Many job seekers approach their job searches as if they were waiting for someone to tell them what to do. I have seen professionals of all levels behave this way.

With luck, maybe 2 out of every 100 applications leads to a loose employment prospect.

Even professionals who have challenging career paths approach their job searches like coloring books: They will color inside the lines until someone tells them to do something different.

If you’re one of these job seekers, expect to conduct your job search for years to come. If you want to see success, you should start paying attention to how successful consultants control their careers. These independent professionals have total say over how they work, when they work, on what they work, and for whom they work.

The consultant’s approach to working with clients is one you should adopt in your job search in the following ways:

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1. Consultants Take a Holistic Approach to Problem-Solving

Consultants look at the larger picture. They identify the most significant issues plaguing their clients and the areas affected. Consultants tend to look for the root of the problem without ignoring the symptoms. They walk people through issues and through the thought processes underpinning the solutions.

Now, as a job seeker, imagine you approached potential employers the same way: Identifying their big-picture issues, uncovering the roots, and explaining exactly how you could address the problems and add value. Suddenly, you’re not just a job seeker anymore, but an asset.

Read Be a Consultant, Not a Job Seeker nor Anything Like Your Competition

2. Consultants Find the Right Fit

Before taking on work, consultants consider if they’re right for the client’s problem. No one can be everything to everyone, and consultants won’t work with clients unless they are absolutely sure it’s the best fit.

Job seekers should have the same mindset, instead of taking a job with whoever wants them.

3. Consultants Understand Their Industries

Consultants must find creative solutions. They adopt different strategies to identify and solve different problems. These thoughtful approaches require a deep understanding of the consultant’s client and industry.

Do you have as deep an understanding of your industry and potential employers?

Read Think Like a Consultant: Win at Today’s Job Search

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4. Consultants Know Their Competitors

Consultants know what their competitors are doing and the results they’re achieving. They know all the latest trends among their competitors, including what’s working and what isn’t.

5. Consultants Know When to Be Direct

Consultants may need to be tactfully direct when addressing a client’s issues. This approach often sparks additional questions, and consultants have to be prepared to offer strategies for moving forward.

Job seekers, likewise, must enter interviews with concrete ideas prepared. They must be ready to initiate direct conversations about what the employer needs and how they can fulfill that need.

About Mark Anthony Dyson

My name is Mark Anthony Dyson, and I am the Founder of The Voice of Job Seekers. I am a career advice writer, but more importantly, I hack and re-imagine the job search process.. I've worked with hundreds of job seekers one-on-one helping them to construct a narrative and strategy that appeals to hiring managers and recruiters. I present at colleges and organizations, and facilitated many workshops including my volunteer effort through a Job Lab. I write and create useful job search content on this blog and write career and workplace advice for blogs such as Glassdoor, Payscale, Job-Hunt.org, Prezi and more. Media Feature highlights: Forbes, Business Insider, NBC News, Glassdoor, LinkedIn's #GetHired, and NPR Freelance writer and content contributor: Glassdoor, Payscale, job-hunt.org, The Financial Diet, RippleMatch.com and more. Contact me to contribute career, job search, or workplace advice for your site at markanthonydyson@gmail.com.

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