Workers will dominate the job market this year, according to reports from Glassdoor and Indeed. Employers still face labor supply issues as an aging population and shifting demographics ensure ongoing challenges.
The report, which analyzed employment trends in the US, Canada, the UK, France, Germany and Japan, concluded that hiring across many industries will remain challenging for years to come. And while there will be many opportunities for job seekers, it is important to set yourself apart in order to land your dream job.
If you’ve discovered new skills while working remotely, you’re not alone. So how can you stand out from the crowd? I’ll tell you what gets my attention.
I’ve interviewed thousands of candidates throughout my career at Amazon, Microsoft, and private companies. I’ve met candidates all over the world who range in talent from seasonal help to corporate executives.
I’ve been doing this job for over two decades, and I love it. As an HR professional, I can put my thumb on shaping an organization and professional culture. I’ve learned what it takes to stand out in a hot talent market.
Here’s what you need to know:
Your resume earned you the interview; now tell me why are we here
I don’t require candidates to give me a guided tour through resumes I’ve already read. Getting noticed is no mean feat, so, what are you going to do with the opportunity to set yourself apart?
I’m looking for a candidate who blends our cultures. What experience, superpower or perspective do you offer? How would you escalate this situation?
Show that you have prepared your thesis with your understanding of the role, to explain how you are uniquely suited to fill it. We don’t want to just fill job description. We want you to bring something that is lacking that we cannot even see because we are not expert in what you do. We want to learn from you. In this role, we want you to thrive.
self-awareness is key
Before you start your job search, take some time and think about why you’re searching. What inspired your search? Self-awareness elevates a candidate. Understand your superpowers.
Explain your story about what you have done to advance yourself in your career. Which stretch assignment refined your skills? What successes shaped you? How have you prepared and worked for your team during the pandemic? I’m less interested in special titles showing your achievements. I want to hear examples of how you grew up. What have you learned, and what did it take to get there?
RELATED: Showing Personality in the Job Search
I don’t mind if candidates disclose a job or project that didn’t work. I appreciate the candor. Being exposed to those unforeseen mishaps and knowing how they shaped you impresses me more than if a candidate lacks self-awareness. It’s a deal breaker when candidates don’t understand where they excel or what they want. Talking about it takes self-discovery and practice.
create remote connection
Specifically, the Glassdoor and Indeed study predicts that remote work — which rose to prominence during the pandemic — will continue to flourish. That’s why it’s essential to plan for remote interviews even as in-person interviews come back.
Remote interviews are tough. It’s hard to mask a real connection on screen. But the candidates keep impressing me with their energy. keep it coming
To be successful in a remote interview, you have to step it up a bit. It’s not an extrovert vs introvert thing. It’s about being thoughtful, focused, prepared and proactive. Know the position description and consider how it fits your personality, experience, interests and passions. come with questions. Try to connect in a way that is uniquely your own.
Remote interviewing can be challenging, but enthusiasm is contagious. If you’re excited about an employer, show that you care about the role and have thought about how you might add to the culture.
Build your narrative with practice questions
Up to this point, I have a list of my favorite interview questions. Even if your next interviewer doesn’t have these, they are great practice questions to consider as you prepare for your search:
- If you were a brand, what would your tagline be?
- What is your superpower?
- What’s the most challenging decision you’ve ever had to make?
- Do you have passion projects outside of work? What are they?
You and your prospective employer want the same thing: value addition
You probably aren’t looking for the same role you currently hold. You want a new job that will bring new lessons and enhance additional dimensions of your character. You want to be challenged and grow. You are trying to add a value.
That’s what prospective employers want. If you’re in the right role, come up with a plan and go with a legacy, changing the role for the better. If hired, you should raise the bar by adding bullet points to the job description on how you worked in the role. You decide what those pills will be. That’s how you get a job, and it’s your legacy when you leave. The secret to finding your dream job is to show what you would add to the job description, not just show that you can do the job.
Best wishes for your search!
tammy perkins chief public officer of PMI around the worldAn international consumer goods company.
