Mark Hirschfeld

I’ve been told by job seekers that prospective employers are doing less reference checking, although I just had a request to offer a reference a couple months ago. If you are asked to provide a reference, there is an approach that can best advance your search:

People who offer to give references have your best interests in mind, but it’s often helpful to provide them information about your job search and the company that is asking for your reference.

You can do that by sending your reference information about the job for which you are applying. It’s also helpful to send the reference a copy of your resume and highlight the experiences or successes you think might be particularly valuable for the reference to discuss with a potential employer.

This communication can be particularly helpful for someone who hasn’t worked with you for a time and isn’t as familiar with your recent activities.

As a person who has given references, it is always a relief if I receive this kind of information. I’m in a much better position to provide truthful and helpful information to the potential employer.

There is often a feeling that as job seekers we don’t have a lot of control, and that’s true. This is something you can have some control over—help your references to best tell your story.

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I just had a conversation with someone who is in the job search. As I listened to what he was doing, it became clear he was making some of the most common mistakes I’ve seen over the years. This list was compiled based on conversations I’ve had with several of my peers. The following were by far the most frequently cited:

1. Not knowing what you want in a job that would fit your talents, interests and values,

2. Ignoring the value and power of personal networking,

3. Not researching companies, by using information in the public domain and also what you can learn from personal networking,

4. Being unprepared for networking and job interviews, and

5. Using “one-size-fits-all” communications, such as cover letters and resumes.

For each of these issues, do a self-check. Where did you rate yourself lower? What can you do, TODAY, to make some progress? What would you like to achieve BY THE END OF THE WEEK?

Improving in these areas won’t guarantee success in your job search, but will, in my experience, improve your chances.

If you are looking for work right now, send me a personal message if you have any questions about this list. I’m keeping a good thought for you.

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My mentor and friend Dr. Donald O. Clifton told a story about a neighbor who made his living as a master woodworker. One day Don went to his shop. He watched him mitering the corners of a picture frame, which came out perfect and looked beautiful.

When the job was done Don’s friend looked at him and said: “Don, you got to get a kick out of it every time it fits like that.”

There is some work for which we find tremendous joy and satisfaction, and then there is work that we may do well but is life-draining. Don’s friend had been a woodworker for many years but still enjoyed when he did the task well.

If you can, find work for which you get a kick, that provides that same kind of feeling. If you don’t know what that might be, step back and reflect on your past work and think about times when your work, even modest tasks, provided that satisfaction.

You’ll probably be asked a question like “what do you find most satisfying in your work?” You’ll have an answer, and a savvy employer will want you if what you enjoy fits with the work they are offering.

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Have you applied for a job at a company, had an interview, and then never heard back?

You’ve been “ghosted”.

Sadly, many employers don’t follow up with candidates who aren’t moving forward on a job. It is, in my view, lazy, disrespectful and unprofessional on the part of an employer. It can hurt their brand. Even if you don’t get this job, you are still a potential future employee, referrer and a customer.

As a job seeker, what should you do?

~ If you had what you thought was a good interview that you think might lead to an offer, DON’T STOP SEARCHING. Keep looking. You are in control of your search.

~ Check your networking contacts to see if you know someone can help.

~ Finally, take the high road. Send one last note to the recruiter or hiring manager. Express your disappointment they have not followed up and wish them well.

Stick to your plan. Do your homework. Tell your story.

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While most of us want our dream job, the reality is we may have to settle for something less.

If an ideal job isn’t available, you can choose a “bridge job”, which I define as less than ideal but one you can be employed now and use to “bridge” to that better opportunity.

Sometimes a bridge job is just about getting a paycheck. But here are some other ways you can think about this tactic:

· Learn a new skill. Consider bridge jobs where you can learn a new skill or gain experience that would make you more valuable for your future dream job.

· Make new contacts. Choose a job where you could make some contacts that could help you in your career.

· References. Be awesome in your bridge job so that you earn a reference.

Not all bridge jobs are created equal. If you choose this route, pick a bridge job that helps you move forward, which gets you from one side of the bridge to the other.

It’s a great day. Let’s get moving.

#career #careercoach #jobhuntingtips #jobhunting #careers #jobsearch #jobsearchtips

 #jobsearchcoach #jobsearchhelp #jobsearchstrategies