Like many graduating MBAs, I have a fairly broad background. Little of this. Little of that. All focused on a few main interests. Most people don’t do exactly the same thing forever, and if you’ve had a few jobs I would guess you’re in the same boat.
Graduates are typically advised to “tell a story” when relating their experience. So that’s what I’ve done. I can easily take a recruiter through the career choices I’ve made and why they align with my career goals. However, when looking to enter the startup world, the phrase “career goals” gets a little mushy.
Trying to forecast what the CEO of a startup is looking for in employee #5 is tough. I (along with I’m sure many of you) find it difficult to express what I’m really interested in because of the whole broad background thing. So, I normally default to “I’m looking to join an energetic team with an exciting vision.”
I thought this was working well for me. Until reading this post by Jason Freeman. It has changed my outlook on both interviewing and job referrals.
In his post, Jason describes a bright 27-year old, who is looking to join a great company where she loves going to work every day. Aren’t we all. When asked what her next job role might look like, she remains flexible in every answer, thinking this broadens her employment prospects.
Little does she know that being 100% honest about her flexibility is actually shooting her in the foot.
Jason relates that without this bright 27-year old positioning herself as having one core interest (he calls this a “plan A”), he has no clue which of his connections to refer her to. If Jason forwards this person to a contact, odds are that his contact is looking for someone with a specific background/interest as well.
His conclusion: often times flexibility = no referral.
Jason recommends presenting yourself with a specific focus when hunting for job referrals. I expanded this theory to job interviews, which I think applies well. So, enough with this “I’m interested in lots of things” for me. I’m now a focused man. I hope you know what you’re talking about Jason (because I need a job!). J
http://www.humbledmba.com/the-trick-to-getting-a-sweet-ass-job-referral
This is exactly the reason why I tailor my CV in accordance with the specific needs that every potential employer might have.
You are very good Erez. I’m certain this tactic will help you score a great job!
Great post. And fully agree with Erez that the job search is all about being specific. Employers want you to be fully devoted to that company, their vision, culture etc. Tailoring CV’s is a great foot in the door for an interview to show you really want to work for them rather than a generic CV. I have recently written an article on this topic if you’re interested http://graduatecareertips.co.uk/2011/09/10/tailor-your-cv-for-the-job-you-apply-for/
Thanks for the commend Adam. I like your suggestion to use a potential employer within a CV
Thanks so much for this. This is awesome post I ever seen on internet.
This is rare to find that’s why difficult to understand. Anyway, you are definitely someone that has something to say that people
need to hear. Keep up the good work. Keep on inspiring the people.
For more information regards:
Private Equity
Hi, very useful post. I’ve just bumped into it and found it concrete and useful, very straight to the point. With your tips and some tricks I’ve heard during the webinars organized by http://www.blog.ivyexec.com I’m sure I’ll easily go through job search. Thanks once again!