Discovering Opportunities

Discovering Opportunities

I have had the pleasure since the start of this year to connect with several new clients who are in job search transition. Additionally, I am continuing to do presentations on topics relevant to those in job search as part of both the job search group I run virtually out of Maplewood, New Jersey, and by being asked to speak to other groups. While one may very flippantly say, that the end goal of the people with whom I work is to find their next job, I think of it more than that.

When one finds themselves in job search transition, (either by their own choice, or because they were let go from the job they had), it is an outstanding time to do self-reflection. What are their values currently in their life? What are the skills that they have acquired over the years? What are the longer range plans they may have in terms of where they want to live, how much they want to work, possibly explore a new line of work or a passion they have always had?

I look to make clear to both the clients with whom I work, and the attendees at the webinars I present, that job search is a research project. Often the people I meet are quite good at research, particularly in their field of expertise. The sales person must often research the preferences and wants of their customers. A technology expert is constantly researching the best way to both develop and make it easy to use the applications they develop. A project manager needs to research the component functions of a project team effort and then put together the best monitoring plan to ensure the project stays on track.

What the individuals I work with often have not done, is a project where the subject they are working on is themselves. And, that can be a stumbling block for many. Often their initial predominant reaction is to explore job sites, see which companies have openings in their field, develop a resume explaining the skills that they have and then apply for the position. Sometimes that works for individuals. More often it does not! Blind applying has a success rate of approximately 1 to 10 percent. Either how the applicant has presented themselves does not match the wording in the job description, or they are among dozens of other candidates. Once a few possible matches are selected by the hiring company, the other applicants remain in a pile of unseen resumes.

So, what is a better way to go about the process? One of the approaches that I both introduce my clients to, and love to present on, is the concept of the “Informational Interview.” This is where the job applicant looks to speak to those that can help them in their job search. The people they look to speak to are NOT ones that necessarily have a job at this moment. In fact, that is truly violating what conducting and Informational Interview is all about. It is about gathering as it indicates, “INFORMATION”! What kind of information? It could be an insider’s perspective of the skills that are needed in a particular job role or in a particular industry. It may the sharing of information on the path this individual took to become part of this profession or organization. One could learn of the company culture of a particular organization. While individuals often feel uncomfortable when you approach them in asking if they have a job for you, or may know of openings, they are most often glad to share their thoughts and suggestions on how to make yourself a better candidate for a role. That is because down deep if they do not know of an opening, they do not want to disappoint you and feel they have not helped you at all.

Additionally, informational interviewing helps to prepare one in search for the actual job interviews themselves that they will have as part of the job search process. Many job searchers have not had to interview for a long time. As such the informational interview gets them back, (or in some cases gives them their first exposure), of having a professional conversation with another individual. In the Informational Interview, the job searcher is the one with the questions, the one seeking information, the one looking to learn more about how they may become a better fit for a role.

From many an informational interview, many a job searcher has discovered possibilities that they may never have known of if all they did was blindly apply for the jobs posted online. They may learn of unposted opportunities. They may impress the people with whom they speak of their skill sets and passion for the role(s) they seek. As such, they become a recommended candidate or at least a “top of mind” person for other individuals when they learn of opportunities that may match the job searcher’s skill set.

So, be open to discovering those opportunities that are out there but may not be publicly advertised. Or look to create as good impression about your professional self that others look to find ways to bring you into their organization. It is another way to move your exploration forward into those future endeavors that are meant to become part of your career and your life.