Dear J.T. & Dale: I was laid off from an electronics firm seven months ago due to the downturn. I have been sending resumes to everything from electronics firms to call centers to retail positions. I have gotten a few interviews in electronics, but no offers. One interviewer told me he didn’t want to hire me at $10 an hour, as I would soon leave for a more lucrative job. What do I do? — Rob
J.T.: Applying for every job possible is known as “spraying and praying.” While you might think this will snag you more interviews, studies show that all it really serves to do is knock down your confidence.
Dale: A job search means selling yourself, and one thing people know about sales is that it’s “a numbers game,” meaning that the more people you contact, the more sales you get. However, job hunting is a different game. Every great job is a long shot; the game is how to increase your chances of getting interviewed.
J.T.: Start by proactively seeking out companies that WOW you. What businesses in your area do you admire? Those are the companies you should contact and ask how someone like you could find a way to work for them. Your excitement will give you an edge.
Dale: Each contact is a long shot, but instead of being one of hundreds of resumes in a pile, you come in via e-mail or voice mail inquiring about how to be part of a great company. And when you get to the interview, the hiring manager will know that you aren’t likely to dash off to the next job — you’re not just grabbing a paycheck, but working on your career.
Jeanine “J.T.” Tanner O’Donnell is a professional development specialist and founder of the consulting firm jtodonnell.com. Dale Dauten’s latest book is “(Great) Employees Only: How Gifted Bosses Hire and De-Hire Their Way to Success” (John Wiley & Sons). Please visit them at jtanddale.com, where you can send questions via e-mail, or write to them in care of King Features Syndicate, 300 W. 57th St, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10019.
© 2008 by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
