated to the reject pile and essentially be out of the running before the race begins.  

Acquiring a competitive edge can be the most important aspect of increasing your chances of being hired and accelerating the hiring process.

Be sure to find yours.

My Friend Joe, and How to Find Your Competitive Edge - Part 1

How to Find Your Competitive Edge in Today’s Job Market

My friend, Joe, is a derivative accounting professional specializing in hedge funds. I have to admit that I had never heard of that job position until I met Joe. I understand that only 5 – 10% of all accounting professionals in the U.S. specialize in this area.

Do you think Joe has a hard time finding a job?

Absolutely not!

Jobs find him.

Recruiters look for guys with Joe’s expertise. When he applies to jobs on the internet, his resume doesn’t go into a black hole like so many others; he’s one of the lucky job seekers who receive an immediate response.

When I think of Joe, I am reminded of the story about Dr. Joyce Brothers. When she wanted to get on “The $64,000 Question” program back in the 1950’s, she realized she needed a competitive edge in order to be chosen to be on the program.  She knew that being a female psychologist was an asset, but she gave herself an even better competitive edge by becoming an expert in boxing trivia. There certainly weren’t many female psychologists who were boxing trivia experts in her day, if any at all.  Brilliant! She was quickly chosen for her unique area of expertise.

The same can be true for someone looking for a job.  If you develop a niche within your industry where there aren’t many experts, you’ll be in high demand - like my good friend, Joe.

Stay tuned for next week’s newsletter where I’ll let you in on other ways to find your competitive edge in today’s job market. 

Career Management 101 - Part 2

Career Management 101 – Part 2

A great way to gain the competitive edge over other applicants is to demonstrate to prospective employers how you have added value on the job and made a difference in past positions that you’ve held. Many people never think to keep statements made by employers endorsing their work, so they are surprised when I ask if they have any of these accolades to include on their resume. Don’t wait until you’re looking for a job to scramble around for any evidence given to you by your former boss for a job well done. Keep in mind that employers realize that past performance will predict future performance – so, don’t be afraid to brag about your accomplishments!

Career management is a lifelong process. To measure your progress, put together and update a career management file. This can simply be a file folder or large envelope containing information and documents that demonstrate how you have made a difference on the job.

This folder should include:

1)     Performance evaluations

2)     Details of your greatest accomplishments (include facts and figures when possible)

3)     Job descriptions of positions you’ve held

4)     Examples of work you’ve produced

5)     A description of times when you’ve received recognition for extraordinary performance from your supervisor

6)     Memos documenting your contribution to a team effort

7)     Written accolades from customers or vendors

From this useful material you will be able to glean impressive accomplishment statements that will lead to better jobs, provide ammunition to win at the salary negotiation table, and that will demonstrate how you have made a significant impact on the job.

Career Management 101 - Part 1

I love to take long walks on sunny days. Since I have an aversion to the sun (no wrinkles for me!), I always wear a big floppy hat. Unfortunately, my hat partially obstructs my view when walking (okay, I’ll admit that I’ve walked into a branch or two!) During one of my recent walks, with my head down, music playing on my iPod, I was amazed to discover that I had covered quite a long distance without realizing it.

It occurred to me that my walk could be a metaphor for life. If we keep our heads down and just move for the sake of moving, we’ll get somewhere, but is it where we really want to end up?

I always ask my coaching clients - “What is your vision for your career?  Where do you want to ultimately end up?” Unfortunately, most people never consider these questions. Instead they are more focused on present concerns and as a result their futures are hit or miss.  Neglecting to plan out your career is like putting a boat out to sea without a pilot to steer it.

Consider how your life would change if you had a master plan for your career. If you decided in the present where you wanted to ultimately end up in the future and then carefully laid out a plan in reverse for reaching each significant step along the way.

There is a famous study which monitored Harvard Business School graduates from 1979 to 1989.  In 1979, the researchers asked the MBA grads if they had goals and if they wrote them down.  Only three percent of the class said they had goals and had written them down.  When they revisited the MBA grads ten years later, they found that the grads who had written their goals down made ten times as much money as the other 97% combined. The moral to this story is that if you want to get ahead in your career, set clear goals for yourself and be sure to write them down.

Creating a master plan for your life and career would be like taking off your hat, unplugging your iPod, and mindfully taking each step on the road to success.

More Tips for Surviving Unemployment & the Job Search Process

Last week I gave you some practical tips for getting through the job search process. This week’s tips help you to maintain a positive outlook while going through the process.

Tip #1 – Go with your internal clock

Are you an owl or a lark? Do you do your best work in the morning or at night? Schedule your toughest activities when you have the energy to do them.

Tip #2 – Take care of yourself

It’s easy to neglect other areas of your life when you’re focusing on finding a job.  Unfortunately, that won’t help to keep your spirits up and your stress down.  Exercise, eat healthfully and put aside an hour each day to do something that you enjoy.

Tip #3 – Make another important list

In my last newsletter, I suggested you make a list of all the things you need to do on a daily basis to conduct a successful job search. Here’s another helpful list. Make a list of all of the things that you value in life – things that are important to you. It may be time with your kids, cooking gourmet meals, or keeping up with a hobby. Now schedule those activities onto your calendar. This is another great way to exercise self care and prevent job search burn-out.

Tip #4 – Surround yourself with positive people and thoughts

During your daily “me” time, read inspiring books and listen to uplifting CDs (you can rent them from your local library and download them onto your computer or iPod).  Watch funny moves, google funny jokes, or look up funny videos on YouTube. All of these activities help to raise your spirits, and lift your mood.

Tip #5 – Resist procrastination

If you put off your job search, it will not go away and you’ll only end up feeling guilty.  The best cure for procrastination is to have a plan and follow it faithfully, even when you don’t feel like it.  As Nike says, “just do it!”

Tip #6 – Take it outside

Don’t isolate yourself by spending all of your time indoors. Instead, schedule lunch or coffee breaks with friends or better yet, make time to network with others. Perhaps you can also do some other tasks at the coffee shop, like researching companies on the internet, or sending out thank you letters.

 

Tip #7 – Visualize yourself being successful

Imagine being called for interviews, projecting confidence and then receiving offers.  This will help you to maintain a positive outlook and a hopeful expectancy.

Don’t let the job hunt get you down!  If you consistently follow the above tips, you’ll be able to increase the odds of finding a job in less time and with less stress. You’ll have a job before you know it!