First Steps to Getting that New Job

As a coach, I work with a number of people who want to change professions (yes, even in today's climate). We work on identifying the areas they'd like to explore and when they are ready, we begin actively pursuing work in those fields.

I cannot tell you how many times I find people getting caught up in the details way too early. They evaluate a job posting with x-ray eyes and feel that they need to love and embody each detail to even consider it. Save your time! If it fits the field you are looking for and it fits 75% of what you'd be interested in APPLY. The devil is in the details- but that can and will be worked out during and post-interview. If you like them and they like you - there is room for negotiating most of those details anyhow.

Remember, the job description is meant to be an introduction to the job, duties, responsibilities, etc.. Different companies and fields do it differently. Some exaggerate who they want or who they don't to ward off the lazy, less than interested, absolute non-fits, and those they learned painful lessons from in the past. Others low-ball the salaries. Hey, if your going to dream- dream big! "I want the perfect person who will work night and day meticulously and I want them for minimum wage." Still others, the most reputable of firms will be honest and fair in the job ads and descriptions. (And, here's a hint- those are the ones you want to work for.)

How many people do you know who negotiated a higher salary then was originally posted in the job? I know a great many. How many people negotiated work at home hours even when the ad said, no tele-commuting or home offices. Yep, again- quite a few.

Evaluate the opportunity not the details too closely. There will be time to state your case after you've wowed them and you both agree this would be a great match.

A quick and personal story: I was honored to work for a very distinguished firm years ago in the military contracting field. When I left the founder of the firm called me and told me he'd pay me what ever I wanted to stay on board. What ever I wanted? Wow. I asked him why he'd make such a generous offer. I was far from the smartest person on staff or the greatest business generator. He said it was my initiative. I had the greatest initiative he'd ever seen and he wishes he could bottle it. Initiative was never in my job description. It had nothing, on paper, to do with my value, but it was everything to the person who mattered most. I still left by the way. It wasn't about money.

Are You Interview Ready?

I was listening to National Public Radio (NPR) the other day and they were discussing the number of interviewees who show up dressed inappropriately. It is in fact a huge problem. It prompted me to share some of the things I work with job seeking clients on.

Here are a few essentials:

Why are you targeting your prospective company/position/industry? Nail this down. Win them over with your story on why you want THEM.
Know your strengths and what you’d bring to the table that THEY want. Do your homework by talking to people in the firm. Understand what their model employee looks like (including what skills they have).
Dress for the position. Yes, I know. Your brilliance is not in your dress but in your head. But, at the end of the day you should LOOK like you deserve six figures- or I’d wonder why I’m paying you that.
When it comes time, negotiate your salary and benefits. Ladies, read this again. Negotiate your salary and benefits. Do not accept the first offer. Know your value, industry standards, and their usual pay structure.
Google yourself. They will have done so.

Here are some items that will kill you in an interview:
Talking poorly about your previous or current boss
Being ill prepared (not knowing about their company, people, industry)
Not taking the interview seriously (do you have a pen, notepad or laptop, and are you making them the center of your attention)
Expecting them to ignore your attire or look- or not care
Being too chatty
Dropping your manners
Making immediate friends and telling a non-professional story about yourself
Being too cocky

These things are just the beginning. The basics if you will. If this job is the one you want. Hire a coach. It doesn’t have to be me- just have a right hand in landing this one. Don’t lose it over a few bucks or a poor move that wasn’t planned or executed well.

Good luck. Now, get out there.