Key Takeaways
1. Master the art of personal branding to stand out in the job market
"Think of yourself not as a person looking for a job, but as a company, a financial entity that must maintain a steady cash flow over half a century."
Develop your professional identity. Consider yourself as "MeInc.", a corporation with products and services (your skills) that need to be positioned and sold to your target customers (employers). This mindset shift allows you to approach your career strategically, focusing on long-term success rather than just securing the next job.
Identify your unique value proposition. Analyze your skills, experiences, and personal qualities to determine what sets you apart from other candidates. Focus on developing and showcasing the transferable skills and learned behaviors that are universally valued by employers, such as:
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Critical thinking
- Leadership
- Motivation and energy
- Analytical skills
- Time management and organization
Consistently communicate your brand. Ensure that your personal brand is reflected in all aspects of your job search, including your resume, cover letters, online presence, and interview responses. This consistency helps create a memorable and authentic impression on potential employers.
2. Craft a compelling resume that showcases your unique value proposition
"Your resume is the most financially important document you will ever own."
Tailor your resume to each job. Use the Target Job Deconstruction (TJD) process to analyze job postings and identify the key skills, experiences, and qualities employers are seeking. Customize your resume to highlight how your background aligns with these specific requirements.
Follow the six resume rules:
- Always have a target job title
- Include a performance profile or career summary
- Include a core competencies section
- Never put salary information on your resume
- Keep your resume focused and relevant
- Emphasize your achievements and problem-solving skills
Use powerful language and formatting. Employ action verbs, quantify your accomplishments, and use a clean, professional layout to make your resume visually appealing and easy to scan. Ensure that your resume passes both the automated keyword screening and the human eye test.
3. Leverage networking to uncover hidden job opportunities and gain insider information
"Networking is a process of building relationships over time, and your networks' effectiveness will reflect the effort you put into their development."
Develop multiple networking channels. Build and maintain connections through:
- Professional associations
- Alumni networks (college and company)
- Social networking platforms (e.g., LinkedIn)
- Community and volunteer organizations
- Personal contacts (family, friends, former colleagues)
Approach networking strategically. Instead of asking directly for job leads, focus on building mutually beneficial relationships. Offer help and information to others, and demonstrate genuine interest in their work and experiences. This approach will make people more likely to assist you when you need it.
Utilize informational interviews. Request brief meetings with professionals in your target field or company to gain insights about the industry, company culture, and potential opportunities. These conversations can lead to valuable connections and insider knowledge about unadvertised positions.
4. Prepare thoroughly for interviews by understanding the employer's perspective
"Knowing how an interviewer thinks is a critical element of the job search that is frequently overlooked."
Understand the five secrets of the hire. Employers are looking for candidates who demonstrate:
- Ability and suitability for the job
- Motivation to go above and beyond
- Manageability and teamwork skills
- Professional behavior
- Problem-solving capabilities
Research the company and role extensively. Gather information about the company's history, culture, recent news, and challenges. Use this knowledge to tailor your responses and ask insightful questions during the interview.
Anticipate and prepare for common questions. Practice answering typical interview questions, focusing on showcasing your relevant skills and experiences. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses to behavioral questions.
5. Navigate tough interview questions with confidence and strategic responses
"A stress interview is just a regular interview with the volume turned all the way up — the music is the same, just louder."
Stay calm under pressure. Recognize that stress interviews and tough questions are designed to test your poise and problem-solving abilities. Maintain your composure and approach each question thoughtfully.
Use strategic techniques to handle difficult questions:
- Clarify the question if needed
- Buy time by saying, "Let me think about that for a moment"
- Redirect negative questions to highlight your strengths
- Provide specific examples to support your claims
- When appropriate, turn the question back to the interviewer
Practice handling illegal or inappropriate questions. Know how to respond professionally to questions about your age, marital status, religion, or other protected characteristics without compromising your candidacy.
6. Follow up effectively after interviews to maintain momentum and interest
"Out of sight means out of mind and out of mind means out of the job-offer stakes!"
Send a thank-you note within 24-48 hours. Express your appreciation for the interviewer's time and reiterate your interest in the position. Use this opportunity to briefly reinforce why you're an excellent fit for the role.
Address any missed opportunities. If you forgot to mention a relevant skill or experience during the interview, include it in your follow-up communication. Tie it directly to the job requirements or company needs discussed during the meeting.
Maintain contact without being pushy. If you don't hear back within the expected timeframe, send a polite inquiry about the status of your application. Continue to express your enthusiasm for the position and ask if there's any additional information you can provide.
7. Negotiate job offers skillfully to maximize your compensation and benefits
"The crucial period after you have received a formal offer and before you accept is probably the one point in your relationship with an employer at which you can say that you have the whip hand."
Do your research. Gather salary data for similar positions in your industry and geographic area. Understand the full compensation package, including benefits, bonuses, and potential for growth.
Negotiate based on value, not need. Focus on the value you bring to the company rather than your personal financial requirements. Be prepared to justify your salary expectations with concrete examples of your skills and accomplishments.
Consider the entire package. Look beyond base salary to negotiate other aspects of the offer, such as:
- Performance bonuses
- Stock options
- Additional vacation time
- Flexible work arrangements
- Professional development opportunities
- Relocation assistance
Know your bottom line. Determine your minimum acceptable offer before entering negotiations. Be prepared to walk away if the offer doesn't meet your requirements, but remain professional and leave the door open for future opportunities.
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Review Summary
Knock 'em Dead 2011 receives high praise from readers for its comprehensive job search advice. Many found it instrumental in securing employment, with tips on resumes, interviewing, and salary negotiation. Readers appreciate the practical guidance on professional appearance, networking, and handling tough interview questions. Some note outdated sections but still find valuable insights. The book is recommended for job seekers at all career stages, from recent graduates to seasoned professionals. Several reviewers credit the book for teaching them to approach job hunting as a sales campaign.