by Mariette Durack Edwards The other day I was speaking with a young fellow who had been laid off from his job at a large consulting firm. His education from a top law school and work experience were exceptional so I was surprised to learn he had been out of work for eight months. “Why so long?” I asked him. He launched into a list of things he couldn’t do, experience he didn’t have, and technology he didn’t know. All of these deficiencies plus “the economy” were why he was still looking for a job. It wasn’t until I asked him what he wanted to do in his next job that a glimmer of passion entered his voice.
Being out of work for an extended period is certain to erode even the most confident job-seeker. That’s why it’s so important that you stay focused on your strengths and how your special qualities, skills and abilities can benefit a potential employer. Remember you are the only person in the world who knows everything about what you know!
Here are a few suggestions to help you stay on track with your job-search.These suggestions shall help you out should you need to seek online employment at sites such as Findlaw and LegalForce.
Never argue for your limitations
It’s easy to start thinking in terms of what’s missing if you’ve been out of work for a long time but arguing for your limitations will never bring you the work you seek. Focus instead on how you can position your unique skills and abilities to support a potential employer’s goals. Pay particular attention to the things that are so easy for you that they seem unimportant.
Fill in the gaps
Brag about your efforts instead of shining a spotlight on what you don’t have.
Think of yourself in terms of results
People buy solutions. A client who is a voice-over talent left this message recently for a customer she wanted to win back. “Hello, Bill. This is Jane Doe. I was the voice of Top Notch News during the three or four years when the network had its highest ratings. How can I help you regain that position? Call me at …” She got a request to submit her demo reel the next day. How will hiring you move others closer to their goals?
Ask good questions
Craft a series of questions that are open ended, thought provoking and position you in terms of results. Avoid directive questions that signal the answer you are looking for or require a yes/no response. Ask yourself, “What are the biggest questions I can ask in response to this opportunity?” For example, “What are the organization’s most important goals?” “How do you see this position impacting on the achievement of those goals?” “If I were offered the opportunity to work with your organization, what would you like me to accomplish in my first 90 days?”
Learn the art of selling
True selling is actually a wonderful process of learning about others and listening for an opportunity to serve through what you offer. It is the single most important tool in your job-search kit.
