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How to Get the Job You Really Want!
I'd like to pass along some tips I have learned over a 40 year career, in hopes it would take the stress and mystique out of the hiring process.
First of all, I'd like to dispel the old rule that advises one not to be a "job hopper." I had read that very early in my life, and fortunately for my personality, an article in Time Magazine changed all that:
There on the cover was a well-dressed gentleman, with knee high, snakeskin cowboy boots folded atop a magnificent desk, and reclining in his luxurious chair, in his massive office. The gist of this entire article was to never be afraid to change jobs!
Do not ever worry about leaving the security of a dead-end job for the unknown future of a new position. If you are doing a good job (always do your best, even if you hate what you're doing), and you leave for "greener pastures," your employer will understand, and the door to return will likely be open if you start to have remorse; but you won't.Why do you think professional employment counselors exist? Do they find jobs that you cannot find on your own? Perhaps; however, the main thing they do for an applicant is to glean all of the positive selling points out of the applicant, prepare a "selling" presentation, and discuss the applicant with a prospective employer.
An employment counselor can "sell you" by bragging to the employer on your abilities and accomplishments, where you may be too embarrassed to do so yourself.
If cars could talk, they could sell themselves. People find it difficult to sell themselves, but think about it for a minute -- are you not going to be a hard-working and honorable employee? Do you feel you can do the job and be an asset to your employer? Do you already have a track record, that with your permission, would allow your present or former employer to highly recommend you? Then brag on yourself! You're not selling a car -- you're selling you!
I have learned through a long career of changing jobs often, hiring and firing employees, and observing people, that once a person decides to leave their current position, I seldom try to retain them. The human mind is
fickle; when a person decides to leave an employer, and the employer gets down on one knee and pleads with them to stay, it's hard to say no! Our "subconscious" mind is asking, "So if I'm so damned valuable, why didn't you tell me so before now? Are you buying time right now by having me stay, and then you'll turn around and find a replacement anyway, because I no longer have your trust?" Meanwhile, your "conscious" mind is overwhelmed with the praise being lavished on you, and your pride of being so desired may urge a person to change their mind and stay. Don't!
The odds are that within six months you will again be ready to test your wings, but by then, the opportunity you have now will be gone. Take the chance! If you don't like the new job, you now have more job skills in your portfolio, and if you were really all that valuable to your previous employer, then go back and apply for your old job again! If you were so irreplaceable, then the employer may welcome you back!
When you think about changing careers, or employers, do you sit and laboriously go through help wanted ads online, or in the paper? Why? I never have done that, and I strongly advise you to change your thinking. Why would you want to have a job that is being advertised? Is the job so bad that they need to interview tons of people? Now, this may seem too contrary to fit your personality, but think about it; why do you want a job that most anyone can apply for? How valuable is a job that has to be advertised in order to sell it? Do you not think that there is a talent pool on tap for the best jobs? Why is it that you don't see very many jobs for engineers, doctors, and the like? Employers with the skilled openings seldom advertise. They use employment counselors, colleges, and professional services to screen people.
My recommendation is to decide what kind of job you would like, and then go get it! Give a lot of thought about the type of job you think you would enjoy, and research it enough to be certain. Once you have made your choice for a career change, we need to really prepare, because we're going in cold! And, we're going to get hired!
Naturally, I am assuming that you have the necessary skills already in order to be able to start at the entry level position. The important thing is to get your foot in the door. You can always move up the ladder.
If possible, we now need to learn as much as we can about the company we plan to work for! It's always nice to be able to visit the employer; as a customer, or some exploratory reason. We are looking to see how the current employees dress. They may all be in uniform, or jeans and tennies, but when you apply for any job, do not dress to match their current employees. Those people already have the job, you don't!
I suggest men to apply in jacket and tie, with shined shoes. All of your friends may be wearing their hair long,
and sporting 3 days of beard growth, but the person you interview with may be clean shaven, with short hair. Who do you feel emulating will give you the best odds of getting hired?After you get the job, you can always let yourself "go to seed," if they allow it, but believe me, you always will be better received for any position by dressing well! If nothing else, your prospective employer will be pleased that you made the obvious effort, and it shows them that you feel that the job is important enough to make a good impression.
Ladies, you also need to look your best. Do not dress too sexy, as it will work against you! The interviewer may be impressed, and like what they see, but the secretary, or wife, or the rest will verbally "rip you to shreds" the minute you leave. Dress professionally, and make sure your shoes are shined also.
It also goes without saying that fingernails must also be clean!
The last thing I will mention is the absolute most important thing you can ever do! It is likely to be the most critical part of your entire job search:
ASK FOR THE JOB!
No one wants to give a job to someone who doesn't care enough to ask for it! I once applied for a position at a bank, and the vice president was polite enough to offer me a seat, and explained that they had just filled the position, but that he would like to keep my resume, and he would definitely call me for any future openings.
I had nothing to lose, so I took a chance -- I leaned forward, and in a loud voice, I said, "Mr. Childers, I want this job!" And with that, I slammed by first down so hard on his desk, his pen set bounced up! I thought he was going to hit me, as he rose up to tower over me, and then with a big smile, and raising his voice, he said, "You've got it!" and he held out his hand. He said, "I'll find something else for the other guy to do, but I don't want to lose you!"
Having started my career as an employment counselor years before, I knew the importance of asking for the job!
Good hunting!
If you decide you want to go in the car business, then buy Car Sharks and Closers. It will teach you the entire sales process, and prepare you for a top management position!
Purchase at:
$16.95
$6.99
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