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What job seekers can learn from NHL hockey players
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In today’s tough job market you have to compete. Aside from getting nifty nicknames many of our favorite NHL role models have one thing in common, they like to win and maybe more importantly they don’t like to lose. Job searchers can learn from this! If you are a job seeker, your job is to get a job. Learn from the best in the NHL. Head up, look for opportunities and threats, keep your eye on the target and keep shooting. The shot that never gets taken - never gets scored!
COACHING: Get the right instruction
Scotty Bowman: According to the stats and my Cliff Clavin sports fanatic friend Dan, Scotty Bowman wins the NHL coaches award. His record stands alone at the top of the pack with 9 Stanley Cup wins and 233 playoff wins (all records). If you were lucky enough to play for him you walked out of the rink better than you walked in.
When job searching, consider hiring a professional career coach, resume writer or interview coach. If you cannot afford professional coaching, locate free job seeker classes at your local library. If laid off, research to see if your former company provides an outsourcing career service.
CONDITIONING: Get into shape and train hard
Sidney Crosby: Wayne Gretzky (and pretty much everyone else over the past decade) has predicted that Sidney will break all the NHL records. Nicknamed “The Next One” and “Sid the Kid” he was one of the most highly regarded draft picks in NHL history. To live up to such crushing expectations Sidney is in the best shape of his life. He works the weights, runs, jumps, tumbles, and does countless push-ups and sit-ups every day!
Get into job search shape by selecting a job target and researching the industry. Prepare your application documents to position yourself in the market appropriately. Contact your network for job search assistance.
MOTIVATION: Put in the time
Joe Sakic: Designated Super Joe by his fans and the press for his resemblance to the man-of-steel and super human abilities on and off the ice. Joe was named captain of the Avalanche in 1992 and is regarded as one of the strongest team leaders in NHL history. Able to quietly motivate his team throughout his career and to compete for and win the Stanley Cup twice. Joe is known for being the last out of the workout room and off the ice. Just keep Joe away from his personal kryptonite, snow blowers!
The key to a successful job search is to keep motivated and avoid getting discouraged. Recent statistics show that it can take 6-12 months to find a new position in today’s job market. This is double from a year ago. Be persistent, positive and focused. Network consistently, apply for jobs regularly, and continue to develop your industry skill set with part time work, additional courses or by securing a relevant degree.
TALENT: Pursue your strengths
Bobby Orr: Considered to be one of the greatest players and change agents in hockey. He pursued his talent and inspired the 2-way game. Bobby showed that a defenseman could become a powerhouse scorer. His fast, fluid and end-to-end style made hockey more exciting.
Follow your path and apply for jobs you are qualified to perform. Ideally, your education, experience, skill set and natural behaviors should fit the position job requirements.
PREPARED: Know your competition
Wayne Grezky: In many ways The Great One was a lot like you and me. He wasn’t especially big, fast or strong but he was really smart. He was good at reading the game and knowing the opposition. He knew when to dodge checks and anticipate the puck. He became famous for setting up behind the net and out witting the competition.
Understand who the other applicants are in your job target, industry and market. Use tools like LinkedIn to find people with same skill sets in your area and discover what expertise you have in common and what experiences set you apart from your competition. Use this information to your advantage during a job search.
TEAMMATES: Have a support group
Red Wings: I’m a Avs lovin’ Colorado native. So it goes without saying that I’m not a Red Wings fan. A matter a fact I think the Red Wing Suck. But they do play pretty well -- actually they are amazing. I think what makes them brilliant is teamwork. They pocket their egos and really play as a unit. The Wings passing, back check, break outs, and penalty kills exemplify teamwork and selflessness.
Every job searcher needs a support group. Tory Johnson, the job search guru at Good Morning America recommends joining or even starting a Job Club. A Job Club is a place where you can join together in confidence with other employment hunters to navigate the job market successfully. When the Rocky Mountain News disbanded their former staff started a similar fellowship called a Jump Group. Don’t look for work alone. For more information or to find local groups go to: http://abcnews.go.com/gma/jobclub
FANS: Make sure people know who you are, and like you
Calgary Flames: When it comes to a loyal fan base you have to give it to the Calgary Flames. Even though they have missed making the playoffs the last 7 years in a row and had every star on their team traded away for pennies, they have never had less than 12,000 season ticket holders.
In job searching and beyond, it’s not really who you know, its who knows you and is willing to promote you. The fact is you really are job searching throughout your entire career. Everyone you meet could potentially be an allie, neutral (think Sweden) or a foe. You want to build as many allies as possible. To build positive relationships, be a good citizen. Make others look good, offer your assistance as needed, and go out of your way to be generous with your time, expertise and talent.
RESPONSIBLE: Show up, prepared
From mini-mites to the NHL it is all the same. Arrive for practice and games on time, with all your gear, ready to work.
While job searching, research the company; job posting and interviewer(s) LinkedIn profiles prior to all job interviews. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to complete necessary paperwork.
EQUIPMENT: Wear the right gear
Jacques Plante : Jake the Snake was an ice hockey goaltender who played for the Montreal Canadiens. He is credited as the first regular user of the goalie mask and is considered one of the most important innovators of hockey today. Working with experts, he developed and tested many versions of the goaltender mask, including a forerunner to today’s mask/helmet combination.
Dress professionally during a job search. Business casual has made the interview dress code a bit of a minefield but the basic idea is to dress in clean, tailored clothing that doesn’t show wear and tear. Your wardrobe selection reveals how much you care about yourself, the position and the company. Do you homework and contact the company receptionist, knowledgeable colleagues, and/or the human resource department for the interview dress code policy.
ARTICULATE: Give a good interview
What did they say? How many times have you heard a 2-minute post game interview with a professional ice hockey player and wondered what the heck they said. Hockey is plagued with intelligent men who sound inarticulate because they are distracted, uncomfortable or don’t speak English well. Communicating with your audience is an essential part of winning the interview and the fan base.
Some people are good at winning a job interview, while others flounder around like a fish out of water. Practice traditional and behavioral interview questions in front of the mirror, with your spouse, your buddy or to the family dog.
DESIRE: Who wants to win, the most
Patrick Roy: In order to make it to the NHL you have to want to win but there are some players that define desire. Competition personifies Patrick Roy -- so much so that there is a book entitled, “Patrick Roy, Winning, Nothing Else”. Roy is a warrior, passionate, confident, and even prideful. St. Patrick was selected as the greatest goaltender in NHL history by a panel of 41 writers plus a fan poll. Patrick plays to win.
The funny thing about securing a job, many times they don’t go to the most qualified person! Sometimes they go to the person with the most ambition or best attitude. Some firms will only give the position to an individual who states their desire to work at the company by actually stating, “I want to work a your company and believe I am the right person for this position based on my education, experience and skill set. I want this job and know this is the right position for me.”
Take tips from the best in the NHL. Preparation makes for perfect play!
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