I read a great article titled “21 Things Hiring Managers Wish You Knew” from Yahoo Personal Finance recently. This article is a must read for ANYONE that is looking to land a job in the next 100 years. The author (Alison Green, US News & World Report) offers up advice on resumes, interviewing, and even career strategy for the new grad. There’s some themes in this article that you should understand and employ in your career, job seeker or not.
Theme #1 – Honesty. You simply can’t be someone you’re not. No matter how hard you try to mask your shortcomings or cover your warts, they’re going to show. Recognize areas you need to improve and work on them. Don’t expect an overnight change. Look at areas where you’re strong and make sure you’re leveraging them. Don’t leave a talent for something on the table because it’s not part of your job. Find other ways to use that ability. Know your strengths & weaknesses. More importantly know how to leverage your strengths and work around your weaknesses.
On the same line, you have to be honest with everyone. Your customers, your boss, your co-workers. EVERYONE. As a recruiter I have to deliver a lot of bad news. You didn’t get the job. Your assignment is coming to an end. Your resume is a train wreck (ok, maybe I don’t use that vernacular, but I tell a lot of people they need to rebuild). Not returning a call because you’re afraid of the reaction of the individual on the other end is being dishonest. You can’t avoid conflict, just handle it in a professional manner. When you deliver bad news be empathetic, you are still are on their side and want to help.
Theme #2 – Details. Are you proofreading your emails? Do you make the same small mistakes over and over? Are you following up with people? How much do you know about the company and person you’re interviewing with? Please don’t say you’re “detail oriented” on your resume. Prove it in how you interact with others.
Theme #3 – Relationships. Your professional career is built on relationships. No one can go it alone. Send a thank you, buy someone coffee, offer to help. Give first, give more, give often.
You don’t have to be looking for a job to gain something from reading this article. No one expects overnight change, but you can take something away that will make you a better professional. And person.