Job Market, Tinder for Professionals
Job hunting, folks, it's basically like browsing through profiles on a dating app. You've got your résumé all polished up – that's your dating profile – and you're putting it out there, hoping for that magical ping of interest. And when you do get a response, well, that's the Phone Screening with a recruiter. It's like chatting with your potential date to see if you two vibe. If things go well, you finally meet in person – that's the interview. And if sparks fly during the interview, congratulations, you've just swiped right on a job! But, let's be real, just like in the dating world, things can get messy, and you might end up feeling a bit overwhelmed and lonely.
I'll detail how I think about the journey and how you can set yourself up to find the one!
➡️ From right swipe to love
📝 The Resume - Picture this: your résumé is your dazzling dating profile. It's got all the qualities and interests you'd want in a partner, and it's making a strong case for why someone should swipe right. Now, recruiters? They're like your potential soulmate, on a mission to find their perfect match too. So why wouldn't you give your résumé the attention it deserves? It's essential to understand that recruiters, just like Tinder swipers, make snap judgments. They decide in mere seconds whether they'll swipe left or right. Imagine this as them deciding if they want to read your full profile or not.
Now, if your résumé doesn't scream "swipe right," they'll start looking for those red flags. Remember, your résumé should never make a recruiter question the 3C’s: commitment, competency, or credibility. If there are no glaring issues, congratulations, you've just made it to their "DMs"!
📱The Phone Screening - Alright, so the phone screening is like texting your match before that first date. It's low-pressure, a chance to suss out if you're a good fit for each other. But here's the deal, this is your true compatibility test. Be prepared, because it's not just a casual chat; recruiters are keeping a close eye out. They want to ensure you're a catch for the job. If they see potential, you might score that second date, and they'll even give you some tips on how to rock the next steps. Don't underestimate the power of the phone screening; it's your first impression!
🗣️ The Interview(s) - Now, let's talk interviews, or as I like to call them, the "meet for a date" phase. But hold on, not all interviews are created equal. I've had interviews ranging from a marathon seven-round dance to an instant job offer. Companies want to be sure you're the right fit because hiring the wrong person is costly and time-consuming. Interviews can get intense and time-consuming, so before you move forward, think if this is truly what you want. Don't ghost your recruiter or lead them on; it's not cool on either side.
🫱🏾🫲🏼 The Offer - Here's the big one – the job offer. It's like the "So, what are we?" conversation in dating. You've got to decide if you want to take things to the next level or walk away. Just like in a relationship, there's a lot to consider – finances, benefits, and equity. Dive into the details, ask questions, and don't shy away from anything. This decision shapes your future, after all.
💡Being Intentional about the process
Its important to have an understanding of the process but critical to have a VERY DEEP understanding of your professional journey - past, present, and future. Before you begin staring at the computer for 5 hours trying to rework your professional experience, pull out a piece of paper and map your professional journey.
Professional Journey Mapping
Work backwards and start with where you want to be - define what type of role you are looking for and why that role is the best fit for you.
Reflect on your skills and map skills to tasks - research and understand the skills that are necessary for the role and map those skills to your current competencies.
Map your professional experience to your goal - map your professional experience to skills that apply to the role
Take self inventory - assess your answers and take a moment to determine if your professional journey is relevant enough to begin applying or if you need to build more skills and competency that align with the role.
🎤 Prepare for each stage - you’re a star
1️⃣ Crafting Your Resume (Your Professional Dating Profile)
Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume, focusing on relevant skills and achievements. You don’t need to recreate it but you do need to customize!
Quantify Achievements: Use numbers and statistics to showcase your accomplishments.
Keywords Are Key: Incorporate industry-specific keywords for better online visibility.
2️⃣ Navigating Phone Screenings (Your Compatibility Test)
Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with the company's culture and values.
Practice Your Pitch: Prepare a concise yet engaging introduction to showcase your skills and passion.
Ask Questions: Show your interest by asking thoughtful questions about the role and company.
Follow-Up: Send a thank-you email after the call to express your continued interest.
3️⃣ Acing Interviews (The First Date):
Research and Prepare: Study the company, its mission, and the role thoroughly.
Behavioral Interviewing: Practice the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for answering behavioral questions.
Questions for Them: Prepare questions to ask the interviewer, demonstrating your genuine interest.
Body Language: Maintain good eye contact and confident body language during in-person interviews.
Follow-Up Thank You: Send a personalized thank-you email within 24 hours of the interview.
4️⃣ Evaluating Job Offers (Taking the Next Step):
Financial Evaluation: Carefully review the salary, benefits, and equity offered.
Consider Work-Life Balance: Assess the work hours, commute, and remote work options.
Team Dynamics: Think about how well you fit into the team and company culture.
Long-Term Goals: Consider how the job aligns with your career aspirations.
5️⃣ Decision Time (The "So, What Are We?" Conversation):
Pros and Cons List: Create a list of the pros and cons of the job and company.
Seek Advice: Consult with trusted mentors, friends, or family members for their insights.
Trust Your Instincts: Listen to your gut feeling about the job and company fit.
Negotiate Thoughtfully: If needed, negotiate terms respectfully and professionally.
✌🏾 Last words
Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk <3
