You’ve met those folks. You know, the ones who speak in generalities and non-specifics? The ones that say so much, but really don’t say much at all. Like a crab cake with nothing but filler, it just doesn’t make things better. We want the lump crab meat and the details! In fact, the less specific you are, the harder it is to find your next great opportunity and the lesser chance you have of being hired.
Recently, I was talking to a candidate who had parted ways with his previous employer and his statement to me was, “Rob, I’ll be honest, I was too cocky and too confident when I left my old job. I thought I could easily get a position with little to no work required.” This candidate, on paper, is one of the most employable people I’ve ever spoken with. But after our call, I had little to no faith he was going to be a value-add to any team. This was all because he spoke for so long and nothing was relevant to the opportunity we were discussing. Even with probing questions, it was hard to tease out where/how this individual might fit in an organization. It was as though the more we spoke, the less I knew about the candidate.
Another quote from that same conversation concerned me, “Rob, I read the job description and I really felt like I was reading my own resume.” I get that, and that is exciting to think someone is that good of a fit for a position. But if an individual cannot provide details on exactly WHY and HOW they are a good fit OR give examples of similar experiences they’ve had that relate to the opportunity, then it’s probably not the right fit.
When a job description comes across your desk I would recommend skimming it, and if it sounds remotely interesting, sleep on it! Unless you know the company and have always wanted to work there, then simply wait a day or two. After that, do a deep dive and really compare your skills and what you’re currently doing to the job description. If you say to yourself, “wow, this seems like an incredible opportunity that I’d be interested in” then connect with the source of the job description.
Be eager, but be measured.
Be motivated, but be humble.
Be transparent, but be concise.
Always pause for questions, it creates credibility.
Be specific and be relevant.
Written by: Rob Scherer, Vice President at Hunter Crown, LLC
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