When conducting a job search, there are so many things you could do that the possibilities can be downright overwhelming.  In the 25 years I spent doing corporate recruiting, I saw candidates do many things to get a job – some good, some not so good, and some “what were you thinking?”  But there were always a select few things that worked well for candidates time and time again.  

1. They had good interpersonal skills.  I cannot count the number of times I had an interaction with a candidate when I really “wasn’t in the mood.” But because of their interpersonal skills, they completely changed my demeanor, which certainly caused me to view them more positively.  All it took was a genuine smile, asking how my day was going, or telling me a funny (and appropriate) story.  This showed me they were approachable, considerate, and knew how to overcome under less than ideal conditions! 
2. They knew what they wanted.  They weren’t necessarily able to give me the exact job title down to the level (e.g. Accountant II vs. Accountant III), but they knew what type of work they wanted (and were qualified to do), and they knew how to clearly communicate this to me.  By painting a clear picture of their career aspirations, it allowed me to identify and communicate opportunities for which they could fit, and evaluate their knowledge, skills and abilities against opportunities I knew about.
3. They looked the part.  I still tell the story of a gentleman I flew in to interview with my company’s sales leaders almost 20 years ago.  We met him at a national conference, were impressed with him and decided to bring him to our headquarters to meet with other members of the team.  Folks, let me tell you, when I say he was sharp, I mean he was SHARP!  He looked like he had just stepped right out of GQ magazine.  And yes, everyone talked about how sharp he looked.  It made an impression and truly supported every claim he made about himself and his abilities.  He got the job!  Never underestimate the power of appearance.
4. They knew how to sell themselves.  When you are searching for a job, YOU are the brand that must be sold.  Have you ever met a salesperson who convinced you to make a purchase simply because of their enthusiasm and conviction for what they were selling?  The same principle holds true when selling the brand called YOU.  If you are enthusiastic (not spastic!), positive, and compelling in how you describe yourself, your attributes, and your accomplishments, others will begin to feel the same way.
5. They were helpful.  Yes, helpful.  Helpful how?  I have interacted with only a small number of candidates over the years that were savvy enough to deploy this tip I’m getting ready to share with you.  In the course of our interactions, they’ve asked me to let them know about other jobs for which I was recruiting.  Their goal – to see who they may know that they could refer to me to help me fill my jobs.  HELP ME fill my jobs – SCORE!  Of course, I would give them time with an offer like that!
6. They were strengths focused.  What does this mean?  It means whether they were pursuing a job for which they had years of demonstrated experience and abilities, or making a career transition, they always found a way, verbally and in writing, to focus themselves and their audience (me!) on what strengths they possessed and how they would be beneficial to the next organization (mine!).
7. They had great follow-up and follow through.  Okay, I’ll admit it.  There were times when I purposely blew someone off until a later date just to see if they would follow-up with me.  I know, I know, shame on me!  Well, no.  There were times when excellent follow-up and follow through were more critical for success with certain jobs than others.  In my eyes, if you couldn’t or wouldn’t follow-up or follow through on simple tasks I require during your quest for a job, it probably wouldn’t be that good in the job.

Again, there are many things you can do in a job search, but who has time to do everything?  No one.  By focusing on the few things that make the biggest difference, you save yourself time, money, and effort, plus you boost your chances of success. 

Until next time….