Measuring Up

There’s a lot to think about

There’s a lot that goes into a successful job search. There’s a lot that goes into a successful job interview.

So let’s go into just a few of the key components of your job search. Obviously, these aren’t the only considerations. Nor are they necessarily the most important. But they are a few things that every job seeker needs not overlook and needs to keep reminding himself of periodically during the job search.

It’s about you… but not

One: do you tailor your cover letter, resume and interview preparation individually for each every job opportunity? Even if you’re applying for the same type of job in the same industry, differences among companies abound. It only makes sense to conform each resume that you submit to each respective opening.

Two: a job search is as much a competition (among candidates) as it is anything else. And, in today’s job market, the competition is fierce. When thinking about your selling points – those things that are your strong points and will make your interviewer remember you and separate you from the other candidates – do you take your competition into consideration?

Not that you would know those individuals personally – that’s all but impossible. But do you contemplate the person with stronger experience? The person who might be willing to work for less money? The person who brings something to the table that you lack?

Planning well in advance how to overcome these circumstances may make the difference in getting the job or not.

Three: What if you don’t measure up precisely to the company’s concept of the ideal candidate and your background isn’t a perfect fit? How do you overcome that? What else do you bring to the table that would offset that shortcoming?

When we talk about preparing for the interview, there is a lot more involved than simply knowing where the company is and how best to travel there. They say that content is king, and it’s the content of your interview and how you position yourself that will separate you from the pack.

More tips.