Having Those Conversations Is Key

Having Those Conversations Is Key

In past blogs, newsletters and Tools and Tips posts that I have done on my website, I have spoken how there are four ways to go about pursuing employment. One is to answer ads through online postings. The second is to take your talents to a recruiter or employment agency and have them identify opportunities for you. The third way is to connect and network with those that you already know or are introduced to during the course of your search. And, the fourth way is to reach out and attempt to directly contact hiring companies that may have needs for your skills.

While all four methods can and should be used, statistically, networking and direct contact have historically had far better success for those in search. Via the answering of an ad or even through a recruiter forwarding on your resume’, and individual is only meeting you through a piece of paper or electronic document. Networking or Direct Contact imply that someone is speaking to a perspective hiring company on your behalf. Such a conversation personalizes the process. The one seeking a job role gets a better understanding of the needs of one hiring. They can either tailor their conversation to how past work experiences may make them a candidate for the company hiring. It also may be able to make clear to the job searcher, where there are certain “must have” qualifications they need, and then puts the job searcher in the position of determining how they may realistically obtain those qualifications. In some instances, it may be a need that can be met in a short time, (a certification course over a period of sessions). In other cases, it may be a message that something may be a longer-term goal, which may mean an interim type role or position may be necessary before the desired role can be reached.

As I indicated in this month’s newsletter for Absolute Transitions, (published last week, and under the Ezines tab on the website), I have been doing some work with refugee families who have members in their families’ seeking employment. Given the nature of these individuals, (strong work skills and education which were obtained under a different education and licensing system than in the United States), the need to connect directly with potential employers has become an essential part of the process. While the desired situation would be that the prospective employer would see what the refugee has to offer, and looks to offer them a position almost immediately, realistically that is not the way things work. The conversations that I or other members of the group that I am a part of have with prospective employers, are meant to first make the connection and establish awareness of the refugee being a part of the community and the talents they offer. The discussions are also meant to seek out the needs of the employer. When might be their busy seasons? Do they bring people on in apprentice or entry level programs to be able to exhibit their skill sets? What past successes may they have had in hiring those whose native language is not English, but have the talents to be contributors to the success of the business?

Anytime that one is not an automatic “slam dunk” candidate for a particular job position or opportunity that they seek, their goal should be to have the conversation with those who can help them obtain the goal, and at least attempt to “influence” the outcome. Ultimately the decision is going to be in the hands of the one who has the company, the position and runs the risk of hiring another. The strategy also should include speaking with as many possible opportunities that may be available. Each step in the discussion process is a learning opportunity. At times while one may not be selected for the position they initially seek, it may open up a realization that there are other or similar positions, for which their talents are equally or better qualified. However, none of this happens without the attempt to apply and having the conversation.

So, in summary, when seeking out an opportunity, while certainly your written qualifications and education carry some weight in the process, getting to the point of the conversation is they key. Are you willing to have those conversations with others?