ONE unexpected piece of advice we learned from a top headhunter is this: Don’t act like a job hunter.
What?! How can you not act like a job hunter when hunting for a job?
The truth is, job hunting can suck. Your potential employer often holds the cards. For the applicant, it feels like an audition (It’s not you, it’s the role, so they say). When you know you are up against similarly talented job hunters, it could be a blow to your confidence.
Another is that you have to act like an entrepreneur rather than a job hunter. You have to show something valuable and different. Here’s how to “entrepreneur” your way to a job application.
Know what you want
While there’s wisdom in “No job is too hard for me!” It’s important to know what you want. How else are you going to land your dream job? True, perhaps the choices are limited. In times like these, finding a job as a dog-walker is too far-fetched. Having a clear picture of what you want leads you to a close fit. For instance, if you are inclined to be in Digitech or the culinary arts, you will consciously and subconsciously find yourself networking with people in that industry. If opportunities don’t present themselves, you should at least be able to figure out how this present job will help you get to your dream job.
Be (at the very least) minimally qualified and have it on paper
This isn’t very obvious for many applicants. If you want to be an SEO (search engine optimization) specialist, learn how search engines work. If you want to be a make-up artist, by all means, know the proper techniques and be familiar with the products on the market. Most important, be qualified in fact. Sure, you may “look” qualified in people’s opinion, but people’s opinions of you can be misleading. Go the extra mile by being qualified on paper. If the opportunity presents itself, take a certificate course. There are instances when a job applicant understands the job better than the person making the hiring decision. Make sure this is obvious (without being too cocky, of course). You want to demonstrate proficiency on and off the paper.
Know your employer’s needs
Let’s face it. Times are tougher than it’s ever been. Remember the company isn’t looking to help a breadwinner or someone supporting someone else’s health and education needs. They are hiring because they need a particular position filled. They care about how you can help the company, not the other way around. In this light, do your research, focus on the organization. Which industry do they belong to? What challenges are they facing? Is there a better way to meet their objectives? Even a vague idea puts you in a better position as a job-hunter than simply trying to fill out a role the hiring manager is tasked to fill.
Take a stand
With this, we don’t mean being too self-assured to the point of telling your interviewer he or she is wrong! Here’s an old story.
In 1939, George Marshall, a one-star general met with the then United States President Roosevelt. He was a junior military man with many other generals higher in rank in the same meeting. The president described his war plan but only Marhsall had the guts to point out some important flaws. This was unthinkable of course. He was the youngest and the lowest-ranking general. Many who were present in the room thought he nailed his coffin shut. Instead, Roosevelt promoted him to top general – over all the others. Roosevelt wanted a general who would stand up for himself.
This is an extreme story, of course. For positions that require decision-making and taking risks, standing your ground and being confident about it, sets you apart from the rest.
Be proactive
The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago… the next best time is today. If someone else got the job, it shouldn’t spell the end for you. Perhaps someone else has the skill set the company is looking for. Perhaps, there were too many applicants and the stars weren’t aligned for you yet. This doesn’t mean you should throw in the towel. Be proactive. Take control and cause something to happen, rather than waiting for something to happen. Network, build relationships. Build on your skillset. The ideal job is just around the bend. Keep going because the struggle will be worth it!/PN
