Every week, NETSHARE hosts Ask the Coach, a phone-in coaching session with leading career management experts. Here is an excerpt from this week’s session with career transition coach and consultant Randy Block.
When transitioning to a new career opportunity, finding the right fit is the key, and it’s not always easy. In the current economic crunch, many candidates feel desperate to find a job, so they share too much during the interview process because they are more concerned with getting hired than with finding the right fit.
Randy noted that relevancy rather than breadth of expertise is most important. Relevancy shows fit, and in these economic times, fit is the most important factor for hiring managers. Remember that there will be a number of candidates with the same skill set and basic experience. What will set you apart is fit, so don’t sabotage your chances by offering too much information.
One caller noted that most of his experience was in sales and marketing for large companies. After taking a sabbatical to help with a small family business, he’s ready to jump back into corporate life, probably working for a smaller company this time. Will a potential employer hold his past against him?
Randy’s answer, “They could.” This is where you have to make a case for the best fit. In his case, he has the experience gained from working at large companies, which will make him an asset as a smaller company grows. He also has the experience of working for a small family business, so understands those challenges. He has to address how to balance the two.
Now to address fit. You have to address the obvious, that a smaller company won’t be able to offer all the perks, and that you are expected to be hands-on without a lot of infrastructure; you most likely won’t have the admin you had before, or the layers of staff. You must convince the hiring manager that you are hands-on and okay with the lack of staff support.
As Randy noted, all companies are looking for rainmakers and evangelists. Show how you can increase their revenue; that you understand what it takes. For example, if you are looking for a Vice President of Sales position, the company will expect you to have a Rolodex of contacts. With a Vice President of Marketing position, however, a fat Rolodex is not usually expected.
So when interviewing for your next job, stay focused, make sure your experience is relevant, and emphasize fit. Don’t offer your entire life story. Instead, focus on those aspects of your expertise that will demonstrate your value as rainmaker, evangelist, and someone who can have a real impact on the bottom line.
