The rules we should break to land the job we want
February 21, 2018
By Brian Maynor
Hunting for a job sucks.
It doesn’t matter what education, training or experience you have, job hunting is hard for everyone. Not only is the market tough; the rules have changed significantly over the last few years.
When everything in our lives is uncertain, we seek out and cling on to any sense of security we can find, and often that means holding fast to rules we’ve used in the past, which may actually be hindering our success instead of helping it.
If we want to stand out in the job market, here are a few of the most popular ‘rules’ we need to break:
1. Unemployment agencies and headhunters will generate leads. Contrary to their pitch, only about 10% of available jobs ever make it to agency databases. Not that they don’t have their benefits, counting on them, as the only resource to find opportunities, would be a mistake.
2. Sending out the same resume to everyone. Updating our resumes is no longer a once and done process. In today’s market resumes need to be unique and tailored for each and every position. Yes, it is a lot more time consuming and frustrating to be constantly recreating, tweaking and prioritizing qualities, but it’s necessary. Companies are not interested in a candidate that looks like everyone else. Instead they want to see what only you can bring to the table
3. Stop talking about yourself. That may sound odd, since a resume is pretty much an accounting of our past accomplishments, but hunting for a job isn’t just a one-sided situation. Asking knowledgeable, educated questions about the company or position and even offering some insights or solutions without expecting anything in return will certainly garner attention.
4. Check your mindset before hitting send. The energy of our thoughts is powerful, and will come across in when applying for jobs. That means it’s important to not to complete or submit an application when we’re feeling desperate, depressed or any other negative emotion.
5. It’s better to be overqualified. Hiring an overqualified candidate is often a mistake, but so is only applying for jobs that match our qualifications. Jobs need to provide opportunities for growth, so when employers hire someone overqualified they are place the person in a position of immediate dissatisfaction, and when we only apply for jobs we’re specifically qualified for we are limiting ourselves to jobs we will be immediately dissatisfied performing.
6. Closing the door after a rejection letter. Sometimes people and situations don’t work out. That means when we find a company that speaks to us on multiple levels, it’s important to not close the door to them simply because we were turned down for one position. Put them on a ‘contact later’ list and reach back out to them in four to six weeks. Who knows, a new opportunity may have opened up.
Once again, job hunting sucks, but we have to silence the inner critic in our head so we can access our imagination. We need to be able to envision our success before we can make it happen and that often means breaking a few rules.
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I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace. Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.
About Brian Maynor
Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.
