Looking for a job?
We’re in a tough job market. The COVID pandemic has put millions of people out of work, making landing a job in this era more difficult, but not impossible. People are still getting hired and there are some key things you can do to stand out amongst the rest. Here’s two cents from someone who hires a lot of people.
You should apply to a few targeted places and make it hard for them to say no. What do I mean by this? Think about it from a customer journey perspective. The employer is essentially your customer. Show them you can deliver something they want. Here’s how:
1) Building References: Your current job is the platform for your future job. Be the kind of person other people will rave about on a reference call: Deliver, support your team and contribute to company culture with positive energy (especially in tough situations). Your senior lead is your best reference so tale special care of that relationship. When it’s time to leave, do your best to make a classy exit and leave on good terms. References are your hand selected list of advocates so they better be a cheerleader for you. In addition to the names you provide, industries can be small so assume that former colleagues who you didn’t put on your list might informally become your references. It’s a good reminder to try to bring your best everyday.
2) Resume Submission: Research the company, understand the role, search Linkedin for any friend-of-a-friends who might know things about the company (or even better, connect you with someone there!). Create a custom resume and cover letter tailoring your experience to the company’s needs, of course in a genuine manner. Make it easy for the employer to see that you are the right person. Don’t hesitate to politely follow up a week after you send it, if you haven’t heard back in this time there is a strong chance you are in the “out” stack anyway so there is a shot a follow up might give you a second look.
3) Interviews: Come prepared and connect the dots for. Show the interviewer that you are more than your skill set - you are also a culture add! Show up with energy and positivity. People who focus on past job baggage are generally people who focus on negativity across the board. Those people are drama and not good for building a positive can-do culture. Don’t be this person. Have thoughtful examples of you doing the work they will want from you - that time you took initiative and led the team through a tough time, that time you supported a team mates growth, etc. Demonstrate that you did research - it demonstrates you are thorough and can be trusted to go beyond surface level. Ask smart questions. Understand what problem this position will solve and how you will help. Understand the challenges facing the company. Don’t forget that you are also interviewing the company - ask questions that help you determine if this is the right place for your next step.
4) Follow Up: If you want the job and are a strong candidate a thoughtful follow up can cinch the deal. Perhaps put some thoughts together on how you would structure your plans to solve the problems the position is there to assist with. I don’t really want your answers (you aren’t close enough to the company to give smart ones yet) but I am interested in how you think and how you would try to get to answers. Perhaps send an article that thoughtfully addresses something relevant to the company the interviewer mentioned. If you are an artist/designer - do a couple rough sketches. Yes, you won’t be paid for this but it is a great time to take the long term perspective and leave it all on the field. Of course, not in a desperate way but in a passionate “I’m committed” and “I want this” way.
5) Reference Calls: I personally call all references (not everyone does this by the way). Give your references a heads up. I am looking for employees who have people (especially those they reported to) who will go out on a limb for them and will give an unsolicited rant on how fabulous you are.