What Does Somebody Have to Do to Get a Job Around Here! 44 Insider Secrets and Tips that Will Get You Hired

1. The Hiring Process is a Game of Elimination, Not Inclusion

From the first moment the process starts to the very end, you are being excluded from hire.

Understand the mindset. Hiring managers are overwhelmed with applications and are looking for reasons to eliminate candidates quickly. They spend an average of three seconds on each résumé, making snap judgments based on limited information. This process continues through phone screenings and interviews, with hiring managers actively seeking reasons to disqualify candidates.

Navigate the elimination process. To succeed, approach each stage of the hiring process with the understanding that you're fighting to stay in the game. Craft your résumé, cover letter, and interview responses to avoid common elimination triggers. Focus on presenting yourself as a safe, reliable choice that aligns perfectly with the company's needs and culture. By understanding this elimination mindset, you can strategically position yourself to survive each round of cuts and ultimately secure the job offer.

2. Your Résumé is Your Most Powerful Marketing Tool

Your résumé is not just a piece of paper; it is the key to achieving your career goals.

Craft a compelling advertisement. Think of your résumé as a billboard, not a book. You have just three seconds to capture a hiring manager's attention. Focus on highlighting your most impressive accomplishments and skills that directly relate to the job you're seeking. Use active language, quantify your achievements, and ensure your most important information stands out visually.

Optimize for both humans and machines. Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen résumés before they reach human eyes. To pass this initial hurdle:

• Include relevant keywords from the job description
• Use standard headings and a clean, simple format
• Avoid graphics, tables, or unusual fonts that may confuse the ATS
• Tailor your résumé for each application, emphasizing the most relevant experience and skills

Remember, your résumé is not just a historical document; it's a strategic tool to market yourself and open doors to new opportunities.

3. Master the Art of Interviewing to Stand Out

Storytelling is your best defense.

Prepare powerful stories. Develop 3-5 short, compelling stories that highlight your greatest career successes. These stories should demonstrate your problem-solving skills, leadership abilities, and positive impact on previous employers. Practice telling these stories concisely, focusing on the challenge, your actions, and the results.

Navigate tricky questions. Interviewers often use psychological tactics and tricky questions to gauge your true nature. Always maintain a positive tone, even when discussing challenges or previous employers. When faced with difficult questions:

• Pause to gather your thoughts
• Reframe negative experiences into learning opportunities
• Use your prepared stories to illustrate your points
• Focus on solutions and growth, not problems

Remember, your goal is to present yourself as a confident, positive addition to the team who can handle any challenge thrown your way.

4. Negotiation is Crucial for Success and Respect

Failure to negotiate will cost you more than money.

Always negotiate. Accepting the first offer without negotiation can lower the company's respect for you and question their hiring decision. Negotiation shows confidence in your value and sets the tone for your entire tenure with the company.

Effective negotiation strategy:

1. Wait for the formal written offer before discussing specifics
2. Express enthusiasm for the position and company
3. Focus on your top three priorities (e.g., salary, title, benefits)
4. Use positive, collaborative language: "Is there anything we can do here?"
5. Be prepared to justify your requests with market data and your unique value
6. Consider non-salary benefits that may be easier for the company to provide

Remember, negotiation is expected and respected. Even if you don't get everything you ask for, the act of negotiating professionally will set you up for success in your new role.

5. Protect Yourself from Hidden Traps in the Hiring Process

Your public records are working against you.

Manage your digital footprint. Before starting your job search:

• Run a credit report and address any issues
• Conduct a background check on yourself
• Google your name and clean up any problematic content
• Adjust privacy settings on social media accounts

Guard your personal information. During the hiring process:

• Avoid discussing personal topics (e.g., marital status, children, health issues)
• Don't volunteer information about past terminations or workplace conflicts
• Be cautious about sharing salary history or expectations too early

Understand reference checks. Many companies have strict policies about what information they can share about former employees. Prepare your references in advance, coaching them on what to emphasize. If you have concerns about a past employer, consider using a reference checking service to know what's being said about you.

By proactively managing your public information and carefully controlling what you share during the hiring process, you can avoid many common pitfalls that derail otherwise strong candidates.

6. Build Strategic Alliances from Day One

You must take sides.

Offer support first. In your first 30-40 days, spend a significant portion of your time building relationships and offering support to colleagues and superiors. Ask how you can help them and what they need from your role. This approach activates the law of reciprocity, inspiring others to support you in return.

Prioritize your boss. Your immediate supervisor has the most influence over your career success and job security. Schedule a one-on-one meeting early on to:

• Understand their priorities and challenges
• Learn what they consider success for your role
• Offer your support and expertise to help them achieve their goals

Create a positive presence. Be openly enthusiastic about the company and your role. Avoid aligning with negative coworkers or complaining about company policies or practices, especially in your first six months. Your initial reputation as a positive, supportive team player will stick with you and open doors for future opportunities.

By strategically building alliances and positioning yourself as a supportive team player from the start, you create a network of advocates who will protect and promote your interests throughout your tenure.

7. Continuously Interview for Your Next Opportunity

Every single day you go to work, you are interviewing for your next career opportunity.

Cultivate your network daily. Treat every interaction with colleagues as an opportunity to build your professional network. Offer help, share knowledge, and maintain positive relationships across all levels of the organization. These connections can become invaluable references or lead to future job opportunities.

Manage your reputation strategically. Be mindful of how your daily actions and attitudes shape others' perceptions of you:

• Consistently deliver high-quality work
• Be reliable and meet deadlines
• Offer solutions, not just complaints
• Stay positive and professional, even in challenging situations

Position yourself for growth. Align your appearance, behavior, and professional development with the level you aspire to reach:

• Dress for the job you want, not the one you have
• Seek out opportunities to learn new skills relevant to higher positions
• Volunteer for high-visibility projects that showcase your abilities

By treating each day as an ongoing interview for your next role, you continuously build the reputation, skills, and network that will propel your career forward, whether within your current organization or beyond.

Last updated: October 9, 2024