Be The Person They Want
Contributed by Elaine Landau
Does anyone else remember one of the first scenes in the film “Tootsie” when actor Michael is trying out for a part in a play? I’m paraphrasing, but it goes something like this. When the director stops his audition and explains that they are looking for someone taller, Michael straightens his back and assures the director that he can play taller. The director then explains that they are looking for someone older. Michael insists that he can play older. When the director finally lowers the boom and says that they want someone else, Michael realizes that the job will be going to somebody else.
Have you ever been in the middle of an interview and realized that they, too, are looking for somebody else? That sinking feeling can go both ways. Perhaps you are sitting in the interview and you realize that you really don’t want the job. How do you avoid wasting your time and a future employer’s time?
Know what you want.
You may be in the market for a job because of a company take-over, downsizing, or an unfriendly merger. If you are a seasoned employee, chances are good that your pay requirements are much higher than younger, less experienced candidates. This may be the perfect time to make a career change.
A change may translate to a lateral move or a step down in income level until you gain experience and expertise in your new field. Instead of moaning and groaning about a cut in pay, try to look at the change as revitalizing your career and enriching your professional life.
Let’s say you have been a proofreader for fifteen years and hate it. You have just lost your job and are preparing to interview for another proofreading position. Why? Money? What ever happened to looking forward to going to work? If you know in your heart that you need a change, you are the only person who can initiate that change. Playing it safe and staying in one field does not guarantee employment. If you do not find your field interesting, you probably don’t exude any enthusiasm in interviews or on the job. Employers want interesting and interested employees.
Take time to breathe. Life is short. What do you want to do? What are your skills, interests, and desires? What are you good at doing? It sounds so obvious, but you are more likely to excel at something you like than something you dread.
The Internet is a terrific resource to find out about new jobs, new industries, professional career guidance, worthwhile educational choices and more. If you haven’t been on the market for a few years, you might be surprised at the number of opportunities you never knew existed.
Once you have found a field that interests you, start a serious job search.
Press the flesh.
Meet people in your new chosen field. Ask companies if you can have a courtesy interview to see what they do. Educate yourself. You may find that this field is not what you thought it was. You may discover that you have found exactly where you want to be. In that case, you need to become exactly what they want you to be.
Resumes are not written in stone.
If the company is looking for a person highly proficient in QuickBooks®, Excel®, Photoshop®, PowerPoint® and Word, a serious candidate will revise his/her resume to show that he/she is trained in those specific areas. In the cover letter and resume, the candidate should mention that she has taken online courses for QuickBooks and has advanced Excel training. Listing advanced tutorials for Excel, Word, Photoshop, and PowerPoint on a resume speaks directly to the needs of that employer. Don’t assume that an employer knows you possess certain talents because you have a job title.
Prepare for the interview.
What worked getting your last job will probably sink like cement at your next interview. Employers change every year, everyday. Hiring has become a game in which employers cannot ask certain questions without fearing lawsuits. It is up to the job seeker, therefore, to fill the void with positive information that will set him/her apart from other candidates.
Research the company online and read stockholder reports so your interview questions are specific and insightful.
Don’t be shy to ask Human Resources why the job is available. Is it a new position? Is a department expanding? With that information, you have a distinct advantage.
For example, if you were interviewing for a new position in a new division, a potential employer would love to hear how you have experience with ground-floor operations. Yes, you are changing fields, but your experience will translate well in a highly stressful, deadline situation. Let your potential employer know that your eagerness to make a career change will translate into enthusiasm and energy that will enhance his/her team.
Change. Who needs it?
You do. Everybody does every now and then. Don’t be afraid to tell a future employer about your “past lives” in the workforce. Savvy employers appreciate experience, maturity and a proven work ethic. By reinventing yourself to fit in an ever-changing job market, you will remain ahead of the crowd and out of the unemployment line.
By the way, if you are a publisher looking for a good freelance writer, I can be funnier. I can be more succinct. And yes, I can be taller.
QuickBooks is a registered trademark of Intuit Inc., or one of its subsidiaries, in the United States and other countries.
Excel and PowerPoint are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries. Photoshop is a registered trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the U.S. and/or other countries.
About the Author:
Elaine Landau is a freelance writer, publicist, web site editor, and television writer with more than 15 years of experience in marketing, advertising, and publicity.
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