How I Got the Job: Ed Warner – The “Hidden” Job Market
In this episode of “How I Got the Job,” Ed Warner talks about his recent job search. He shares how he tapped into the “hidden” job market, the importance of networking and how social media factored in as well. Listen in and share your thoughts below.
Interested in implementing these techniques to make your job search more efficient? Check out Kevin’s Job Search 2.o Bootcamp Homestudy System – designed specifically more the mid to senior level executive designed to drive opportunities to you, establish you as a Subject Matter Expert and cut significant time off your search – all without using job boards or recruiters. Click here to learn more.
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Kevin Kermes publishes the ‘Build the Career Your Deserve’ e-zine with over 21,000+ subscribers. If you are ready to empower yourself with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job you want and build the successful career you deserve, visit him now www.kevinkermes.com
2009 © Kevin Kermes Inc. – All Rights Reserved
The Pre-Interview Most Miss…and How to Pass it Every Time – Part 2 of 2 (guest blogger Lorena Stanley)
Now that I’ve spent some time demystifying what is happening behind the scenes, it’s time for you to understand what the Pre-Interview Test typically looks like. Keep in mind, this really isn’t an identifiable “test”, rather it is a process that most companies follow in some form that I’ll describe.
As a result of the sheer number of responses to openings, Companies are now typically sending out a Pre-Interview Test that comes in the form of an email or voicemail that could say something like:
“Thank you for your Resume submittal. We are currently reviewing your information and would like to ask you a few follow up questions.
1. Do you have experience with ______________?
2. Have you ever ________________?
3. When is the last time you ________________?
4. Write a short paragraph of why you want to work for us.
Please provide us with the answers to these questions and please do the following:
- Reply back with a Word version of your Resume attached.
- The subject line of your email should read: Answers To ______ Questions
- Reply back to: abc@xyzco.com
- Please call (555) 555-5555 and leave a brief message with:
a. your name
b. your number
c. the position you applied to
d. the date you replied back
e. good days and times for us to get back in touch with you
Thank you and we look forward to your reply.
If you are at all interested in the opportunity, PAY CLOSE ATTENTION to all the requests they’re asking of you. Each layered request is a test. Do not be fooled by the simplicity in what they are asking for. Here are some HINTS on how to best respond to the various questions and requests.
1. HINT: Don’t answer with a yes or no. Please understand you are being evaluated. Don’t show you are lazy or in a hurry with a one word answer. Be concise, to the point, but give a solid answer showing your experience.
2. HINT: Again, don’t just answer with a yes or no. Respond and then tell them when.
3. HINT: When answer something like this, don’t stop at the date, but tell them the results. Remember, you are selling yourself as a candidate.
4. HINT: This is important! Make sure you have a well written paragraph that shows you have done your research and give real reasons why you would want to work for this company. Don’t be generic and just respond with how much the industry interest you, make sure you are being specific to their company when you give your answer. You are being judged on your written communication; as well as content of your response.
5. HINT: Vista is not compatible with earlier versions of Microsoft. I suggest playing it safe and send a Word (97-2003) version. If you want to include a .pdf that’s fine, but make sure it is in addition to not instead of the Word version they asked for.
6. HINT: This is huge! Most people just hit reply and never change the original subject line of the email. This shows the employer you were not following directions.
7. HINT: Again, this is huge. The person who originally sent the email may not necessarily be the one that needs these responses. Make sure you are following their instructions very specifically.
8. HINT: They are testing your phone presence, your energy level, and your verbal communication skills. They are listening to make sure you answered all the questions they asked, and quite honestly, they are listening for if they like you.
As you can see, this is not rocket science, but it is easily dismissed as not being important.
If you are not completely following each step, even just missing one thing, you’re going into the “not a fit” pile. I’m very serious. No matter how qualified you may be, a filtering mechanism is needed and although it may not be perfect, it does weed out a high percentage of “prima donnas”, “non detail oriented”, and “really were never interested in the position in the first place” candidates.
These tests are purely a simple set of questions or actions for you to follow; precisely, as a pre-screening tool. Pay attention to the details and follow any instructions you are given during the interview process! Here’s what’s interesting: About 70-80% of applicants get eliminated right away because of their inability to follow simple instructions such as the ones in my example.
HINT: I routinely use these tests for my own internal Hiring and I can attest to 80% of the applicants are filtered out right away. It’s always so alarming to see. Follow my simple tips and you will be part of the 20% that’s still going to move forward through the process.
Want to learn more? Lorena is not only this week’s guest blogger, but my Subject Matter Expert (SME) Webinar for the Career Mastermind Group on December 15th. Her topic – “You’ve Got the Interview – Now What?” Read more about how you can join this call and the Mastermind Group for free.
Lorena Stanley founded Lorena’s List in 2008 to help Six Figure Corporate Career Seekers Get Back to Work Faster. She has been In the Executive Recruiting business for over 15 years both as an Executive Recruiter and as an Owner of a World Wide Executive Search firm; which is part of an organization that has 600 Offices and 6,000 plus Executive Recruiters. This allows her access to real life, real time information. This network places 3,000+ candidates a month and connects with conservatively 100,000 Hiring Managers and HR Professionals a month. Lorena’s List information has been time tested and proven to work thousands of times over.
The Pre-Interview Test Most Miss…and How to Pass it Every Time (guest blogger Lorena Stanley)
Does this describe you?
- - You are Employable but not currently Employed.
- - You know you’ve been perfect for the jobs you’ve applied for but never heard back from them.
- - Or, you may hear back but after either a short email exchange, you don’t hear back again. Why? What happened?
These are common scenarios I see daily. The problem may stem from a very simple process that I’ll call the Pre-Interview Test. So let’s talk a little bit about what makes up the Pre-Interview Test that most candidates miss!
Pre-Interview tests are becoming common place for companies to use as another tool to screen applicants. Why? Let me take you through some real life numbers that will shock you.
When a Recruiting Firm places an ad for a Company, specifically in today’s market, regardless of the position, geography, or market niche, they typically get 500 resumes that first day for that one position. By the end of 5 days on average they receive 1,000 to 1,500 resumes for one position. 1,000 to 1,500, for one position! That’s a lot. Now you have some more insight as to the competition you’re up against. Don’t worry; read on, I’m also going to give you some information that if applied, will shatter that competition. But, first I want to really give you some good insider perspective.
Let’s do some quick math. If the person who is screening resumes only spends 2 minutes per resume to quickly scan it, that’s about 33 to 50 hours just looking at resumes. Do you think the person doing this task only has one responsibility? No! They are probably only allotted 4 hours/day at most, to do this task.
After the quick 2 minute scan to decide who is in the “move forward” pile and who’s in the “not a fit” pile, they now need to re-scan the “move forward” pile and dig a little deeper into specifics. This could easily be another 30 plus hours. Calculating to this point, we are 2 weeks in and we are only talking about the 1st week’s worth of resumes. This is pretty enlightening information that I bet you didn’t think about before.
So when you are on some of the social networking sites, or reading articles about submitting your resume, and you see “quote” experts telling you that after 3 or 4 days of you submitting your information, if you haven’t heard back, something must be wrong. Well, I’m here to tell you nothing may be wrong at all, other than they are inundated with responses. That’s the simple truth and the reality of what’s happening in today’s market.
So now you have a better understanding of the sheer volume Recruiters and Companies are getting, you can understand Companies have to find a way to screen OUT applicants.
What’s happening to the “not a fit” pile? Trust me, the last thing on their mind is to put them in some sort of a system to start processing the standard, “thank you for applying, but we are moving forward with other candidate’s” letter. That would require conservatively another 30 to 40 hours of someone’s time. They should (and most do) eventually follow up, but it’s not going to be their first priority.
One more thing to consider, all this work I’ve described is only for one position that they may have open. Most Companies (and Recruiting Firms) are Hiring for multiple positions at a time. Not hearing back from a Company right away doesn’t necessarily mean you’re “not a fit”.
Stay tuned for part 2 of this article where I walk you through what I’ve labeled as the Pre-Interview Test and how to make sure you pass it every time.
Lorena is not only this week’s guest blogger, but our Subject Matter Expert (SME) Webinar for the Career Mastermind Group on December 15th. Her topic – “You’ve Got the Interview – Now What?” Read more about how you can join this call and the Mastermind Group for free.
Lorena Stanley founded Lorena’s List in 2008 to help Six Figure Corporate Career Seekers Get Back to Work Faster. She has been In the Executive Recruiting business for over 15 years both as an Executive Recruiter and as an Owner of a World Wide Executive Search firm; which is part of an organization that has 600 Offices and 6,000 plus Executive Recruiters. This allows her access to real life, real time information. This network places 3,000+ candidates a month and connects with conservatively 100,000 Hiring Managers and HR Professionals a month. Lorena’s List information has been time tested and proven to work thousands of times over.
SME Mastermind Call: Lorena Stanley – “You’ve Got the Interview – Now What?”
Our next Subject Matter Expert (SME) Mastermind Call is on Tuesday, December 15 at 12:00pmEST
“You’ve Got the Interview – Now What?”
All your hard work has finally gotten you here – the interview. But, do you have a plan that will secure the offer? Are you relying on the interviewer to control the conversation or would you like to take charge? Our next Subject Matter Expert (SME), Lorena Stanley, is going to share the secrets to crafting the plan to help you get the job you want. Leveraging her 15+ years in the Executive Recruiting business (both executing searches and owning a Worldwide Executive Search Firm) she has seen it all and will show you:
- The Pre-Interview Test that 80% of people fail! She’ll show you how to master it so you are called back
- How to impress them with your strengths without sounding like you are bragging
- Tips to make sure you remain in control of the interview – so you can standout every time!
- Plus, we will have a live Q&A session for you
Lorena will do all this by sharing clear and simple steps to help you develop an interview strategy that will help you get the job you want and stay true to your style and authenticity.
This call is ONLY for Career Mastermind Group members. Not a member yet?
Join now to access this call (as well as the archived calls and training materials) with Kevin’s special F.R.E.E. 1 month Membership trial.
By joining you also get access to past SME Calls (Ilona Vanderwoude on Resumes, Chuck Csizmar on Compensation Negotiation, Wendy Weiss on Cold Calling Hiring Managers, Katherine Moody on Networking and numerous Q&A calls with Kevin) plus everything else the program has to offer. Learn more about the Mastermind Program and take advantage of a one month F.R.E.E. trial.
When Getting to “No” is Better Than “Yes”
The foundation to the success of every step of the job search – from identifying the right job, to securing the interview, to getting an above market offer – is in first identifying your “Solution.” Without this firmly defined, everything else you build upon in the process is going to have a weak foundation. The end result: a prolonged job search, fewer interviews, jobs that don’t pan out and offers that come in below where you want them.
Your Solution is your go-to-market message telling companies why they need to not only talk to you, but hire you. It is a well crafted, comprehensive list of quantifiables that show your addition to a company’s team is an investment they cannot pass up. Your ROI is clear cut. It is much more than bullets for a resume or an “elevator speech.” It is a mindset that you take with you through every stage of the interview process to set you apart for your competition.
It does a number of critical things as well:
- Clearly defining Your Solution makes you more valuable to prospective companies – making you stand out in a sea of competition.
- With the Your Solution mindset in interviews, you no longer need to worry about what questions you are going to be asked – you will have greater control over what is discussed.
- Your Solution keeps you on message from the first interview to the offer – reinforcing why the company must hire you.
- Staying “on message” with Your Solution continues to set you apart from the competition – securing you a spot as the front runner.
- Your Solution paints a picture for your future employer of the exact role you will be playing inside the company – getting them to visualize you as an employee.
- When it comes time for the offer, Your Solution has made your case for you – helping you get top dollar in your job offer.
- Your Solution makes it clearer, quicker which opportunities aren’t a good fit for you – so you can focus on the job you really want and deserve.
- While all these pieces are crucial to a successful job search campaign, today I am focusing on the last point: the importance to finding an opportunity that is a good fit.
Too often, the interview process results in putting emotion over intelligence. As the interviewee, you are striving to establish rapport, build a relationship and often can unwittingly do so glossing over what might be long-term fit issues. This is true for the person interviewing you too. And, with the lack of formal training given to hiring manager on how to properly interview and select team members they often fall back to “going with their gut” and hire who they like. But, just like a first date, the excitement of something new can result in losing sight of critical issues that will keep you from ever walking down the aisle.
Don’t get me wrong. Loving where you work – the people, the culture and the product – is extremely important. But, when that overshadows your actual role, you can get yourself into a pot of hot water and end up somewhere that you like the people but don’t provide true value to the company. Keeping on target with Your Solution will help you avoid this. As you define where you are best suited, the problems/pains that your background has positioned you to solve best and where you excel, you keep your decision making equally balanced between emotion and intelligence.
Another thing to remember is that accepting a position that isn’t the right fit, but rather the “fit for right now,” has a potentially disastrous downside. Just like we didn’t arrive at this economic crisis over night, we aren’t going to get out of it in the blink of an eye either. As companies continue to downsize and trim the fat, being a bad fit can easily manifest itself in poor job performance, subpar results, and alienating co-workers. The company that extends an offer today may very well find themselves making cuts a quarter or two from now. And, the outcome of your mismatch could result in you being back on the street looking for a job again.
Everyone’s situation is different, but all can agree that the job search is tiresome, draining and something you would like to put behind you as soon as possible. And, no doubt, a new job offer is always welcomed news when it arrives. But, you still want to make sure it is going to be the right match. Defining Your Solution and staying focused on it is one of the best ways to make certain you don’t find yourself repeating a job search in a year (or less).
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Want to learn more about Your Solution and how you can drive the “hidden” job market to you? Use this link to read the success stories results from those who have used my Job Search 2.0 Bootcamp System.
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WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Kevin Kermes publishes the ‘Build the Career Your Deserve’ e-zine with over 21,000+ subscribers. If you are ready to empower yourself with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job you want and build the successful career you deserve, visit him now www.kevinkermes.com
2008 – 2009 (c) Kevin Kermes Inc. – All Rights Reserved
The Job Search is a Marathon, not a Sprint – Treat it as Such
The average job search is taking upwards of 8-10 months for those seeking salaries of 100K+. These numbers are anywhere from 2 – 3 times longer than just a few years ago. All too often, a day feels like a week and a week can feel like a month – particularly for those who haven’t had to really look for a job in years. Approaching your job search differently these days not only includes how you find jobs, but how you manage what can be a long search. Here are some tips to help you pace yourself and get better results in the process:
- Work in Blocks: There are a lot of moving parts to the job search: developing leads, contacting prospective employers, following up, networking…and, of course, interviewing! They all require a different focus and mindset. Instead of constantly reacting to events, plan to work your day in blocks. Create a short list of critical events that are cause for interruption (call from a potential employer, networking call, etc.). Otherwise, focus on the tasks at hand. Lump responding to emails into a block too…this is the biggest culprit of distractions out there!
- Change of Scenery: No need to be chained to your desk for all these activities. Can you do your research in a coffee shop? Do you find you are more creative in writing cover letters sitting outside (enjoy this summer weather while you can)? A change of scenery can be great for your outlook and will help keep you out of a rut in your job search! Give it a try.
- Take Time to Recharge: As you shift between your blocks of work, use a physical event to do so. A short walk around the block, the act of changing locations (like we just talked about), or even something as simple as getting a glass of water. This event (small or large) signals your brain to shift activities and focus. Something that seems insignificant and takes only a few minutes can end up saving you time and making you more productive.
It’s common to be feeling guilt during your job search – did I do enough today? Should I spend a few more hours digging deeper? But, just like training for a marathon (or any athletic event for that matter), you can over-train. This leaves you tired, unprepared and ineffective for your race: the interview. By using these tips and figuring out what works best for you individually, you can be better prepared to shine and excel when you get the call for your big event!
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Want to learn more about uncovering the “hidden” job market? Join me on Wednesday, December 9th for a f.r.e.e. webinar where we will talk about just that. You can read more here.
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Kevin Kermes publishes the ‘Build the Career Your Deserve’ e-zine with over 21,000+ subscribers. If you are ready to empower yourself with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job you want and build the successful career you deserve, visit him now www.kevinkermes.com
about kevin
Kevin is the Founder of Build the Career You Deserve, a company devoted to empowering professionals with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job they want and build the successful career they deserve. Sign up for his free e-zine – Build the Career You Deserve – for insider tips on how to do just that!
2008 – 2009 (c) Kevin Kermes Inc. – All Rights Reserved
How I Got the Job – Ed Warner: The “Hidden” Job Market
In this episode of “How I Got the Job,” Ed Warner talks about his recent job search. He shares how he tapped into the “hidden” job market, the importance of networking and how social media factored in as well. Listen in and share your thoughts below.
Interested in implementing these techniques to make your job search more efficient? Check out Kevin’s Job Search 2.o Bootcamp Homestudy System – designed specifically more the mid to senior level executive designed to drive opportunities to you, establish you as a Subject Matter Expert and cut significant time off your search – all without using job boards or recruiters. Click here to learn more.
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Kevin Kermes publishes the ‘Build the Career Your Deserve’ e-zine with over 21,000+ subscribers. If you are ready to empower yourself with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job you want and build the successful career you deserve, visit him now www.kevinkermes.com
2009 © Kevin Kermes Inc. – All Rights Reserved
How to Look for a Job without Saying So
A coaching client came to me with an opportunity that appeared to be wrapped in a problem. Christine was a financial services executive who had been downsized as a result of crashing markets. Her opportunity: to attend a tradeshow where the top companies for whom she would like to work would be attending. Her problem: As she put it, “Kevin, if I go around just handing out resumes I am going to feel like I have an enormous “L” on my forehead.” So, here is what we did.
First, there are more problems with attending an event like this with a ream of resumes in hand besides feeling like a loser. While mindset is of the utmost of importance, even if you felt good about handing out your paper the technique is littered with landmines in this instance. Primarily because the people working those booths at tradeshows aren’t initially motivated to help find you a job (but, as you will see, you can get them there). Frankly, they are probably just happy to still have their job (definitely the case in financial services). So the approach needs to be much more strategic.
We started by talking about the companies who would be there that she wanted to approach. This was pretty easy, since there was a list. Next, we determined which of the product lines or specialties in those companies suited her best (annuities, mutual funds, etc.). Then, we identified who the keynote speakers were at the tradeshow for each of these product types and what the focus of their presentation was going to be. Finally, armed with all this information, she researched some interesting articles that paralleled these topics – some agreeing, some disagreeing, some that were one-offs. With all this homework done, we then formulated a plan. One that involved networking this trade show without ever saying “Are you hiring?”
Knowing which companies she was interested in, Christine’s plan was to approach each using this technique:
Christine: Hi there – Christine X. You know, every time I see you guys in the press your Morningstar rating just keeps climbing.
Company Rep: Yeah, it’s been a tough year but our managers keep doing well in spite of it. I’m John by the way. Who are you with Christine?
Christine: I was with Citi, but was RIFed a few months back. I decided to come down here and check out what’s going on in the industry.
Company Rep: I see. (starting to retract…expecting the “are you hiring?”)
Christine: John, are you planning on going to the talk being put on by Dave Y about Mutual Funds?
Company Rep: (surprised he didn’t get hit up about hiring) I am going to try, but I am not sure if I have to man the booth or not. It looks pretty interesting.
Christine: It does. If you don’t get a chance to go, I’d be happy to share my notes. But I was also reading a recent article in Barrons by James Z about Mutual Fund Regulation. I’m not sure if Dave Y is going to get into that. He raised some great points. Did you read James Z’s article?
Company Rep: No, I didn’t but it sounds interesting.
Christine: It was. I’d be glad to email it to you. Here is my business card. Let’s trade and I will be sure to send it off once I get back home.
Company Rep: Great. I’d appreciate that.
Christine: Sure thing. I’ll let you get back to things. I know you are busy. It was great meeting you and I’ll get that article to you sometime next week.
Company Rep: Thanks.
Christine’s approach is all about networking. Establishing rapport and beginning to work through the cycle of “know, like, trust.” She will follow up with John via email and, if he is open to networking, begin seeing who he knows and how he can help her. After all, in the spirit of “give to get,” she has begun the process by sharing information with him that he found valuable.
What this also does is position her better to understand what John’s company needs and how she does (or doesn’t) fit into the picture. She more effectively navigate towards the best opportunities for her knowing where her skills fit and are needed versus giving some blanket “elevator pitch” that isn’t targeted towards the ideal job she is seeking.
Interested in learning more about Kevin’s One-on-One Coaching Program? Email us for more details.
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Kevin Kermes publishes the ‘Build the Career Your Deserve’ e-zine with over 21,000+ subscribers. If you are ready to empower yourself with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job you want and build the successful career you deserve, visit him now www.kevinkermes.com
What the? – Strange Tales from the Job Search Front
This week’s story from Neal Wiser will leave some of you shaking your head while others may wish to live vicariously through him. Wherever you fall, the story is entertaining and Neal’s parting comment: priceless.
I used to work in Hollywood and once interviewed with a “hot” production company who just had a pair of big hits. They were on the rise and rapidly expanding operations. The position I interviewed for was as Director of Development, a senior and very important position where my responsibilities were to find the next “insert name of big hit movie here.” The position required me to cultivate relationships with hot writers, studio executives, etc. I was excited even to be considered, not to mention being called back not just for a second, but a third interview.
The third interview was with both the President of the company and the CEO. I had met the President in the previous meeting and we really hit it off. This meeting, he had told me, was essentially the final approval meeting; merely a formality.
I was introduced to the CEO, a beautiful, 30-ish Ivy League alum who, rumor had it, was on a short list to run a studio in the next few years. We shook hands. Great, firm grip. She offered me a seat at the end of a plush leather couch amidst the usual pleasantries. I sat back, relaxed. I put my arm casually on the arm of the couch. The President sat across from me. Then the CEO took her seat.
She sat on the arm of the couch, right next to me, looking directly down upon me. If I didn’t have such quick reflexes she would have sat on my arm. I glanced at the President. He flinched. I glanced up at the CEO. “So, what can you do for me?” she said as she placed a hand on my shoulder and squeezed gently.
I glanced at back at the President. He turned white. Horrified.
I looked back to the CEO.
She was looking directly into my eyes. Hers were a deep blue. She squinted slightly, as if asking me a question.
“I need someone who can give me what I want, day or night,” she said as she stroked my back. “Can you do that?”
I glanced at the President again. He was sweating.
I looked back at the CEO. “I’m sorry, but I’m here to discuss the development position,” I said.
“Oh, you are,” she said, her eyes squinting again. “You’ll be doing a lot of development.” Gentle squeeze on my shoulder.
I faced the President. I think he was dead at that point.
I faced the CEO. “Am I being punked?” I asked.
I excused myself moments later and went home, disappointed. Later that day, the President called. I was surprised he was still alive. He clearly didn’t know what to say to me except to apologize every other sentence. He finally called the CEO’s behavior “unprofessional” and added that she’s never done anything like that before. I thought he was hoping that I wouldn’t sue, until he told me that he left the company that afternoon.
I had to ask, “So, you’re telling me I didn’t get the job?”
I didn’t.
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“What the? – Strange Tales from the Job Search Front” is a weekly posting with the sole purpose of trying to infuse a little levity into your job search. For practical, tested and proven job search advice, please subscribe to my weekly ezine – Build the Career You Deserve – read by over 21,000 professionals.
Do you have strange tales from the job search? If so, please share them with us at ezine@kevinkermes.com. (note – we will never reprint your story without your express consent).
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Kevin is the Founder of Build the Career You Deserve, a company devoted to empowering professionals with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job they want and build the successful career they deserve. Sign up for his free e-zine – Build the Career You Deserve – for insider tips on how to do just that!
2008 – 2009 (c) Kevin Kermes Inc. – All Rights Reserved
Re-thinking the “Elevator Speech”
As you know, I am not a fan of the “elevator speech.” I agree with the concept of getting your message across quickly, succinctly and powerfully. Where this concept loses me (as well as most people receiving it) is that it isn’t tailored for the listener. This is particularly important in your job search, since there are a lot of “speeches” being pitched to hiring managers and you must differentiate yourself. In my opinion, taking a more solution based approach will do just that.
In past articles, I have talked about the importance of developing Your Solution. This is what you do best – maybe even better than anyone else. If you think about that skill set like a product, there are things it (you) does and doesn’t do. It only makes sense then to target hiring managers who are experiencing the pain and problems that Your Solution addresses.
So, instead of firing off a generic pitch with what you do, take a more pinpoint approach. Begin by asking 2-3 questions that identify if that hiring manager is experiencing problems that you can fix. The answers will either allow you to highlight your accomplishments and what you can do for their company or help you determine that it isn’t the right job for you. The former is just as important as the latter.
This also does something else very important. It gets the potential employer talking about themselves. With this, you can more naturally make Your Solution all about them (which, incidentally, can often uncover “hidden” job opportunities). As well, it positions you to be able to share relatable stories with quantifiable results that show what is in it for them when they hire you.
Your Solution + Their Pain = Smart Hire
Taking this approach will narrow down your job search so you are focusing on real, qualified opportunities versus just trying to get any job. It allows you to start hunting with a rifle, not a shotgun. Ultimately, it will help pair you with a job that is not only a good fit, but where you can experience your greatest success.
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Want more tips on how to uncover the “hidden” job market? To be able to run a more effective job search? Listen to my free webinar – “5 Secrets to the Perfect Job Search”
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WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Kevin Kermes publishes the ‘Build the Career Your Deserve’ e-zine with over 21,000+ subscribers. If you are ready to empower yourself with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job you want and build the successful career you deserve, visit him now www.kevinkermes.com
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Kevin is the Founder of of Build the Career You Deserve, a company devoted to empowering professionals with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job they want and build the successful career they deserve. Sign up for his free e-zine – Build the Career You Deserve – for insider tips on how to do just that!
2009 © Kevin Kermes Inc. All Rights Reserved