25 applications and 26 interviews. That’s the story I’ve been telling for years. When I first entered the job market after my post-doc, I applied to 100 jobs. The problem was that I got zero phone calls for interviews. Zero. When no one contacted me, I became pretty concerned. After all, I’d just found out that my wife and I were expecting our first child. Oh, did I mention that I’d been laid off due to a funding shortage? We had a kid on the way, no income or insurance, and I needed a job! Yet, despite my best efforts, nothing materialized.
Thankfully I recognized that my process was broken, not me. I adjusted and applied to 25 more jobs – and got 26 interviews (one place recommended me to another, who actually called)! One of them ended up leading to a dream job for me. Since that day, I’ve been teaching anyone who will listen the process I followed for landing my dream job.
The 26th Application
This is the third in a series of posts about my recent job change. I announced it a few weeks ago, and shared some thoughts on how someone can decide if they should leave their current position. I made the decision to apply for a new job. Now what?
Let me start with the end in mind (don’t worry, details follow): the job that I ended up getting offered was created specifically for me after I contacted my (now) current employer and followed my process. I began by pursuing a position they had already filled but hadn’t taken down yet (I didn’t know that). I managed to get someone on the phone anyhow, who shared with me that there was another opening and it might be a good fit. I interviewed on the phone, and in person. Ultimately they offered that position to someone else and hired me into a different (third) position that aligns my particular passions with their needs.
That moves my tally to 26 applications, 27 interviews, and 2 dream jobs landed.
The Experiment
I think that my favorite part about this experience is that I landed this job by literally following the step-by-step plan that I teach people. It’s based on a few simple ideas that help potential employers see you genuinely and decide if you’re good fit.
We live in a world dominated by online applications, computer algorithms filtering candidates, and people trying to spoof the system by embedding the right keywords. Rather than presenting themselves genuinely, they desperately try to fit their qualifications to any opening they can find and apply to dozens of openings. Sound familiar? Not ideal.
I prefer to bypass that machine and approach the job hunt with a more human touch. I only apply to positions that I truly believe I would thrive in, and do my best to show potential employers the real me. If I fit, I fit. If not, then I shouldn’t go there anyhow.
The Process
The particulars are more than I can communicate in a single blog post. Don’t worry! I’m in the final stages of producing an online, go-at-your-own-pace workshop. Interested? Hit me up @TheTonyFerrar on any platform you like. In the meanwhile, here’s the overview.
Dig the Well
Have you ever heard the saying that “the worst time to dig a well is when you’re thirsty”? These words guide a lot of how I spend my time – I’m building a foundation for a need I haven’t even perceived yet. How? Two words: Personal Branding.
A personal brand is the combination of genuine relationships and original content that you’ve created and shared.
With access to networks like LinkedIn, you can build meaningful relationships with just about any professional you’d like. Interact with their content, strike up a conversation in the comments of a post, and start to get to know who’s who in your field(s) of interest.
These relationships will help you produce the second half of your brand: original content. You might have noticed that I prefer blogging. You could do videos, or a podcast. I recommend that you post one new piece of content every week. Focus on telling stories and musing about topics that showcase your professional and technical skills. You want to slowly paint a picture of being capable and qualified in your particular niche, while also demonstrating that you’re able to thrive in a professional environment.
Bypass the Machine
Once you’ve started building your brand, you’re going to discover that there are lots of opportunities out there that you’d never heard of. When I first began this journey, I discovered the role I am in now (Professor of Instruction, aka Professor in Residence) – after having spent 7 years looking at academic careers and wishing there was something like it.
You’ll be connecting with new people constantly, and you should take a minute to look at where they work. The goal is to avoid applying online as long as possible. Don’t bother with job-aggregation sites. Instead of looking for openings, look for organizations that ignite your passion. Why? Because MOST job openings aren’t even posted on the internet. Also, organizations are hoping to hire people who are sold out for their cause, not just a qualified employee. Make it your goal to find places you’d work for free if you could afford to.
Land an Interview
I have seen time after time that when you do the filtering for yourself (by only pursuing places that you’re passionate about) the success rate in interviews skyrockets. If you’ve already determined whether you are qualified, and you’ve already decided you’d lose your mind with enthusiasm over working at a place, then all you need to do is talk with them so they can see it. If they agree, they’ll find a way to get you in.
So how do you start this conversation if not through an application? Simple. Email your future boss. Let them know you exist and that you’re interested in their organization. Share one fact about yourself that would entice. A few days later, send your resume and a cover letter that you wrote specifically for this organization. Include a few more examples of your technical and professional skills. Close this email asking when a good time to talk next week is. Call next week.
Waiting a few days between each of these three points of contact does two things. First off, we remember things we hear three times. By making contact 3 times, you give someone the chance to remember your name. Second, you’re giving them time to search you online. When they do, they’ll find that you’re an engaged professional and your content will let them know that you’re serious when you tell them you’re passionate about what they do. In other words, you get to cash in on that personal brand.
Conclusion
Ok, that’s a lot. I agree. If you’ve ever tried the “apply to 100 jobs” approach, then you know that career building is a time-intensive process. Here’s the difference: when you get a job using that approach, the effort you put into the other 99 positions evaporates – you’re left with nothing to show for all of that work. When you follow the “build a brand, bypass the machine” approach, you’re left with an asset that you can continue developing and leveraging throughout your career.
I think one of the most amazing things is that you get a chance to share your genuine self, instead of feeling pressure to manipulate your future employer. That just feels amazing, especially when it works. (Boss, if you’re reading this I am stoked to be here!)
Need help? That’s OK, I did too. It is also exactly why I’m building this online workshop (called Bypass the Machine). I hope to make it available in September of 2019 (but, as you know, I just started a new job!). Hit me up @TheTonyFerrar and I’ll add your name to the list of people I notify the minute it is ready!
Loved it! Thanks Tony.
Thanks!