The marketplace is both “hot” and “cold” depending upon the industry, company and your job function. Technology, health care and data scientists are some of the hottest, while brick and mortar retail, journalism and transport drivers are the lowest demand and lowest paid. So, what are the steps to getting hired no matter what the job. The following list defines the general steps to take, but may need to be modified by job category.
- Create a “compelling” resume – If you meet 70% of the job specs, go for it. The higher the percent the higher the probability of an interview if you have a compelling resume. A compelling resume is where a hiring manager, after reading your resume says, “This is someone I need to talk to, as they have what I need!”
- Test the marketplace – Find out what’s hot in your industry, function, location, and what is not. Find where the demand is highest and the supply is lowest. Search through the internet and a network of professional contacts.
- Match your experiences with the job description – Check out the top 5 to 8 items on the position description of an open job. Those top items are the key areas of interest to the hiring manager. Identify parallel experiences and results that will be of high interest to the hiring manager. Show that you have results to the issues for which they are looking
- Practice answers to questions you know will be asked – Assume you are a hiring manager. Look at your resume. What questions would you ask for each item? Every interviewer will ask, “Why are you seeking a new job?” Practice your answers before they are asked.
- Prepare for at least 3 different interviews – When you get a request for a telephone interview, it means you are one of the top 10 or 15 candidates. A request for the first one-on-one or group interview means you are one of the top 2 or 3 candidates. A second interview means you are a finalist candidate. A third interview usually means an offer will be made.
- Questions you need to ask – When asked for your questions, focus on the results expected for the job, not questions about holidays, vacations, benefits and so on. Ask well thought out questions that will impress the interviewer, focusing on performance expectations, short term issues needing solutions, and concerns they may have.
- Understand the offer – When an offer is made, make sure you understand all aspects of the functional responsibilities, expectations for results, reporting relationships, to name a few. Ask questions if you’re not satisfied with the offer, like, “The compensation looks low to industry standards. Is there room to improve the starting salary?”
The timing is good for a job seeker. It is especially good for those who are competent with state-or-the art skills, have a track record of high performances and results, and can fit in easily with the culture of the new organization.
For a FREE critique of your resume, send to: wkaufmann44@gmail.com