Job Hunt Answers for Every Job Search
Eager to assist your child with his or her first job search, but need a refresher? Elaine Varelas offers insight.
Q: I’m a senior-level employee looking for a new job. Interestingly, my daughter will be applying for jobs after graduating this May. This wasn’t the bonding experience I’d hoped for, but I’m trying to make sure she recognizes and develops the job search skills she’ll need throughout her career, and I know I need a refresher. There are a million job search advice books out there. What do you recommend?A:
If you don’t want What Color is Your Parachute, a great career exploration and planning book that has to be mentioned, I have a few other favorites: Don’t Wear Flip-Flops to Your Interview and Winning Job Interviews, both by Dr. Paul Powers—and there’s a new one joining the ranks on Amazon this week by Gary Burnison, CEO of Korn Ferry, the largest retained search firm in the world. Lose the Resume, Land the Job shares successful methodology in all areas of the job search. It’s an accessible tool because you can read straight through or choose sections or topics as you follow through the process.
Burnison does an exceptional job of pointing out important aspects of the job search most often overlooked by job seekers—most notably, cultural fit. Burnison explains that, whether it’s a recent college grad or an experienced executive, many people ignore organizational fit when considering new roles. People think focusing on money or title is practical and savvy, but what’s really important is what motivates you and who you’re working for. Much of your success depends on what you learn on the job. The approximately 90% of on-the-job and interpersonal training is significant, so ensuring the right fit in your role and manager is a huge investment in your career.
This book answers many common “Job Doc” questions. One of my favorites is “What does it take to be successful?” Lose the Resume explains that the biggest predictor of success is learning agility, defined as knowing what to do when you don’t know what to do. On the job, you need to commit to learning from your boss and others around you—and if, as you interview, you don’t think you can learn from your boss, it may be the wrong fit. Being resourceful, having an appetite to learn, and having purpose in your career are three huge factors in your lifetime earnings, as is being surrounded by people who recognize your need to learn, not just “do.” Look for those opportunities in the next job.
As you and your daughter experience the job search process, you’ll want to network to achieve the best results. Most people assume networking is all about them. It’s not. To network effectively, you have to make it about the other person. If you don’t walk away with something you can do for them, then you won’t be memorable and won’t have a reason to follow up. Burnison’s book explains that networking is about long-term relationships and committing the time and energy to maintaining this investment in your career. Just-in-time networking is not the most valuable way to do it.
In the age of AI and job-matching technology, candidates can differentiate themselves with soft skills. Burnison gives readers helpful assessments to identify and articulate those differentiators. There’s a world of difference between saying you’re a “team player” and saying you “lead cooperative work efforts.” Your ability to communicate compelling accomplishments will lead to more senior roles.
Lose the Resume provides helpful information for job seekers of all levels, at any stage. Its tools help job seekers recognize that they’re sellers and buyers on the job market—you need a clear purpose and an ability to articulate accomplishments to sell yourself, but, as a “buyer,” you need to research the organization and “hire” the employer you want to join.
What sets this book apart from the “millions” of others is its accessibility and wide-ranging applicability. Its great graphs, images, and examples clarify learnings, and you don’t have to read it like a novel; it functions well as a quick reference, allowing you to select sections based on current needs. Best of all, this all-encompassing book is appropriate for an executive and a college grad—it not only provides the key to a current job search but to the entire process of moving your career forward.
