- We can help you find a job.'' ''We have access to the hidden job market.'' ''We can help you find a job quicker.'' The list goes on and on, as many of us already know. These companies and individuals use different names — ''career counselor,'' ''coach,'' ''placement service,'' etc. — and, oh yeah, and also charge anywhere from 3-7K and require half upfront. They can call themselves whatever they want, but most of them are just bait-and-switch artists. Do they provide some valuable information? Sure, but not for the prices they charge. If you start hearing things like this, turn the other direction. Just to clear things up, there are some very legitimate coaches, a subject which I have discussed in other columns. These guys, though, don't qualify.
- ''Let us send your resume to thousands of people and post it on all the boards.'' (I will cover boards themselves in a minute.) This is a great concept, but the reality is that most HR people will not look through this stuff because it is way too time-consuming. The ''recruiters'' that receive these blasts are paperhangers looking for low-hanging fruit. Most recruiters, myself included, did try these services when they first came out in the '90s. My own experience was that I received only one reasonable candidate in three months. However, the time and effort that went towards filtering through the stuff was hardly worth it. At least you haven't lost very much money, though, if you have tried or are about to try one of these services.
- ''Learn how to write the best resume/cover letter,'' or something like that. I have nothing against the people who write these books, perform these services, etc. Just about all of them are legitimately trying to help people do a better job. But, as a recruiter, I have some experience in this area, and I can tell you that if your resume has your contact information; correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar; is easy to read; and includes, above all, your accomplishments, you've got 90% of the equation. No one cares about fonts (as long as they are easy to read), fancy layouts, etc. Leave all of that to the creative professionals who are applying for creative jobs.
- ''I posted to ____ and have applied to 100 openings on the boards and am not getting any responses. Is there something wrong with my resume, me, etc.?'' Ask yourself how many responses you would expect to receive from posting to jobs in the paper. Why do people's brains go into disconnect and think the results from online job ads are going to be any different? Once again, the figures (everyone's) show that jobs received through board posting and posting directly to jobs on the boards account for only 5-7% of the total new jobs taken. How much time do you want to spend there?
- ''I have a very good personal marketing verbal introduction. Would you mind listening to it and offering any suggestions?'' I am in favor of personal marketing introductions. But if you really want to have an impact, work on the delivery. Many of them sound way too canned, and people can only listen to so many. I know this is a scary thing for a lot of people, but if you can get this 30-60-second presentation more informal and with more emotion, you will be doing a lot more good than just tweaking it. Also, consider giving a real life example of what you do rather than the canned speech. Again, this is scary, but it will have a lot more impact.
- ''I don't really know how to network or like doing it. I feel like I'm imposing. Plus, I'm not very good at it, and I quite honestly think it's overrated.'' 70% (the numbers are consistent no matter who is quoting them) of all jobs are found through networking.
- ''I don't like recruiters. They work for the companies and don't give a whit about the individual.'' In some cases, this is true, and when you run across these types, stay away from them. But there are many recruiters who build great relationships with candidates. It is much easier and profitable to have those relationships than it is to keep burning through people. Also, remember that the vast majority of people will find that recruiters just can't help them.
- ''Once I get the hiring manager to look at my resume, I know he will want to talk with me.'' This is very seldom true. A resume is a document that tells your history. All good ideas require sales and marketing. A resume really does very little of that. All good salespeople know that it typically takes from 5-7 contacts to get someone interested in a product or service. Getting them a resume is only one contact.
- ''I'm too old.'' ''My salary is too high.'' ''I'm over-experienced.'' The list goes on. I have talked in past columns in detail about these ''opportunities.'' Remember, an objection is really a buying signal. Are some of these things true at times? I would be naïve if I didn't think so. Most of the time, though, we put such hurdles up before we ever get to the interview. Remember, this is a whole different professional environment than it was 20 years ago — not everyone has adjusted to that.
- ''I have all these skills and accomplishments. I must be doing something wrong, though, since I am not receiving any offers.'' First of all, maybe you just need a little patience. We all have legitimate concerns about income and other things, but sometimes it's just all about being patient. As I mentioned above, it's about sales and marketing as well.
One last note: I would like to do a column on good self-marketing ''speeches.'' This will consist primarily of examples. If you have a unique or different one that has worked well, share it and let someone else steal it. After all, we're all in this together.
Here's Wishing You Terrific Hunting,
Bill
About the Author
Bill Gaffney has 17 years of experience as an executive recruiter and career coach and likes being the Snopes of job search. Bill can be reached at 937-567-5267 or wmgaffney@prodigy.net. For questions to be considered for this column or to make topic suggestions, please email askamaxa@yahoo.com.
