I AM SUCH A "JACK OF ALL TRADES"...SO WHY CAN'T I LAND A NEW JOB?
The newest hurdle to overcome may be that you are too open or too flexible for various roles and responsibilities!
There has been a desire on the part of my clients to see candidates that are "specialists" in a particular area/discipline. This is in complete contradiction to the need that has existed to "wear many hats". It is still an employer's market and they are taking full advantage. This means they will see three times the number of candidates to get "the perfect fit". My clients want to see expertise, focus and commitment. This is as true for Executive Assistants as it is for Marketing Managers.
Employers are now expecting that you come with a skill set specific to the position you are applying for. The days of being "well rounded" have passed and have been replaced by a clear career path in a chosen industry or discipline. Human Resource professionals and hiring managers want to feel that you bring an advanced knowledge, interest and desire to pursue the opportunity they are offering.
As a result, I have been advising candidates to attempt to show a clear direction. It is important to define yourself, if it is only for the search/interview process. In sales, we are taught only to sell what a client is looking to buy. In interview terms, this equates to gearing your resume and responses specifically to the position you are there to interview for. In other words, even if you intend to pursue a broadcasting career down the road; keep this information to yourself in your interview for the Client Service Associate position in financial services!!!
Remember; interview styles vary greatly! Some people are very formal and rigid. There are HR professionals that are very conversational (like talking to a friend). Then, there are the negative interviewers. These are the people who will tell you all the @#$%& that comes with the job. All of these styles are designed to elicit very specific responses. Always remain positive, despite the fact that you were just told your prospective boss is "difficult" and "demanding". Turn it around and make your ability to "deal with all personality types and management styles" stand out! Don't ever forget...you are being interviewed!
In closing; GET FOCUSED - SHOW ENTHUSIASM AND INTEREST FOR THE SPOT YOU ARE INTERVIEWING FOR - not the spot you want 2 years from now!!!
"Death gotta be easy, cuz life is hard - It will leave you physically, mentally and emotionally scarred!" - 50 CENT
There has been a desire on the part of my clients to see candidates that are "specialists" in a particular area/discipline. This is in complete contradiction to the need that has existed to "wear many hats". It is still an employer's market and they are taking full advantage. This means they will see three times the number of candidates to get "the perfect fit". My clients want to see expertise, focus and commitment. This is as true for Executive Assistants as it is for Marketing Managers.
Employers are now expecting that you come with a skill set specific to the position you are applying for. The days of being "well rounded" have passed and have been replaced by a clear career path in a chosen industry or discipline. Human Resource professionals and hiring managers want to feel that you bring an advanced knowledge, interest and desire to pursue the opportunity they are offering.
As a result, I have been advising candidates to attempt to show a clear direction. It is important to define yourself, if it is only for the search/interview process. In sales, we are taught only to sell what a client is looking to buy. In interview terms, this equates to gearing your resume and responses specifically to the position you are there to interview for. In other words, even if you intend to pursue a broadcasting career down the road; keep this information to yourself in your interview for the Client Service Associate position in financial services!!!
Remember; interview styles vary greatly! Some people are very formal and rigid. There are HR professionals that are very conversational (like talking to a friend). Then, there are the negative interviewers. These are the people who will tell you all the @#$%& that comes with the job. All of these styles are designed to elicit very specific responses. Always remain positive, despite the fact that you were just told your prospective boss is "difficult" and "demanding". Turn it around and make your ability to "deal with all personality types and management styles" stand out! Don't ever forget...you are being interviewed!
In closing; GET FOCUSED - SHOW ENTHUSIASM AND INTEREST FOR THE SPOT YOU ARE INTERVIEWING FOR - not the spot you want 2 years from now!!!
"Death gotta be easy, cuz life is hard - It will leave you physically, mentally and emotionally scarred!" - 50 CENT
