By Don De Gracia
Today’s job applicants and graduates are entering a much tougher job environment and more competitive workforce than graduates did 10 years ago. Yet there is hope for those seeking jobs.
Here are my top five tips for getting hired in a tough job market, (an adaptation from excerpts of Grant Cardone, New York Times best-selling author and international sales expert).
1. Leave pessimism at the door
The economy is not fully recovered, and competition is high. The news is riddled with, “it’s not the best of times” reports. If your job-search spirits start to diminish, remember this important tip. “Disregard all of the bad news that no one is hiring. You aren’t looking for 17 million jobs; you are looking for one.”
Reminding yourself of this will help you feel more optimistic and allow you to keep more doors open for opportunity.
2. Accountability for your own success is paramount
“Know that you and only you can get the job you want,” Cardone says. “The economy has nothing to do with your job prospects — you do. Make no excuses.”
Off hand, this can sound a little harsh, but think about it. Successful people tend to create their own paths and take accountability for that success. If you sit around waiting for success to knock at your door, it’s going to be a very long job hunt. Instead, market yourself for positions you want, go out and network, start a blog, perfect your application materials — always find ways to stay proactive in your search. Let people know you’re looking for a job, as well as who you are and what you have to offer. Know what you’re good at, and leverage those strengths in your conversations with potential employers.
3. Focus your search
When making your list of the kind of positions to apply for, Cardone suggests targeting individual businesses, not entire industries or sectors, and then targeting three to five people you want to work with at these companies. You cannot make a connection with a company, but you can certainly make great connections with individuals. Figure out what kind of company you want to work for, and seek out leaders in those companies. Try to locate contact information, and reach out to them via Facebook, LinkedIn or email.
You’d be surprised how willing people can be to talk to you when you show initiative and interest. Maybe they don’t have a position available right now, but they might in the near future. They might also be able to point you to a connection at a similar company that does have an immediate opening.
4. Be more than a résumé
“Know that your résumé will not be the reason someone hires you [although it gets your foot in the door],” Cardone cautions. “No one hires résumés, they hire people. Most disappointments [in interviews]are regarding the delivery of a personality, talent, desire and willingness.”
Your résumé should be an entry point and a conversation starter, but you need to close the deal. Once it gets you in the door, make sure to show personality and bring that résumé to life. Be prepared to share success stories about projects you’ve worked on in the past, difficult situations you were able to successfully navigate and what you learned from internships or leadership positions within organizations.
5. Make a lasting impression. Show enthusiasm
In the interview, show the employer who you are. Be professional but candid and energetic. Do your homework, and plan responses to common interview questions. Exude confidence, and let the employer know why you are the right fit for the company and the position. “Control the interview,” Cardone says. “Sell yourself. Role play the interview. Know what you want to say, and know the impression you want to make. If they don’t hire you, be sure they never forget you.” Show Enthusiasm! “Act hungry,” Cardone says. “Tell them [the employer], ‘I want to work with you!'” Employers want to hire people with energy and enthusiasm. They want someone who will roll up their sleeves and hit the ground running, bringing immediate value to the company. Don’t be afraid to show you’re eager for the opportunity. Be passionate and open about what you’re looking for and what you have to offer in exchange.
Don de Gracia is an International Recruiter based in Calgary, Alberta. You may reach him through email: recruitmanager@live.com or by phone at +1 (587) 718-8000.
