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Authors: Robert L. Leahy
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The problem-solving approach
First, identify what a solution would look like. For example, if you think that the only option you would consider is a job exactly like your prior job, then you are limiting yourself. This might be OK, but it has trade-offs. It might be that there is less demand in the economy for that kind of job. On the other hand, you would have an easier time qualifying for that job and doing it. So always keep in mind a range of options that you could consider. Rank them in order from the most to the least desirable.
Second, get your CV in order. Update your CV so that it reflects all the skills and experiences that you have obtained. Keep in mind that you are selling your labor in the market, so you want to compete as effectively as you can.
Third, make a list of contacts of people you know —or even people you have heard about who know people you know. Categorize these people in terms of how relevant they might be in helping you to find work. For example, someone who works in a company that does the same kind of work that you used to do could be categorized as “A” for most relevant. On the other hand, your brother-in-law who works in an entirely different line of work might be a “C.” My view is that everyone knows someone else, so when you contact people always look for more leads—especially relevant leads. A lot of people get their jobs through networks of people who know people. If each person you list as a possible contact knows more people, your contact list will expand with every contact.
Fourth, search for jobs on the internet , through ads and other published sources. The job market is always fluid. People are always leaving jobs, new jobs become available because of expansion and new businesses move into town. Even if the general economy is in a bad shape, there are always some jobs on the market. The key thing is to be willing to search in that market.
Fifth, know the company before you apply. The best way to get that job is to know what the company does. Get as much information about the company as you can and then craft your message about yourself to the needs of that company. I know that when I interview people to work at our Institute in New York City, the worst interviews are with people who don’t seem to know anything about our group. It’s often easy to find out about a company. You should go to their website, ask colleagues in the business, and research as much as you can. And, then, think about how you can sell them the idea that you can add something to their company that they need. Don’t go into the interview with the message “This job would be good for me.” No one has set up a business so that it is going to be good for you. You are selling; they are buying. So sell them what they need by knowing what they need, and make yourself the best match for them.
Sixth, be ready to handle rejection. It’s often difficult to go to interviews and get rejected. It may add to your feelings of hopelessness. But interviews and the job search is a matter of numbers. The more you search and the more interviews you have, the closer you get to being accepted. It may be difficult, but it is the best way to move yourself forward. Don’t take rejection personally. Take it as part of the market. People who work in sales will say to themselves, “With each rejection I am getting close to my number. I am getting close to making the sale.” It’s a useful approach to apply to going for interviews—giving up is not a workable strategy.
Seventh, use each interview to make the next interview a better one. Think about how your last interview went and then go into “self-correction mode.” What this means is that you do a realistic assessment and ask yourself, “What went well and what didn’t go well?” For example, you want to avoid complaining about your previous employer or sounding as if you don’t know how your skills will fit this job. One woman went on
The problem-solving approach
First, identify what a solution would look like. For example, if you think that the only option you would consider is a job exactly like your prior job, then you are limiting yourself. This might be OK, but it has trade-offs. It might be that there is less demand in the economy for that kind of job. On the other hand, you would have an easier time qualifying for that job and doing it. So always keep in mind a range of options that you could consider. Rank them in order from the most to the least desirable.
Second, get your CV in order. Update your CV so that it reflects all the skills and experiences that you have obtained. Keep in mind that you are selling your labor in the market, so you want to compete as effectively as you can.
Third, make a list of contacts of people you know —or even people you have heard about who know people you know. Categorize these people in terms of how relevant they might be in helping you to find work. For example, someone who works in a company that does the same kind of work that you used to do could be categorized as “A” for most relevant. On the other hand, your brother-in-law who works in an entirely different line of work might be a “C.” My view is that everyone knows someone else, so when you contact people always look for more leads—especially relevant leads. A lot of people get their jobs through networks of people who know people. If each person you list as a possible contact knows more people, your contact list will expand with every contact.
Fourth, search for jobs on the internet , through ads and other published sources. The job market is always fluid. People are always leaving jobs, new jobs become available because of expansion and new businesses move into town. Even if the general economy is in a bad shape, there are always some jobs on the market. The key thing is to be willing to search in that market.
Fifth, know the company before you apply. The best way to get that job is to know what the company does. Get as much information about the company as you can and then craft your message about yourself to the needs of that company. I know that when I interview people to work at our Institute in New York City, the worst interviews are with people who don’t seem to know anything about our group. It’s often easy to find out about a company. You should go to their website, ask colleagues in the business, and research as much as you can. And, then, think about how you can sell them the idea that you can add something to their company that they need. Don’t go into the interview with the message “This job would be good for me.” No one has set up a business so that it is going to be good for you. You are selling; they are buying. So sell them what they need by knowing what they need, and make yourself the best match for them.
Sixth, be ready to handle rejection. It’s often difficult to go to interviews and get rejected. It may add to your feelings of hopelessness. But interviews and the job search is a matter of numbers. The more you search and the more interviews you have, the closer you get to being accepted. It may be difficult, but it is the best way to move yourself forward. Don’t take rejection personally. Take it as part of the market. People who work in sales will say to themselves, “With each rejection I am getting close to my number. I am getting close to making the sale.” It’s a useful approach to apply to going for interviews—giving up is not a workable strategy.
Seventh, use each interview to make the next interview a better one. Think about how your last interview went and then go into “self-correction mode.” What this means is that you do a realistic assessment and ask yourself, “What went well and what didn’t go well?” For example, you want to avoid complaining about your previous employer or sounding as if you don’t know how your skills will fit this job. One woman went on
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