Those who are the most successful at getting jobs are usually NOT the most qualified.
The most successful are those who know a lot about how to market themselves well.
McDonald’s are probably not the most appetizing hamburgers you can buy, but they are (arguably) the very best at promoting themselves to people. As a result, they are more successful than any other organization on the planet in the fast-food space.
They know more about how to get you to choose them, and less about making the best hamburger.
As a job seeker, you need to do exactly the same. How much do you know (and implement) about the best way to get an employer to choose you, because being the most qualified usually isn’t enough?
We need to think like a great marketing person who is always asking themselves:
- What can I do to make myself stand out and get noticed among my competitors?
- What would genuinely impress an employer?
Ideas You Can Use
1. One way to do this in an interview is to have some very intelligent questions prepared that demonstrate you are intensely knowledgeable and skilled in your area of expertise – particularly around new thinking or developing ideas in the industry – you need to be an avid reader for his reason.
Case Study:
I know of a recent example of a job interview where the two interviewers were so impressed that they looked at each other and smiled at the candidate’s answer and then went on to tell him that no one else has ever told them that before.
They inferred that they were very impressed with his knowledge and understanding of these important concepts of the industry.
Make sure you are among the most knowledgeable in the industry – this makes you valuable to them… and value is what they want.
2. On an even more practical note, a number of job seekers have significantly increased their success rate by simply printing off their resume and cover letter – on high-quality paper – and instead of sending it online, couriering it (not posting) directly to the person making the hiring decision (addressed to them by name), or their recruitment agent.
3. Taking this a step further, send a well-crafted letter (you don’t need a resume at this stage – a brief letter is a often better marketing tool for this) on high-quality paper and envelope, sending it to organizations who are currently NOT advertising but in the industry that interests you.
The letter would basically outline how you can add value to their organization, but the end of the letter is the key to success.
Finish with something along the lines of:
..as a follow-up, I will call you in the next day or two to arrange a time to briefly pop in and introduce myself…
I encourage all job search candidates to finish their approach by always allowing the door to stay open for you to take the next step, not the employer.
So you would never write “I would look forward to hearing from you“. You will almost never hear from them.
You must always take the next step, not them.
The major goal of all job search strategies is to get your face physically in front of the person who has the authority to hire you.
A simple pop-in to introduce myself while you were in the area is an easier way for them to let you do that.
Once a meeting of any kind has taken place, a real opportunity for employment has now been established. The foundation of all successful hires is relationship building.
Some research was completed among employers and recruiters to find out why some people were more successful at job interviews than others. The hirers were asked, ‘What made you choose this person rather than the other four or five finalists’. The most common answer that came back from employers and recruiters was “We just liked them”.
Read more about the hidden job market