Job Search: The Dual Mentality
By Angela Loëb
“And if you’re really smart, you figure out how to distinguish yourself from all the other very smart people walking around with $1,500 suits, high-powered laptops, and well-polished resumes.
…you create a message and a strategy to promote the brand called You.”
- Tom Peters, from “The Brand Called You“
Last night I gave a presention to a group of about 40 job seekers at a local church. I focused on the concept which was first introduced by Tom Peter in his 1997 Fast Magazine article, “The Brand Called You.” That is… you need to think like you’re the CEO of Me Incorporated during your job search (and, well, really during your whole career!). This message is a core theme in my book, What You Need To Know To Get A Job Now!, and I’ve mentioned it many times here on the Career Blog.
As CEO of Me Inc, you have many roles to fulfill. In the beginning stages of your job search, there are definitely 2 you have to jump into… and at the same time. It’s what I’d call ”The Dual Mentality”. You need to have a Sales & Marketing Mentality and you need to have a Project Manager Mentality.
The Sales & Marketing Mentality says: I’ve figured out my brand and how to weave that into my resume and introduction of myself. To more easily adopt this mentality, first ask yourself, “What is my Unique Promise of Value?”
“You are here on Earth for a very specific reason. There is a void in the world that needs your touch, your insight, your wisdom you magic. You are here to be different and to make a difference.” - Simon T. Bailey, from Release Your Brilliance
When Jay and I re-fashioned the Job Seach Boot Camp pajama learning e-course, we purposely positioned the exercises to figure out your Unique Promise of Value at the beginning of the very first module (the READY module). Then when you get into the resume, you can write it in such a way as to: a) attract what you want to yourself, and b) hook the reader’s interest so that you stand out from the pack.
The Project Manager Mentality says: Here’s my plan, here are my resources and priorities, here are my goals and timelines, etc.
Your Plan Should:
- Focus on a Proactive Approach vs. a Reactive Approach.
- Allocate time sensibly.
The Proactive Approach includes the “Targeted Job Search Method”, which Jay and I teach in the AIM Module of the Job Seach Boot Camp pajama learning e-course. Answering ads online is still necessary to do since it’s possibly as high as 10% effective in finding a job, but it’s the proactive activities that yield a higher return on your investment of time and energy, such as talking to friends and family about who they might know inside the list of your top 5 most desirable companies to work for. According to Dan Miller, author of 48 Days To The Work You Love, the proactive method Jay and I teach has an 86% effectiveness rating.
Allocating time sensibly means that you plan out your job search activities according to the ROI. If answering ads only gives you about 10% effectiveness, why don’t you consider spending 10% or less of your time doing that? I also suggest that you do researching and answering ads during non prime time. The workday is the prime time and when you need to be connecting and networking with people who can help you find job leads in the hidden job market.
So, shift your mentality into a dual mentality of Sales & Marketing and Project Management, and get rolling. As CEO of Me Inc, it’s your responsibility to make it happen.
