Job Advice That Will Take You Higher and HIRED

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“Many attempts to communicate are nullified by saying too much.”

Robert Greenleaf

Wrote essay, “Essentials of Servant Leadership”

I can’t tell you how much political bantering that I watched 6 months ago. I read so many articles that are politically related that I stopped reading. It was skewing my view of what is important: Clearing the pathway to understand the employment game. I even wrote two posts where I carefully tread the waters of why I wouldn’t take job advice from politicians.

Job Advice

You can talk yourself out of a good job advice and employment simultaneously. Whether seeking employment or thriving at your career, politics exists and not everyone who is good at politics practices good judgment. Talking too much seems to lead him or her down a road that is hard to recon, or return from. Too many words ultimately drive listeners away and turn your potential audience off.

What will NOT get you HIRED?

When job seekers and particularly serious job candidates talk too much and lack the self-control to think before speaking run into credibility problems. Every part of the hiring process should be approached with strategy and some personality (you want to be liked too). Job advice from people who can lead you to the right person, but the right elements will take you higher and HIRED.

Show that you have good judgment. Give specific instances of when you performed under pressure and under scrutiny. Although there are extremes that would impress an employer, I remember one client that I had two years ago explained to the interview panel how she handled her unit when it was time to evacuate the building on 9/11. The panel didn’t take long to hire her.
Choose your words carefully. If people told you that you were harsh, overly critical, or incessantly use inappropriate language, you should listen. You can’t take back offensive words most of the time. If you realize that you do, apologize. But many times, game over.
What you don’t say, ask, or glean is scrutinized too. Interviewers have different styles and sometimes will purposely test your knowledge, attention span, or response. Some will even spend 75% of the time describing the culture, environment. and job duties to test your memory, reaction, or patience. Others will give you verbal tests to see how well you comprehend. Most interviewers will include conversation to see how well you communicate. As a candidate, you must approach each phase eagerly if you wish serious consideration.
Gratitude gives you lots of latitude. Thank you notes that are hand written, personally delivered with a smile I’ve talked about before, but this standard rule is throughout the conversations with employers. Please and thank you season your presentations with salt making you memorable, cordial, and kind.
Listen for what is not said, not always what is said.Job seekers need to speak up, even when it is inconvenient or uncomfortable. I heard of a story that the candidate was asked to give his password to his Facebook page. The candidate asked, “What is it that you want to know from my Facebook page that I can’t answer in person?” The interviewer was too stunned to answer the question. The candidate didn’t want the job because of the response. Who would want to work where the employer couldn’t answer a direct question.

How do you feel people talk too much, or talk themselves into trouble? Do you tend to say too much? Let’s talk. Please share in the comments section.

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.