Happy New Year! Welcome back to my blog. My last post was so popular that even though we are in the new year, I am going to repost it. So for those procrastinators, who waited until 2013 look for a new opportunity. Here you go!
DECEMBER 2012 POST
The end of the year is near, and I say, "don't wait til' January to make a career move." I receive inquiries throughout the nation about job opportunities, advice on how to get a foot in the door, or assistance on crafting a better resume. On a regular basis hundreds of applicants are applying for (1) one job! How do you cut down on the competition then? I say, use the "Smitty Method", it works like a charm.
Smitty Method: Developed by H. Smith Sr., my dad. He is a bright, yet
simple man, whose education was minimal, but work ethic and principles
kept him employed for 35+ years. This is a four steps process:
1. Identify
2. Research
3. Plan
4. Execute
This 4-Step process, which I have adopted as "The Smitty Method", has assured my success as a working professional for the past 30 years. My dad, an avid gamer (dominoes, cards, ping pong, basketball, baseball, football) is highly competitive, and has taught me to always strive to be #1 no matter what the challenge and if you can't be number then be number #2 and let #1 know you were there.
Before you make your move, there are a few things you must understand about the hiring process. As a Recruiter, our job is to post openings, seek qualified applicants, screen candidates, interview, reference check and ensure potential hires are a technical and cultural fit. Throughout that list of tasks, we are making moves all day long.
As an applicant, you must know that the evaluation of your candidacy begins as soon as you make contact with the recruiter, apply online, email or inquire about a position. Don't make the wrong move and start without being prepared. I recommend using the Smitty Method, and going through this 4-Step process before you start; then make your move.
STEP 1: IDENTIFY - What you want to do?
You have to know what type of career you want before you start applying. Look at your resume, identify the trends: a) who you worked for, b) how long you worked, c) what you did, d) tools you used to do the job.
STEP 2: RESEARCH - Find out what it takes to be qualified
In order to convince others that you are the best match for a job, first you must adhere to the required qualifications. The Internet is a powerful tool, but so is networking and social media. Spend a considerable amount of time in this area: a) read multiple job descriptions on sites like Tangil Smith Blog, Linkedin or Indeed.com, b) use salary calculators and look at the cost of living for positions which you are looking to apply, c) look at the required skills: education, years of experience, industry experience, tools and software.
STEP 3: PLAN - You must decide the who, what, when, where and why
If you've played any sport or been a part of any type of team, you know that to win you must have a strategic plan. Who are your competitors? What type of position are you going after? When is the best time to engage the company? Where is the company, can you live there, where will you be in 5 years after you are hired? Why this job, why this company, why not; what are the pros and cons?
STEP 4: EXECUTE - It's your move, "Just Do It", says Nike!
Many people will get to this point and freeze. Fear over takes them with a million and one questions of, "What If!" Take Smitty's advice and I do quote, "study long, study wrong". The time to analyze was during Step 2 and Step 3, when you get to Step 4 it's time to take action.
Instead of giving advice or tips to a hundred prospective candidates individually, I decided to share this simple, yet valuable method that I have used for years. Many people that I have assisted over the years have benefited from the "Smitty Method". You may think that publishing such information will increase the competition, but the truth of the matter is everyone will not follow through.
Will you be the number one candidate? Do you have a method to follow? I've just made my move on the board, "It's Your Move!"
