To Get More Job Interviews, Play Defense

Most job hunters assume that they’ll be able to overcome any objections to their candidacy whenever they go to an interview. This kind of thinking is what makes it so difficult to even get interviews. The problem begins when you first apply for a given job.
Because most people apply by sending a resume, the contents of that document makes it very easy for HR to find a reason to screen you out. Common reasons include things like age, education, current job title, industry, unemployment, underemployment,self employment, job hopping etc. The tragedy is none of these (or other similar factors) should necessarily cause you to be eliminated from consideration. If you had simply taken appropriate measures from the get go. Here’s what I’m talking about.
First, remember that the hiring process is more about elimination than selection, and HR uses resumes to screen people out, not to look for reasons why you might be the best person to fill the position you applied for. So you shouldn’t apply by sending a resume – which is going to end up in the HR office. In fact, you should bypass HR, and contact the hiring authority directly. By means of a letter only.
A letter allows you to anticipate and pre-handle the most likely objection(s) that the hiring authority is likely to have about your suitability for the open position. For example, if you feel that s/he might initially think you’re too old, you could tell them that you have a higher than average energy level, or that because of your experience, you can get more of the right things done quicker. If you lack experience in their industry, remember that experience is where you find it – so emphasize the skills that you can bring to the table that you feel would apply regardless of the fact that you aren’t looking to merely make a lateral move. Keep in mind that you should only tell them things that are truthful. Trust is everything to most hiring authorities, so don’t give them any reason to doubt what you tell them.
The vehicle you should use to communicate your candidacy to the hiring authority should be a letter. The strongest point you should make is that you can and will help them reach their business financial goals faster – as the result of your qualifications.
You don’t need to pre-handle any but the biggest most likely objection(s) that might prevent you from being invited to meet with them. If you come across as someone with the kind of qualities that they’d like to have on their team, they’ll likely want to know more about you. They might well respond asking for your resume, but if they’re already somewhat pre-sold on you, they’ll be more likely to minimize any negative implications of something in your resume. Once you’re face to face with them, you can use a catch-phrase such as:”Not much experience in the industry? That’s the very reason why I’d be such a good asset. You wouldn’t have to worry about me questioning and/or comparing your way of doing things with how they were done at my present/recent employer.”
If you know that you could handle the position you want, you’ll be much more likely to get it if you THINK and apply a defense strategy beginning with your first contact. In sports it’s said that offense wins games, defense wins championships. Go thou and act similarly in your search and you won’t have to settle for a mediocre job.
Do you need help in fashioning an effective defense strategy in your quest for a better paying job? My personal marketing service is what you need if you want to avoid the headaches of trying to beat the odds of winning the Resume lottery.
Your career dreams aren’t so far from your grasp, but it’s the taking of appropriate measures that will make the difference between being where you are and where you could be. Contact me directly for more information on how I can help you reach your personal career goals substantially faster.
TOM KELLUM
Job Hunter’s Consultant & Strategist
Telephone: 713-575-8367
[email protected]
Nation’s First Specialist In Accelerated Job-Getting. Since 1987.