Research. Research. Research.

Every job hunting book, I have read or wrote, has always emphasized that the candidate should research the company before the interview. Study the company like a chess move.

Yet I am surprised that people still do not do it. 

I suspect that some people must have to get burned multiple times before they recognize a hot oven. For example, my friend just came back from an interview. I asked," Did you research the company on the Internet?'  

"No," was the reply. 

"Did you look at their D&B report?"

"Did you talk to the chamber of commerce about them?"

"Did you examine their competitors?"

"Did you research their founders' backgrounds?"

"No was the reply. No, no and no."

"How did the interview go?"

"Fine."

My friend received an offer and took the job. I do not know if the research would have helped or not. It obviously was not necessary to get the job offer. 

I hope that it is not another hot oven. Research will help, but time will tell for sure.

I still recommend the research.

Job Hunting Tip

A few days ago, I mentioned that a job hunter should volunteer some time to a charitable activity.  This action has a two fold effect: it helps the charitable organization and it expands the networking contacts for the hunter. Now, here is another indirect approach to your job search.

Start a research project on an industry you believe could offer you job opportunities. Not a fake project, but a genuine project with a written report at the conclusion of your research. For example, let me suggest hypothetically that you believe that medical software is an industry that has opportunities for you. First step is make an outline for your report including such items as size of the market, competition, regulations and sales process. Your outline is important because that is your introductory teaser that will open the doors to the C level people in the industry.

A brief letter that goes something like the following  is your opening message-
_______________
Dear Mr. Smith:

My name is -give your real name- and I am conducting research on the medical software industry. Attached is an outline of my final report.

I am contacting you because your firm is active in this industry. Would you invest 30 minutes of your time to to answer a few questions for my research project? Your answers will remain anonymous. Although the final report is confidential, I would provide you with a free copy of the final report. The interview can be conducted over the phone if it is more convenient for you... And so on.
_____________
You get the idea. The letter can be modified for any level job and any situation. Is this method disingenuous. No. Your research is real. And your final report may get you the job. If someone should suspect a charade and ask, "Are you really looking for a job and are using this research project to get in the door?" You reply, "I am investing considerable time and money in doing this research project to assess the entire industry. If I discover the industry has opportunities for someone with my skills, then when my research is concluded, I may elect to pursue opportunities in this industry." The Fortune 100 companies do similar research all the time and they call it Business Intelligence.

Take it or leave, but it works.

A Job Hunting Valuable Tip.

Volunteer activity is a valuable tool for job hunters.

Hike into this non-profit valley and you may be surprised what you find.

I know on the surface this tip seems less than charitable; but if you are looking for a job, then you may have some extra time on your hands. Why not have that time serve two goals- first, you are helping a worthwhile charitable cause and second you may meet people who may later direct you to a genuine opportunity.

Tell everyone you work with at this activity that you are looking for a job. Don't tell them your whole story, but leave them with a few keywords that may get their mind working in your favor should the occasion arise. For example, I am looking for sales position in the telecommunication field, or I am expert in manufacturing operations--e.g. a few words or a phrase that will connect them with you. If you have 10 people helping you, the power of their networks is working for you too.

I recommend you volunteer with a charitable organization that has a cause that has affected your life. I have a friend who took this route and now works as a full time employee for the charitable organization. The Girl Scouts of America has thousand's of volunteers and hundreds of employees. The president makes more than $125,000 per year so there are jobs in these organizations too.

Volunteer your way back to employment. Start today.


There is more. A lot more.

Quash those interview anxieties.

There is an old story that IBM taught their salespeople to sell by the "sixes." Have six reason why the customer should buy from IBM. Have six ways to overcome any objection. Have six reasons why your product is better than the competition. Have six different blue suits. And so on. 


I teach interviewing by the 3s.


Interviews are nerve racking. Even for the experienced candidate, an interview can be fraught with anticipation. A loose phrase can have unintended negative consequences. Prepare for your interview with the 3s. 


Have 3 reasons why you are the best for that position. Have 3 short stories about past experiences that illustrate your strengths relevant for the position. Have 3 examples of people that you have worked for that illustrate your best relevant characteristics. 


Weave the 3s into your responses to interview questions. 


Be prepared and confident with the 3s.