"I lost my job after working for more than ____ years at the same company. In that time, I had a variety of responsibilities. I worked in a half-dozen departments. As the company changed, I would take on new projects as needed. I was a "Jack-of-all-trades." I thought when I lost my job I'd find it easy to get a new one because of all I have done. I've got so many skills and abilities, my resume is three pages long. And yet, I can't seem to get an interview. As I research positions on job boards, I find myself saying, "I can do that!" But, having applied to over 40 jobs, I've yet to get a single interview. What am I doing wrong?" The answer is simple: When you try to look like a match for everything, you match nothing. A Job Opening = Specific Problem To Solve When a company has an open position, what they really have is a particular problem that needs to be solved. The person chosen to be hired will be the one that can solve the problem the best and at the right price/salary. When you are promoting dozens of things about yourself, aka being a Jack-of-all-trades, you overwhelm the hiring managers. In fact, you distract them to the point they are unable to see you as a match, let alone what you actually do full stop . Not only could you appear overqualified, or worse not experienced enough given the amount of different skills over the time period involved, they may also assume you are overpriced as well...resulting in your resume going in the "no" pile. The Solution? Tailor your applications dependant on what is required. If you find yourself in the Jack-of-all-trades situation, I suggest you tailor your resume/application inline with the needs - DO NOT "BLAG"/PROMOTE AREAS YOUR ARE WEAK IN OR HAVE NO EXPERIENCE IN - the likelihood is that you will be found out during interviews which is a very uncomfortable position to be in... Here's what to do: Step 1: Identify the top 5 skill. You have many skills, but you need to focus hiring managers on the skills they and you are most passionate about using on a daily basis. Not only will this put you on the potential shortlist for a specify opportunity but also it will focus you in your job searching and applications process so you can find a job that plays to your strengths. Step 2: Map out how those skills support an employer in solving a problem. Clarify how will you use these skills specifically to save and/or make the company money. Ask yourself, "What pain will I alleviate when I utilize these skills for an employer?" Step 3: Quantify your track record of success in these key skills. You need to be able to back up your abilities with facts. Articulate examples of how you have used each of these skills to help an employer so you can justify the cost of hiring you.
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Chris BishopSo, after many years of reading blogs and tips and hints etc, I have decided to start doing it myself. Archives
September 2017
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