I enjoy coaching professionals by sharing practical job search assistance and interview coaching preparation tips so that they land up with a job. To succeed in your job search, you first need to change the meaning of every hurdle that you face and then take action. Change your mindset and you will certainly win. Want to know how to do that? I know that it is easier said than done. But if someone had to hold a gun against your head and ask you to think positively, I bet you would do that. So, everything is very much possible if we make it a MUST.
I am giving below tips which will serve as a framework for you to start shifting your own mindset in terms of job search and start receiving interview calls. You already have it in you what it takes, I am only helping you see things differently. If you are ready to commit yourself more than 100 percent, then read on.
These Are 5 Common Job Search Challenges Faced By Job Seekers:
Hurdle 1: No Responses to Applications Being Made.
Common Mindset: Hiring managers and recruiters are not serious. They get innumerable responses and must not have even read my Resume.
New Mindset: I am valuable and have contributed in every organisation I worked in. So, how can I stand out as an applicant?
Action: Shift the focus on achievements from responsibility in your Resume and customise it as per the pain points of the job. Research every prospective employer. Develop a powerful pitch letter (cover note) which includes key achievements as per the requirement of the job.
Hurdle 2: Being Jobless or having made frequent Job Changes.
Common Mindset: I would be of lesser value than someone who currently holds a job. And because of my frequent job shifts, I would be seen as a job hopper. Hence would not get shortlisted.
New Mindset: I am an achiever. Look at the contribution I have made by delivering outstanding results at every company that I worked with.
Action: Change the structuring of your Resume and focus on your skillsets and elaborate your stories of achievements in the beginning portion of your Resume. Build up the list of your recommendations on LinkedIn. In case you currently don’t hold a job, take up a freelance consulting assignment on a project basis through references and remain employed. A powerful customised pitch letter with each application is a must. You will feel confident about how to crack interviews.
Hurdle 3: How do I get a Minimum of 25 to 30% Hike in my Salary.
Common Mindset: Look for only those jobs where I can get a minimum of 25% to 30% increase on my current or last salary (you miss out on many good opportunities with this mindset).
New Mindset: What is my priority right now? Is it a much more solid platform to utilise my skills and deliver value? Let me not start my job search with the CTC as a benchmark. I don’t need to miss the woods for the trees.
Action: Start by making a list of your skills and achievements. Look at what you enjoy doing most and have delivered well. Be open to jobs that offer prospects which utilise your full potential. Ask yourself – does this job offer an opportunity to expand myself? Accordingly seek jobs across salary ranges which may or may not necessarily offer the desired hike. Persuading the prospective employer for a handsome hike is the next step as you go through the hiring process.
Hurdle 4: How do I Expand my Reach Amongst Prospective Employers where there may not necessarily be a Vacancy?
Common Mindset: I can never reach these guys. I won’t get a response from them even if I write to them.
New Mindset: If I can present myself as a solution provider and demonstrate that I can dramatically improve the results the employer is seeking, why will they not want to meet me? Let me reach out strategically to 20 employers/ recruiters and am sure I will get 2/ 3 of them to respond.
Action: Study and research companies that you aspire to join. Built a strong case for yourself and reach out to them through your network of referrals/ recruiters/ LinkedIn. However, don’t take them for granted. Make an engaging pitch by connecting the dots with the pain points and your solution providing ability. This is what motivates them to meet you.
Hurdle 5: How to Shift to Another Industry?
Common Mindset: I have never worked in that industry so I will never be called for an interview. They prefer candidates from the same industry.
New Mindset: What are my transferable skills? Have I ever made a genuine and sincere effort of listing down all my transferrable skills and then prioritised them? What if I do that and then approach prospective employers?
Action: Customise your Resume by highlighting your transferable skills required by the job in another industry. For example, if you are in sales, then persuading, negotiating, communicating, deciding, supervising, delivering on targets, adaptability, training, leading, and so on are examples of transferrable skills. With success stories utilising each skill, you can build up your candidature. Develop your pitch letter accordingly.
I can assure you that you will see a dramatic improvement in your hit rate if you change your mindset. Let me end with a quote –
“You must learn a new way to think before you can master a new way to be”- Marianne Williamson
Happy Job Hunting!!
Sarabjeet Sachar
Seasoned Career Coach, Founder & CEO, Aspiration
Please Note:- If it interests you to take up my job interview coaching services which are practical unlike any other interview preparation service, please mail me on hello@aspirationjobs.com