ResumeCorner.com Newsletter
February 2007

In this issue

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While continuing to focus on tested job search strategies, it is very important for job seekers to keep their antennae alert to job opportunities that may present themselves serendipitously.

Consider the following success stories:

E-mail leads to a job offer
Despite a busy job search schedule, Nick* made it a point to regularly read numerous trade and academic publications. To him, the journals presented opportunities that were not covered in the help wanted sections. Whenever an article or story piqued his interest, he would write a note to congratulate the author or to initiate an intelligent discussion. Over a period of time, Nick developed a powerful network of top experts in his industry.

Prompted by habit, Nick once wrote to the author of a study that directly complimented his area of interest. One thing led to another and the researcher, a well-recognized expert in his field, not only -- rather zealously -- introduced his new-found fan to other experts in the field, but was also instrumental in helping Nick secure a job offer.

Promoted in the train
Sally* a software engineer was frustrated with her daily commute from Connecticut to New York. She was looking for a job opportunity closer to home. Once, during an informal conversation with a fellow-commuter, she expressed her interest in finding a job in Connecticut itself. At that time she did not know that the person she was conversing with was a C-level executive at a leading software firm in her own city. Call it coincidence, luck, or the hand of destiny, the company was looking to fill a project management position. A series of interviews followed this initial introduction and Sally ultimately found a new job -- and promotion -- just one mile away from home.

Buy a workout, get a job--free
Tania* loved her management job with the federal government. Frequent travel, however, was disturbing her otherwise peaceful family life, and she was looking for a change. During a stress-busting workout session, she casually described her career interests to her trainer.

The CEO of a local firm happened to come in for a workout the same evening. The trainer did not lose the opportunity to present her favorite client’s case. Tania now works as the manager of a local establishment.

Ask and ye shall find
While conducting a routine transaction at the bank, John*, the owner of a marketing communications firm, politely requested the customer service representative to introduce him to someone in the marketing department. The associate, as a matter of professional courtesy, was more than happy to oblige her loyal customer. She facilitated the conversation and, voilà, our man landed a lucrative project with the bank.

Rules are meant to be broken
Jack* was an enterprising student. He was very interested in pursuing a research fellowship with a leading pharmaceutical company. As a matter of policy, the company accepted applications only from doctoral candidates. Jack, unfortunately, had only a master’s degree. Undeterred, he researched the name and contact information of the fellowship director and during a 45-minute conversation, he managed to impress on the director that he was a perfect fit for the position. Jack was invited to apply for the fellowship the following year.

Read a story, find a job
Janice* happened to read a newspaper article that described some problems her dream company was facing. She did not lose time in sending an unsolicited proposal describing her talents and her ability to solve the company’s existing problems. She also requested face time with the manager. Her creativity helped open a position that never existed.

All the above examples describe stories of average individuals who did not hesitate to step out of their comfort zones. It was their initiative and alertness that ultimately landed them jobs.

* Names changed to protect privacy

Nimish Thakkar is a certified career coach, senior outplacement consultant, and resume writer with ResumeCorner.com and Sai Strategies. He also serves as the chief editor of SaiCareers.com, a site that provides free information and resources on a wide range of career topics, from resume writing and career management to networking. Thakkar has worked with thousands of clients and has authored over 100 articles. He holds two graduate degrees, including an MBA. Nimish can be reached at nimish@resumecorner.com.

Dear Nimish:

During interviews how do I answer questions like "What's your biggest weakness?" --Tim

Response:

At interviews you need to be very perceptive of the interviewer's personality (and frame your answers accordingly). I know this sounds hard but with practice this will become your second nature. It is for this reason I recommend going for as many interviews as possible. Whether or not you are not interested in the company, a little practice can never hurt.

That said, there are a number of ways to answer the question about personal weaknesses. Most candidates give vague or silly answers like "I am a perfectionist" or "I work seven days a week". All that is baloney.

The key is to package truth in a nicer way. I will illustrate this with an actual interview response:

A candidate was interviewing for an online marketing manager position and was asked the same question. He immediately said, "I cannot design websites, but I can manage creative professionals that can do that ... as a matter of fact, in my last job I managed a team of freelance designers to create a network of five e-commerce sites ... I am currently learning Adobe Photoshop and Dreamweaver and should be able to catch up on my designing skills within a few weeks."

This was a very honest answer, but it was strategic in nature. The candidate had carefully analyzed the job posting. The job did not need designing skills although the candidate was expected to manage designers. Taking advantage of this knowledge, the candidate killed three birds in one stone: first, he outlined a believable [unrelated] weakness; second, he described an important strength with an illustration; third, he explained ways in which he was overcoming the weakness -- all within the same answer.

Research is the most critical component of interview preparation.

Do you have a quick question for our career coach? Send in your queries to nimish@resumecorner.com. If selected, your question will be answered in the future issues of our newsletter.

Note: Due to large volumes, we cannot respond to individual e-mails.

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