One thing I've learned in my years in the recruiting business is that the job market is cyclical. It's supply and demand at work. Two scenarios will almost always apply. One: high demand for employees and few available candidates; and two: limited positions available and candidates flooding the market.
In the current economy, we see ourselves in a recession with inflation rising, the devaluation of the dollar, the nation's debt soaring, and unfortunately, scenario number two is what we also see. Each week, hundreds of thousands of people find themselves looking for a job. Whether due to layoffs, bankruptcies, or the myriad of other reasons that may affect your job or career security, it could happen to you.
Another thing I've learned is that the "most qualified" candidate very, very often doesn't get the job. Who does? The most prepared candidate who is able to "sell himself" to the employer effectively.
I have placed sales people with corporations for many years at this point and one would assume that a sales professional would automatically view an interview as a "sales call". Not true. Many don't. I have become a coach in the art of interviewing due to this very fact and I know that no matter what the position is, you must sell yourself to get the job.
So, what if you're a non-sales candidate who isn't a "sales personality"? Does this apply to you? I say an emphatic, "Yes!"
You see, the one intangible that can't be measured or quantified is a funny thing called "chemistry". It applies in all personal relationships and many people don't realize that it's equally important when interviewing for a position, no matter what level of experience or what type of position you seek. You'd be amazed how many candidates I have placed who on paper weren't "qualified" but were hired because they had the chemistry with the manager doing the hire. I have heard numerous times, "I just like him," or, "Her attitude tells me she is a winner." I could cite variations galore, but you get the idea.
So, in one word: ATTITUDE. In my business and profession, we deal a lot with attitude as it applies to the world of interviewing. With so many candidates on the market, competition for a position is fierce and YOU need to be the one who stands out in the crowd.
From the resume, to the mode of dress, phone conversations with an employer, face to face interviewing at any stage in the hiring process, cover letters, follow-up letters, and right up to offer and acceptance, your attitude counts and can make a difference.
If you realize that this is your opportunity to impress your possible future boss by having a great attitude you'll increase your odds for success. Attitude is many things but comes from the confidence that you are prepared, ready and excited to meet and greet, communicate who you are and what you can do to contribute or be the solution to their problem, and yes, that dreaded sales word, close. As the saying goes, "If you don't ask, you won't get."
Whether you're currently unemployed and searching for a position, in fear you may have to so you're being proactive, or secure but opportunity just knocked, adjust your attitude and make yourself the candidate that stands out, goes the extra mile, and wants the job more than anyone else. Keep in mind, if you don't do everything you can to get the job offer, you don't have the choice as to whether you take the job or not. Wouldn't you rather have that decision in your lap than another candidate? I know I would.
Copyright 2009
Mark Ste. Marie has 34 years of experience in the recruiting industry. He is president of a national medical sales recruiting firm, SMISearch, http://smisearch.com and founder of The Interviewing Edge a company providing training in the art of job search and interviewing. http://theinterviewingedge.com
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