Every good job search has one aim: getting hired. The good news is that, unlike being “almost pregnant” being “almost hired” has real, lasting benefits. This blog post will help you assess whether you’re getting close to getting hired – and what to do if that’s true; or whether you need to adjust your job search.
Take a breath and take stock of your job search.
You’re looking for work. You’ve written a resume. Maybe even two versions. You’ve crafted cover letters. Devised linked in profiles. You’ve carefully placed key words. You’ve identified your target market.
You’ve had informational interviews. Met with people doing the very job you are after. Met with people who know people in the companies that you’re interested in. Met with people who know people in the industry. Met with people of influence. People who are connected. People who see job announcements that never make it to the internet.
You’ve networked. You’ve even made a few cold calls. Reaching out to people with more than six degrees of separation.
You’ve sharpened your skills. Taken classes. Updated your skillset.
You’ve had interviews. Not just the phone screen, but in person interviews. In front of people that are not in HR!
And yet, you have not been hired. You lament- it’s like trying to get pregnant. Either it happens or it doesn’t. There is no “in-between.”
Not true! Almost hired can have lasting benefits for you and for your long-term success in the job market (and in life).
When you are getting in front of people, almost hired means that you are getting visible and making connections. You have gone from an anonymous two-dimensional resume or Linkedin profile to a walking talking dynamic knowledgeable thinking person. You have gone from being just another application to a committed, intelligent capable colleague, one who might be referred to another colleague, one who might be called back when the right opening comes along.
What almost hired also means is that you can add everyone you’ve met and interviewed with to your “contact and referral” list. You circle back with these people, you make sure they know you are still interested, you let them feel your commitment and eagerness to get to work … in the field, with people like them. They know your skill at reaching out and connecting, so keep working your network.
Make almost hired work for you so that you get hired and feel the support of your growing network! Persistence and dedication win the race, so to speak.
But, if you are not getting interviews, specifically in-person interviews, then you are “almost” pregnant. Here’s the uncomfortable truth. Something is not “sticking”, most likely in your strategy or in your resume/Linkedin/application content. If that’s the case, it’s time to ask yourself a few key questions: am I targeting or am I taking a scattershot approach? Am I describing my skills clearly and showing that I know the language of the industry I’m targeting? Am I showing my impact – that I can deliver results? Am I working my network? Do I need professional feedback, from a coach or counselor? If so, I’m happy to oblige. lparadise.coach@gmail.com