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Every Job Seeker Needs to Act as Their Own Hype Man by Mark Anthony Dyson
When it comes to your job search, job seeker, no one is going to amplify your best attributes, skills, and abilities but you. No one can better testify to your competencies than you can. Furthermore, employers will have doubts about you unless you’re proving your worth in one of two ways:
- a body of work showing the depth and breadth of the value you can deliver,
- or the testimonials of people who have witnessed the manifestation of your value.
You may laugh when you hear his name, but Flav is the only hype man ever inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Rather than just a sidekick, Flav was essential to the music and message of Public Enemy.
There are several attributes job seekers should pick up from Flav’s performance as a hype man, including:
1. Show Your Distinct Voice
“Distinct” does not mean “loud” or “constant.” Rather, a distinct voice is one that is clear and resonant. You won’t stand out by repeating what others have said. Your role as your own hype man is to show how your voice adds value.
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For example, during Public Enemy’s performances, you heard two very distinct voices: Chuck D.’s authoritative bass delivering its message like “CNN for Black people,” and Flav’s commentary on Chuck D.’s rhetoric.
2. Accentuate Your Distinct Qualities
Flavor Flav brought everything unique about himself to the stage, including his voice, energy, and message. You have to do the same: Don’t just amplify what you have – demonstrate how what you have to offer can add value.
3. Live Your Message
Flavor Flav wore a large clock around his neck during Public Enemy performances. Many people thought it was just a unique fashion statement, but it was actually a powerful symbol of Flav’s message. As he once put it, “Each minute we live, we got to live each second to our best value.” Similarly, your message as your own hype man must sync with your actions.
4. Be the Ying to the Employer’s Yang
How do you complement the employer’s mission and goals? Much like Flavor Flav complemented Chuck D.’s voice, you need to show employers how you can help heighten and further their missions.
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5. Energize Others to Take Action
Flavor Flav’s energy inspired concert crowds; in return, the crowd’s growing enthusiasm generated more energy for Flavor Flav to feed on. You may not have an audience to cheer on your job search, but you can share your successes with the world.
Your connections can help you prepare for interviews and remain sharp if you keep engaging them.
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The purpose of the hype man is to get the audience excited about the featured performer. In Flavor Flav’s case, his antics created a compelling experience to deliver Public Enemy’s message. These days, job seekers must serve as their own hype men. It is not easy to do, but it is essential to a successful career trajectory.
About Mark Anthony Dyson
I am the "The Voice of Job Seekers!" I offer compassionate career and job search advice as I hack and re-imagine the job search process. You need to be "the prescription to an employer's job description." You must be solution-oriented and work in positions in companies where you are the remedy. Your job search must be a lifestyle, and your career must be in front of you constantly. You can no longer shed your aspirations at the change seasons. There are strengths you have that need constant use and development. Be sure you sign up to download my E-Book, "421 Modern Job Search Tips 2021!" You can find my career advice and work in media outlets such as Forbes, Inc., Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, Glassdoor, and many other outlets.