Category: Uncategorized

…Maintain an open mind. Last week I was chatting to a person who said he was ‘out of work’. This is quite a passive statement and helps to reinforce negative feelings, so I was not surprised that he said it with an Eeyore sigh.

Much better to be ‘looking for work’ or ‘looking forward to my next job’ as these forward looking phrases help us to remain more upbeat.

As I met the person before going on air at a local radio station I had both Job Hunting 3.0 and How To Keep Your Job in my hand and I happily showed him the books. His response was, without opening either of them:

‘Hmmm….these books are all rubbish.’

(Actually he said a ruder word, which rhymes with rap).

‘Well now,’ I replied with a smile, ‘the world is full of books and perhaps some of them might rhyme with rap. But not all of them. For example, these two are based on real life coaching conversations and feedback about what really works and what doesn’t. You don’t have to choose to read them, but if the next person does, then you’re going to be disadvantaged.’

He mumbled something along the lines of ‘I see your point’ and grudgingly gave them a closer inspection.

If you’re looking for a job then keep an open mind and judge things on their merits and not on preconceived ideas or simple nervousness.

Books are a force for good, as is coaching, or getting support from your friends. I’m always amazed that people hoping to earn £200,000+ over the next 5 years spend zero on their own success and leave things to chance. And I’m saddened when people prefer to say ‘no’ to new opportunities and new learning, in order to stay stuck.

So, if you catch yourself making poorly judged sweeping statements, stop and think. Think about what you can do and who you’re gonna call?

Ghostbusters!

….But don’t call them unless you’ve just been slimed. Amazon, a coach, or a well informed friend is a much better bet.

…Then answer the brief. Being successful in job hunting (and other sales processes) relies on many things and yet the simplest elements still elude even the brightest candidates.

When you’re invited to pitch yourself and have 10 minutes to deliver a presentation you must answer the brief that’s been set. For example, if you’re asked to tell the panel about:

1) Your key skills?
2) How you fit the job?
3) How you communicate effectively?
4) How you develop yourself?
5) The tangible value you bring to the organisation?

They don’t want you to tell them about:

A) Your time as a Cub Scout…*
B) Your favourite fishing spot…
C) A long list of TLA’s you know…**
D) Your views on how they could manage their business better…
E) A management book you recently browsed a) in the airport or b) on your smart phone whilst waiting to be interviewed…

And yet people persist in making elementary mistakes. They often don’t read the brief twice, or they get carried away with cramming in all 100 ‘key abilities’. Sometimes they decide to stand out by ‘being different’ or by ‘being creative’. And they succeed… they stand out as the candidate who can’t be scored properly because they haven’t answered any of the set questions, which have been asked for specific reasons.

Nul points for you, if you patronise the interview panel by making it clear their pathetic brief can be ignored because you know what they’re really looking for!

So, when you’re answering an advert, preparing a presentation, practising interview skills, or simply selling products and services to people ask yourself:

Have I really answered their questions or am I simply ‘on send’ and just talking at them?

In my experience 80% of people rely on luck and in doing so open their mouth and cram in a large brogue. Then they wonder why they didn’t get the job/promotion/business.

But you’re smart: you’ll make sure you answer the brief… won’t you?

* This has happened, sadly.

**TLA means ‘Three Letter Acronym’, such as JIT, OEE, ATB, NFN:

Just in Time
Operating Equipment Effectiveness
Answer the Brief
Normal for Norfolk