We believe that in today’s world working for yourself is optimal. However working with others can be ok too. For instance I have some clients with whom I work quite closely and the line between us/them becomes very blurred.
Whether you a prospecting for a client, a position or a job there are some things that you should remember.
- Look for something that will help you with your intended career path …yes, the pay or benefits or girls or guys or tips may be better elsewhere but will that position help you with your longer term goals?
- Be prepared to learn:
It is not just about learning the tasks that the position entails.
It is about learning the philosophy and the reasoning behind it.
It is about learning why customers walk in the door.
It is about understanding their systems.
A friend of mine decided they wanted to become a ‘barista.” They visited the various coffee shops and cafés. Chose one where they would like to work and then set out to get a job with them. They were rejected a couple of times, but that too is part of the learning process.
Be prepared to care.
Again this same friend chose a café where they liked the product.
Life is short…do you really want to be selling igloos to the Inuit? Then again, learning to sell igloos to Floridians could be fun and profitable.
Be prepared to make mistakes.
As a manager how many times have we heard: “I do not know how to do that!” Wait a minute... someone is paying you to learn. They are ready to let you make mistakes to get there and you are worried about it?
Rule one…smile
Rule two…silence is ok ( but always, always say good morning when arriving and good bye when leaving)
Rule three …try
Rule four…learn from your mistakes
It might help if you view mistakes as experiments.
One manager we know said: “They want to be Michael Jordan, Sydney Crosby or Tiger Woods…but they are not ready to miss or practice to get there.”
Some other tips include:
- Put a smile on your CV. No not a ;-) smile, but a touch that makes it stand out
- Easy on the bold and hyperbole on the resume
- Make your resume fit the requirements
- Stick to the truth…it is not pleasant for anyone to catch you in a lie
- Always put your name in the name of the file
It is a social media world, so be ready to be reviewed on your accounts, have at least one (IE LinkedIn) that is review ready.
It is a competition but you are not competing against the others, as much as showing the employer that you fit in.
So choose a company that is worth competing for.
While looking for these ‘desired’ jobs, keep working on ‘pay the bill jobs”; keep doing work in your targeted industry – even if it is as a volunteer; keep learning and finding ways to showcase your knowledge.
Good luck!
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