Sometimes people get stuck in a rut and spin their wheels, repeating their actions and hoping it will all work out. Remember what Albert Einstein supposedly said? “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”
Job seekers who repeat the same wrong actions – use resume objectives, fail to network, neglect to research the hiring company – are setting themselves up for failure. That includes not being on top of the job search latest trends.
Really…Use a Headline, Not an Objective
Personally, I’ve been a proponent of headlines on resumes for years. The reason is obvious. Headlines tell employers what they get. Whereas objectives tell them what you want. Now which do you think they are more interested in?
Frankly, employers are looking to fill their needs, not yours. That doesn’t mean they aren’t concerned about what you want in a job. Employee satisfaction is important to employee retention. However, they're counting on the fact that you’d be satisfied just to land a job. Retention comes later.
Use the 85% Rule
Have you ever seen a job post that sounds right up your alley, but you’re missing one essential quality or skill? According to Larry Buhl’s Denver Post article, “No more hard-and-fast rules in today's hiring atmosphere,” if you fit 85% of what the job post is requesting, send in a resume.
Presumably, the idea behind doing this is two-fold. First, even if you don’t quite measure up, you can learn. Second, you probably have other skills and qualities. These can either substitute for what’s missing or add a new dimension the employer didn’t consider previously. Just remember it’s up to you to sell them on this idea.
Be Prepared to Discuss Salary
There has been a long-held belief that job seekers should never divulge salary requirements because employers will somehow use this information against them. Well, now is the time to dispel your fear.
As the Suite101 article, “ The Starting Salary Negotiation Game and How Everyone Can Win,” explains, the most important first step that job seekers can take with regard to salary is to establish a minimum. Buhl’s article goes on to suggest that another important strategy is to offer a salary range, making sure the low end is really what you want. The reason? That is often what employers will offer.
If you’re uncertain how to determine your salary range, read “ Know the Right Salary or Wage a Job Should Pay.”
Follow Up is Essential to Job Search Success
If you remember nothing else, remember this. Even though the interview is over, your job search will go on. Until you receive and accept a job offer, you need to continue doing everything in your power to keep interest in your candidacy alive.
First, once the interview is over send a great "thank you" letter. No, it is not passé; it is an essential step in identifying you as a quality candidate. Additionally, it provides you with the opportunity to reaffirm why you are the candidate of choice and what you have to offer. It also allows you to correct or clarify any issues.
Finally, if the company selects another candidate, it doesn’t mean your chances of being hired have ended. You still have a lot to offer. You need to make sure they know that.
While many employers don’t take the time to notify job seekers when a position is filled (it’s like breaking up, it’s easier just to stop calling), latch on to any that do. That’s where you want to work. Send a follow up letter reminding them you are interested in other opportunities. Keep in touch by sending the occasional email. Include something of interest – a report, an article. Now is your chance to network.
Whether you realize it or not, looking for work has changed radically over the last 25 years. You need to be sure to rethink your job search so you are playing by the latest rules
Deborah S. Hildebrand - Deborah S. Hildebrand is a freelance writer & HR consultant with 20+ years in human resources & a Bachelor's degree in Business.
Join the Conversation