I’m a big fan of “Shark Tank.” Like many viewers I have this fantasy I’m going to invent a product that will sell on QVC and make me millions of dollars overnight! A recent episode featured a guest who appeared two years ago. I expected the sharks to be critical since they rejected the idea the first time around. To my pleasant surprise, they were curious to find out what this person learned from the previous meeting.
What impressed me the most was the individual’s response to his earlier rejection. Of course, it never feels good to be rejected. This is what it’s like for the millions of people who apply for jobs and hear nothing in response. At least send me one of those “Thanks but no thanks” rejection letters.
The successful entrepreneur did more than keep trying. He learned from his earlier mistakes and made adjustments. He listened to the advice and went back to the drawing board to make improvements. If you’ve been trying to find a job and haven’t been successful, think about what you can do better. Is there something you need to do differently? Rewind the interview “tape” in your mind. What did you answer well and were there questions that caught you off-guard? How can you prepare better for the next interview?
Millions of people send out hundreds of resumes. The result might be two interviews and no job offers. More often than not, candidates put all their eggs in one basket and aren’t using other job search strategies. Let’s be honest, mailing out resumes and completing job applications online is a passive approach. It takes the least amount of effort, but it makes us feel like we’re trying. Try something different!
Identify two employers at the top of your list and launch a campaign to ensure they know you’re serious about joining that company. For starters, create a list of employees you can contact directly. Start with the HR manager, but if you’re trying to get a job as an accountant, identify the manager of the business department. If you want to drive a truck, who’s in charge of transportation? If you’re a mechanic, find the maintenance department supervisor. Do you love fashion? Head over to a retail-clothing store and talk with a manager. Even if they don’t need additional employees today, you never know, they may need someone next week or next month. If you make a positive impression you will be on their list of people to contact in the future.
Some people have asked me, “Where do I get this list of people I need to contact?” If you really want to know who’s in charge of customer service, there are ways to find this information, but no one is going to just offer it to you. You’ve got to go out and get it. Start with your network of friends and relatives. Hey, do you know someone who works at Company XYZ? Could you please ask them who’s in charge of accounting?
Of course, use the Internet. Post on Facebook and use your social network to be part of your search team. If you’re not familiar with how to use LinkedIn or other online sources, ask for help.
Sales professionals are experts at identifying the people who are in charge. For example they will often call an organization and say, “The manager of accounting left me a voice message but I erased it by mistake. Could you please spell their last name so I can send them a letter?” There’s a delicate line between being a nuisance and showing your sincere interest in joining the company, but if mailing multiple resumes isn’t working, it’s time to change your strategy.
Searching for a better job can be extremely demoralizing. There’s lots of competition and you will lose much more often than you win. But, the good news is you only need one win to change your life.
My friend on “Shark Tank” didn’t give up. He listened, made adjustments and ended up with a great deal. Trying a new strategy will give you a renewed commitment to make it happen. Like Nike suggested decades ago, get out there and “Just do it!”
Kaminski is president of Stone Associates Training. He is an HR consultant with 35 years of experience in the employment field, teaching managers the art of hiring great employees. He also is an adjunct instructor at Keuka College. You can contact him with your questions, suggestions and comments at bill@stone associatestraining.com.
