Your job search requires maximum effort. Don’t obsess over it. But don’t take minimum results for granted by investing little bits of time. Finding a job is hard work and requires sacrifices, energy, and preparation. Not only is it essential for the implementation of any sound strategy, but acquire accurate intelligence about the marketplace and how
you fit in it.
Moderate effort is insufficient in today’s job search. Searching job boards and relying on chance is far too little to be invited to interview. Everything thing you do to be successful in your job search must manifest itself in the interview.
Preparation is key to succeeding at different types of interviews. You can very well have a phone interview, be required to complete an assessment, and have a video interview before an in-person meeting. Are you ready? You have to be to stand out from all other job candidates.
What I’m not stating is to overcompensate busy work, or look busy to impress employers. The likelihood of that is nil to none. If you haven’t interviewed for a job in a year, preparation, practice, and some patience are critical elements.
1. Minimum effort gets you nowhere. One of the worst phrases someone can say is, “I don’t want to do all of that! I just want a job!” First, you just don’t want a job. If so, UPS and McDonald’s are always hiring, so it’s much deeper than trying some strategies out of your comfort zone. On the contrary, strategies involving more thought, time, and resources are likely to get a noticeable return. If none of the strategies involve meeting new people, then it’s time to change our approach. People hire people, and if you are not meeting people, then you’re not getting interviews.
2. Your competition is out working you. Job seekers forget how competitive the job market is until they are turned down for several opportunities. You are minimizing your efforts before you interview and the chosen candidate for the final rounds are choosing to close the deal no matter what it takes. Your work is not done even after the first interview or the third. You can’t even settle down when you get the offer.
3. You’re afraid of being annoying. There’s a difference between persistence and annoying. Much of it has to do with how, the way, and the tone of how you inquire. Much like interviewing, a rehearsal with someone will help prepare you to gather the nerve and your responses. Employers and staff often appreciate someone who is persistent but charming.
4. You think preparation is overboard and unnecessary. From time to time, I will work with a client who thinks that I am insulting his or her intelligence because we practice a conversation. There are people I’ve worked with who get it and don’t need the help. There’s nothing wrong with saying you need help with having an uncomfortable conversation.
5. We’re talking about practice, man! No sweat nor tears without practice interviewing. This is part of the work ethic to excel and impress employers. It’s the least costliest of the strategist anyone will tell you other than getting enough sleep. You can find interview questions all over the web to help you prepare.
Without practice, you’re likely to tank the opportunity.
6. Not trying to discover your value proposition. If this is clear to you, then it should be clear to your network to discover your value. Emphasizing you’re a “hard worker” and “you love people” are pseudonyms for “I don’t know how I would add value to your company.”
Perhaps we can make workout and job search comparisons, but expect to sweat and show grit. You’re not just finding a job, and you’re creating a future. The intelligence you gain here help you navigate the next job search. Consider this: It is likely you will navigate multiple job search campaigns in the future with much less time in between. If you think it’s easy or a job search shouldn’t take time, you’re doing it wrong.
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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.