Job search tips from reader (who got the job)
After looking for a job for well over a year, one of my readers wrote to tell us that he finally got a real live job offer. And he accepted it! He also wanted to share some of his hard-won job search tips to help other readers going through what he went through.
As a true testament to endurance (and willingness to stay creative and go with the flow), John had been interviewing for this particular job for about FOUR MONTHS! And he even had to do a stint as a consultant first before the owner of the company asked him to join the firm.
Hard-won tips John wants us to know
John has been a regular contributor to this blog’s comments. Now he would like to offer some hard-won advice to job seekers everywhere running their own job search obstacle courses. I gladly accepted (nothing like fresh, first-hand experience) and decided to add some of my own tips, too.
Here’s what we came up with. Hopefully this will help you not only survive what seems like a never-ending race, but stay in it long enough to emerge with a big job win!
-
Don’t get down on yourself.
You WILL get a job. It’s the uncertainty that can mess with your psyche. And being down on yourself comes across in interviews.
-
Opportunities occur when you least expect them.
Be open. Look at jobs that might not match your skill set exactly. (John only matched on 70% of the skills for this job.)
-
Follow EVERY lead and talk to people.
All kinds of people. You’d be surprised how many folks sincerely want to help. This is not the time to be shy. Even if you have to push yourself a little.
-
If you come up against interviewer w/o interview skills…
…you might try what I did. Initiate conversations as if the interviewer asked you a question. It is a bit unnerving when the interviewer talks less than Harpo Marx!
-
At the end of the interview, ask about their process.
And about their time-frame. Also ask when you might be able to follow up. It’s not pushy — it’s professional.
-
Rejection may not be the end of it.
I (Ronnie Ann) once had a CEO of a firm personally reach out to reject me as a candidate. My skill set wasn’t even close, but I gave it a shot. He really liked my cover letter, but unfortunately cover letters can only do so much. Still I stayed in touch. And later he told me about a job I did match.
-
If you’re still waiting…
…please know there are often unpredictable internal processes that have nothing to do with you. (In John’s case, pressing issues arose at the firm that required immediate attention. Hiring him (as smart a decision as it eventually was) had to take a lower priority. This happens more often than you might think.)
-
Interviewing can go on for weeks and weeks.
John was the top candidate half-way through the process, but still all the other candidates had to be fully interviewed to reinforce that he was the correct choice. (You would do the same for example if you bought a car. You may love one car, but you will check out other cars and dealerships. Same thing with a candidate.)
-
A small thing like general economic factors…
…can also be a huge factor in hiring and decision-making delays. As important as it is to hire new folks, keeping the business afloat takes top priority. And that even means you may have to postpone a hire you really want to do now. Don’t give up. Many times, the job gets resuscitated. So stay in touch … but not too often.
-
Send thank you notes & follow up with the person.
You would be amazed how a note, email or phone call restarts the process. Be careful with phones calls though. Find out first how the person prefers you to follow up by asking politely. And of course — don’t overdo the follow up!
-
Follow up with strength & confidence — yet tactfully.
That is what helped John get his job. He kept the lines of communication open, but with the attitude of “I understand your process and time frames and are mindful of them.”
You don’t want to follow-up so often
that you become a stalker!
-
If people don’t get back to you…
…a lot of the time it has nothing to do with you as a candidate. Schedules change, issues arise, decision makers are out of the office, etc. It’s a waste of your energy to focus on what THEY aren’t doing. Focus on what YOU can do.
-
Your situation creates a yo-yo of emotions.
You are NOT alone in these feelings. Please know that. Do what you can to stay sane while waiting.
-
Set daily goals for yourself, whether big or small.
It does make you feel better about yourself. And also be gentle on yourself if you miss some. As Scarlett O’Hara so wisely tells us, tomorrow is another day.
-
And most of all … never, ever ever say “Quit!”
P.S. During job search, you’ll meet true professionals who, even if they reject you, show respect. Learn from them. Stay in touch with those you connect with.
But also — and probably more importantly — learn from the unprofessional ones too, so that when roles are reversed and you’re the hiring manager, you will know how to act gracefully and professionally.
Best of luck!
~ John and Ronnie Ann
Well … that’s it.
Hope our job search tips help with your own job search. Seriously, as hard as it might get along the way, stay creative. Believe in yourself. And keep trying. It’s worth the wait.
⇒ EXTRA: I Don’t Meet Job Requirements. Should I Still Try?
More job search tips to help
Is Your Online Reputation Hurting Your Job Search?
Will Volunteering During Job Search Get You a Job?
10 Two-Letter Words To Motivate Yourself
Why Networking Matters So Darn Much
So Many Mistakes! How Do I Start My Career Over?
Why a Resume Gets Rejected — Even Good Ones!
Please Help Me With My Phone Interview!
How to Tell If a Job Interview Went Well
18 Practical Tips to Help You Ace Your Job Interview
15 Things I Look for When I Interview People
After the Job Interview: Why Haven’t They Called Me Yet?
About the author…
Ronnie Ann, founder of Work To the Wise and Work Coach Cafe, bases her real-world advice on her many years as an organizational consultant where she helped interview and hire people, added to a certificate from NYU in Career Planning & Development, as well as her many adventures as a serial job seeker.
Thank you for this advice! I’ve been feeling really low lately because it’s hard to look for a RN job without exp. The nursing director said I “might start” within the week or so but it’s almost two weeks! I guess this is the “or so…” she’s talking about. It IS hard to keep my chin up, but knowing that there are people out there who share my struggles is somewhat comforting! Thank you and good luck to everyone!
Thanks, Ronnie Ann. It can be tough, especially on days when there is no activity (and this week, after weeks of interviews and calls, has been far too quiet for my taste). In fact, that’s when the job hunt takes a real toll on the psyche; as much as you don’t want bad news, you prefer to get some word on where you stand than none at all. But in reality, no news is better than bad news or news of stalled hiring processes because something could be happening that might be in your favor.
The uncertainty of the hiring process is one reason why I’ve long ago adopted an owner’s mentality. That is, instead of looking at this as the desperate attempt to get some company to hire me for a job, it is a chance to match up my talents, skills and ambitions to a firm that wants to partner with me for a time (and is deserving of them). In many ways, it is adaption to economic reality: No job is permanent; no employer is loyal (if this was ever the case); and you are merely a full-time equivalent whose talents are only as valuable to the firm as they fit into its mission, goals and financial condition.
This reality is as true for each of us as it is for the companies on the other side of the transaction: If an organization doesn’t provide you with what you desire for your life (from benefits to career success), then you shouldn’t stay with them. And if its hiring process is dysfunctional, you don’t want to work for it in the first place. A smooth hiring process isn’t indicative of how well an organization functions; but a dysfunctional hiring process is clearly a sign of worse to come. And in a couple of the bridesmaid situations, I can say I have dodged a couple of bullets (even if I would love to just have a job now).
Such a mindset isn’t comforting, especially when you need the check to pay the bills; but at least it is clearheaded and allows you to stop falling in love with every opening for which you apply. And while it doesn’t keep me from falling into occasional bouts of despair, I can at least keep my head above water. Or at least try.
Hi again Mack! Sorry for the delay. I’m on vacation but trying to keep up. 😉
I loved your response. Hope it’s ok, but I think I’m going to use a some of it (with credit to you of course) for my post this week. You said so much better than I could. I hope some smart employer snaps you up soon…and I hope it’s a prefect match. 😉
Good luck, Mack!
I could use all of John’s tips — and the pick-me-ups. I’ve been laid off from a job I really enjoyed (and did well at) since January. While I’ve made it to the final interview stage for twelve gigs in that time, I’ve either been the bridesmaid for ten of those jobs; one job is currently on hold while the organization figures out a way to get a budget for two positions (instead of one), and another is on hold until a new hiring manager is put into place. Between coming in second place in most of these jobs and being in limbo for the rest, it’s just a drag on the psyche. (The process is also a reminder of why so many stay in jobs even if they despise their managers, their colleagues, even the work itself; job hunting sucks.)
I always have to keep in mind that I’ve been through this before for an 18-month spell, and that I’ve at least gotten to the final round for some of the jobs for which I’m applying. And that in each situation, there was probably someone who is applying for the same job who has gone through the same tiresome process for a longer time than I — and he or she may have been due for their “yes”. Doesn’t always make me feel better, but it keeps things in perspective.
It’s just nice to someone see their hard work of finding a job rewarded with one. Hopefully everyone else will see the same reward. Especially me.
Hi Mack!
Thanks for your comment. Really appreciate hearing from folks going through the hunt who seem to have stayed at least mostly sane. 😉 And especially good (if good is the right word) that you have a model from your own life of the dry spell ending. Hope you get to be the bride SOON.
Fingers, arms, and eyes crossed for you to get the reward of finding a GREAT match. Best of luck!
Jonny: I love it. Going to have to use that in a post! “Interviews aren’t killing me here… WAITING is.” Too true. 😉
And love what your friend said too Sandie “I don’t want to be a professional interviewee, I want a job.” Man how that nails it!
Great discussion. Thank you so much. I know it helps others to read what you said…not to mention how good it feels just to say these things “out loud”. Nice tips about not turning Looney Tunes. In the end, this is about you and what you deserve.
I wish you great luck finding jobs you love – or at least like a lot and pays the rent. 😉
~ Ronnie Ann
“Resilience”… I think Sandie brought up a very valid point. We all need to accept that the psychology of HR has changed. There no longer is a shortage of talent out there. In fact, there is an over abundance of talent out there we are all competing against. HR no longer cries for not being able to fill a position. This was the case when the economy was booming, jobs were being created left and right, and people were not looking for jobs. But this is not the case now. Realize it and accept it… the hiring process will get more frustrating; not less. And I suspect that this is a great way to eliminate impatient people among us who will show lack of patience, endurance, and professionalism. I assume some job applicants are unknowingly becoming a pest to HR with incessant emails and phone calls. People are people… you will only end up alienating and annoying them… not endearing yourself to them. Clearly, some of us are realizing that they cannot endure the torture and cannot go the distance. I also suspect that HR is becoming quite adept at becoming sadists as well. ;o) It is discouraging at times… no argument there. But you cannot turn into a crazy before HR’s and the company’s eyes either. Be confident, professional, and resilient… and keep yourself busy with the act of looking for jobs always.
I had what I thought was a really good interview a few weeks back. I did not hear from the hiring manager so presumed that they filled the position with someone else; however, since it was a position I really thought fit me and where I thought I would really fit in well with the group I’d be working with, I decided to contact the hiring manager one last time. I sent an email to allow her to respond or not without pressure and lo and behold I actually heard from her yesterday!!! Apparently the position is not filled; they are narrowing down the candidates; she did feel I would fit in with the group and she asked me to sit tight for now. That could go either way obviously but I took it as positive and very much appreciated that she was responsive. Now we wait. We can just do the best we can and hope we get better each time we get to interview. A friend once told me “I don’t want to be a professional interviewee, I want a job.” We all echo those sentiments but as tough as it’s been for so many of us it certainly teaches us resilience.
Sandie
Well, thanks very much Ronnie Ann. This is a place for like-minded, non-condescending advice forum for people waiting and waiting and waiting… oh, and waiting for job offers. Frankly, I would rather have 12 interviews per day for 4 weeks straight than have 1 interview and wait for 4 weeks. Interviews aren’t killing me here… WAITING is. ;o)
Hi Allen! Thanks for adding so nicely to the post. Great question. Especially like what you say about initiating further conversation that helps provide you with insight into the company and people. Best kinds of questions for sure.
Hi Sandie! Another good open-ended question. Those are so much more useful and effective than questions that look for one-word answers like “yes” or “no”. And thanks so much for the kind words. I would love nothing more than to sit back and provide a place for folks to help each other. And occasionally speak up if you don’t mind. 😉
Hi perri! Always nice to see you. Actually I think you handled your thank-you note just right. Questions like that are great, but best saved for real live conversation. Including open-ended questions in an e-mail – unless absolutely necessary – forces people with busy schedules to try to respond. Might actually annoy some folks. I think thank yous should be a pleasant reminder – not work for the receiver! 😉
Oh Jonny! I’m touched by your words. Did my cousin pay you to say that? 😉 Thank you so much. I try to stay real and leave room for others to share their thoughts. And if I’m wrong…call me on it. This is mostly for all of you. Oh heck…it’s for me too. Comments like yours make me feel great to know I’m helping.
I wish you all the best, Jonny – and everyone!
~ Ronnie Ann
Hi Colin! Almost three years? Oh man…I wish I could give you a hug. But even more…I wish I could give you a job. 😉 Is there any way to talk someone into letting you show them what you can do on a temporary basis to start? I want so much to help you.
Please pretend I’m there challenging you to find one new contact every week. I did that for someone I know recently – even though she couldn’t think of anyone at first – and she just got an offer. In this market…sometimes a person knows a person who knows a person, etc. As John says…ask EVERYONE! Even folks you’ve asked before. There is someone out there who would be very lucky to hire you. Sometimes it’s just a matter of luck and timing. So let’s see if we can drum up some luck for you. Do you accept my challenge? 😉
All my best!!
~ Ronnie Ann
Thanks for the post and the comments. Real, practical, and useful advice are needed in this competitive job market and stressful economic conditions. Nobody ever needed fluff, nonsense job advice sites. I compare stuff here and on Monster.com and Monster comes across as a joke now. This is the best blog/site regarding job/career advice.
Allen, this would’ve a good question to include in a thank you email I sent today. I will definitely remember to ask it in the future.
Thanks for sharing! 🙂
I love that question Allen. I hadn’t thought of that one! One that I ask that I’ve gotten great response to is “what 3 things are you looking for this person to achieve in this position?”
Thank you all for sharing your wonderful comments and thoughts. This site is turning into my favorite place to go! Thank you Ronnie Ann for starting this.
Best to all,
Sandie
There is one question I always try to work into the interview process near the end: “Is there any question that I failed to ask that is important for this job?’
I don’t always use the exact words but I always get it in somehow. It is amazing how positive the response generally is. Almost universally they will pause and think about it for a moment before answering. Mostly I get a response something like, “No, I think you cover it all,” but sometimes it will initiate an additional conversation that will give you more insight into the company’s hiring process or work culture.
On several occasions I’ve been complimented for asking it with a comment like, “Good question…”
Best of luck,
Allen
Thanks for the words of encouragement and advice. I have been at this job search for nearly 3 years now.
I need the positive encouragement!
Colin
Thanks so much Jim! What a lovely thing to say. Tells me so much about the kind of person you are too. John wrote most of this – and yes, he is a very special and caring person. Like you, I would guess.
I wish you all the best, Jim…now and always!
~ Ronnie Ann
The best to you both John and Ronnie Ann. The fact that you took the time and energy to do this says a lot about you. Most people would have turned their back on this and just been happy for themselves. Not knowing either of you, I am willing to guess you are two extraordinary people.
I wish you all the best in life.
Jim
Thanks everyone for the great comments and kind words. It was after all great comments from John that inspired this post to begin with. 😉
And for all of you still looking – even those like perri who have a job and want out (been there done that!) – I wish you all the best finding a job you want! You are always welcome to stop by and just let us know how it’s going. Even if I can’t answer each and every question, I always read what you write and it helps others to know they aren’t alone.
Good luck!!
~ Ronnie Ann
Love the practical, real-world advice. I really like these points because they come from someone who has been there. In the mental trenches. means a lot to other job seekers to hear this . . .
Thanks for sharing!
John,
Thanks for the advice. I sometimes forget that
we are all in the same boat.
Regards,
Anthony W. Lista
Finally, some job hunting tips that make sense and go a little beyond the basic.
Don’t get down on yourself. This has to be the most important thing facing those of us who have been unemployed for well over a year. We are constantly barraged by a steady stream of “you’re doing something wrong if you’ve been unemployed this long!” OR “you don’t really WANT to work” in all the media, and political circles. The thing is, in most cases it really IS NOT YOUR FAULT. Don’t let them get to you, or it will become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
John – First of all congratulations. Second, your advice is excellent and upbeat. Thank you for the reinforcement. Sometimes a gentle slap upside the head is a great reminder to those of us who start to doubt our ability to actually land that job. Much success.
John, my sentiments EXACTLY! Hang in there all! The economy is getting better and there ARE decent jobs out there! Follow John’s advice and see what happens!
Good call on the cover letter tip. As daunting as I find the task of writing one, I always include a cover letter. During my last job interview the hiring manager mentioned that I was the only person who included a cover letter! I also sent thank you emails to everyone I interviewed with. Didn’t get the job, though.
Although I have a job, I’ve been searching for a new one since the last century. I’m not kidding.
Anyway, it’s encouraging to know that persistence pays off.
Congrats, John. Thanks for the advice (and the vicarious thrill). Thanks to you too, Ronnie Ann.
This is another very good article! Thanks John and Ronnie Ann!
Good for you, John!
These are all great tips! They echo what I’ve been hearing from knowledgeable coaches (and what I’m trying to put in practice every day myself) … but there’s just something about hearing them from a recent job-seeker that’s even more encouraging!
I’m glad to hear the advice on writing a cover letter. Since we are in a tough job market and often applications can be submitted without ever hearing a response back, writing cover letters can often seem like a waist of time.
It’s good to hear a success story to show that cover letters have value even in this challenging market.