Photo by bpsusf via flickr
I’ve been organizing virtual files lately and came across a list of four questions I’d answered back in November 2009. I responded to a request for a virtual interview. I’m not sure what the recipient ever did with the information. Sometimes responses are gathered but never used. Since I can’t the find the information I provided elsewhere on the Web, I’ll share the questions and answers here.
#1. Changing careers can be daunting – what advice can you give those who feel like a change?
Do your homework. If you’re looking for a career change, know what skills the new career path requires. After you know what the hiring authority seeks, either identify the skills that naturally segue in your own work history or acquire the skills needed to facilitate the change. Be creative in your thinking and don’t discount anything in your work history. What’s expected and nothing special in one position can be a treasured skill in another. Demonstrate a willingness to stretch and learn, and above all exude enthusiasm for a new challenge. Career changes can be the most challenging of all types of job searches, but with proper preparation, they are not impossible.
#2. What are the biggest CV (resume) sins you find jobseekers keep repeating?
Underselling their skills, expecting readers to extrapolate information from vague lists of job duties and approaching a job search from an “all about me” perspective. An employer does not care what you seek (all about me); they care about what you can do for them. If a job seeker is not boldly and proudly telling the hiring authority what they can do for the company, the hiring authority will not take the time to figure it out for him/herself. Quantifiable, qualifiable, accomplishment-driven statements outlining challenges, actions, results and the benefit to the employer are integral to successfully conveying value. I’ve seen too many career autobiographies and not enough compelling sales and marketing documents. The employer does not care about what you have done until you can put what you have done into the context of what you can do for them.
The other two questions will post Thursday.
#3. Is there a particular leadership style which is great for bagging a career promotion?
#4. Being made redundant can really affect job seekers self esteem. What’s the best advice you can give them?
See you then.
Link to this page
Oh boy, these questions and your answers are great. This line is so true: “An employer does not care what you seek (all about me); they care about what you can do for them.” There is no market for the narcissistic resume (a list of those how-great-I-ams) or the job description loosely disguised as a resume. A lot of them are out there. So thanks as always for leading with the truth. It’s wonderfully refreshing. You’re just awesome! ~Dawn