So, They Decided To Go With Someone Else

So, They Decided To Go With Someone ElseSo, They Decided To Go With Someone ElseWhat Im sick of hearing after 2 or 3 interviews is, we werent actually looking for someone with your background, which we should have known before we called the 1st time. Were sorry, but were going to go with someone else.So, that happened. Why on earth would an employer bring you in leid once, but 2 or 3 times, without being clear in their own minds regarding what they wanted? And once they got clear, well, what they wanted wasnt you.Its a waste of time.So, lets talk about what to do so that youre not investing time and emotional energy into employers who dont respect you. I want to make sure you get more control over the job search process, so you can interview for more opportunities that actually match, and finally hear some reasonable offers that you can choose from.Dont Just Follow The Application RulesOn the one hand, you have to do what the application says. Failing to do so can get you cast out fo r simply not following directions.But I was just talking to a candidate today who wanted to know if she should apply online and reach out to the hiring manager, because she knew who the person was. Good question, to which the answer is a resounding, Yes.Job search is a time when its not only okay to draw outside the lines. In fact, I recommend it. This has to do with advocating for yourself, your career, and your life. Following all the rules in a picture perfect manner should get you in, but the reality it that it probably wont.Proactively, specifically reaching out to a real menschenwrdig being makes all the difference. The back door is the better bet.And if you cant identify the decision maker, identify the people on the team who hold roles similar to the one youre targeting. Build relationships, find out about the corporate culture, and if you like what you learn about the organization, ask those people for the name of the person you should speak to about coming on board.Dont Fo cus on Your Interview PerformanceEvolve your interview mindset. Yes, its wonderful to get that call. Its great to go in there and meet with the person. But theres no need to be overly-grateful. If your quest is for the ideal job, then every interview and every opportunity simply isnt going to be for you.Is the organization of the caliber that you need? Is the role on the level you want? Are those people a fit for you? Take confidence in the reality that you control what youre going to be doing for minimally 8 hours every day. Therefore, approach the interview like youre also interviewing them.Youre allowed to be ever-so-slightly selfish. Bring questions to the table that indicate your level of seriousness about contributing to the organization, while at the same time illuminating how you will be evaluated if you decide to take on the role.Ask, What do you think are the fruchtwein important qualities for me to excel in this role?, What are your expectations for this role during the f irst 30 days, 60 days, and year 1?, and, What types of skills is the team missing that youre looking to fill with a new hire? When you find out the answer to that last question, position your skill set as the ideal solution.Dont Just Accept What Youre GivenThis is about how you dont have to be a lapdog. I had a candidate receive an offer just last week. He was told the compensation would be X, but then when the offer letter came, it looked like the compensation would be X minus nearly 25%.Far too often, candidates would just take it, being so grateful to have an opportunity at all.But because the offer didnt meet the candidates minimum requirements, heres what he did he asked the question about why the written salary number was different than the oral offer. You have to move forth with the confidence of knowing the offer doesnt just get sucked away because you ask a legitimate question.The answer he heard was unsatisfactory. So he approached them again. The negotiation didnt end up being the original figure. However, it ended up being twice the written offer, with a written schedule of increases over the subsequent 6 months, based on performance metrics that were made clear to the candidate, which the candidate felt confident he could meet. You can only do this if youre crystal clear on what the right job means for you, your spouse, your household, and your family.Focus in on whats ideal. I know the tendency is to want to cast a wide net, but dont do it. Where you focus is where you will find not only what you want, but also whats right for you. We have a job search training coming up that specifically focuses in on what you need to do, in the exact order, to get where you want to go in your career and your life. Join us for, The Perfect Job Game Plan, so you can learn how to play the game after all, its not just the employers who are making up all the rules.