Need a job....read this!

"it's not about who you know, it's who you know that likes you"

The number of people who are losing their jobs these days is mind blowing. I've been asking myself how can I help? So if you or someone you know is out job hunting here are my tips (beyond the obvious stuff) that just might help.

#1. Nothing, I repeat nothing is more important in your job search than the initial interview. And even more important than qualifications and experience is likeability! For a recruiter, so many people these days have experience and qualifications. After all, the hiring pool is so much bigger than it used to be. Imagine the poor recruiter looking out at a sea of bored faces desperate to be hired. How will he or she make the final choice?

"we like most people who like us"

And those that make hiring decisions whether they will admit it or not, chose people that they like. The good news is that this is a skill that can be learned fairly quickly. I've read numerous books on the subject and I will recommend one; 'How to make people like you in 90 seconds' by Nicholas Boothman. It's a small book you can easily read in one or two nights. It's worth every penny. Apply the principals in the book and you'll have a much better interview. PLUS, you can use the lessons learned in the other parts of your life.

#2. Take a job for a test ride. One of the fears of a recruiter or owner has is making a bad choice. He thinks he's hiring the next employee of the year and a short time later he realizes he has selected the 'dud of the year'. So he's faced with lots of unpleasant chores; firing and hiring all over again. So what should you do to allay his fears?

"work for free"

Yes, you read that right, work for free. Not for ever, just for a week. Tell the person doing the hiring that you are so confident that he will like your work, you will work for free for a week, so that he can take you for a test drive. No obligations to him, and mean it. Then if you get your foot in the door, prove to him just how valuable you can be.

If for some reason this doesn't work to your advantange, be incredibly gracious and move on. Go to the next job and do it again. It would be impossible to not end up employed if you are willing to go to this extent. This method employs reciprocity. It is built into us to want to do something in return for something given freely to us. It is very powerful if done with an open heart.

3. Use the down time to your advantage. Instead of mopping around and whinning about your unemployed status, do something that will profit you down the road. Learn a skill (like likeability). Take a course, read books and search the internet for information. And tape this to your mirror and read it often....

"in every adversity is the seed of an opportunity, that once realized will completely dwarf the problem"

4. Take a 3 X 5 card and write on the front; "What can I do today to the job I want" Make up several of these and put in places where you will see it often; in the car, on the bathroom mirror, on the fridge and by your computer. Every time you get an idea, write it on the back of the card. Collect your ideas at the end of the day and decide which one's to act on immediately. If you keep this up long enough, I guarantee you will see results that will surprise you. And lastly, remember this.....

"have infinite patience"

What do I mean by infinite patience? It's knowing that you will succeed no matter how long it takes. It's a surrender to whatever greater power you believe in that the right thing will happen for you. It will calm you down. This is one of life's paradox's, when we are too desperate for something, it takes longer to obtain.

Smile, God was just showing off when he made you!

Eduardo

P.S. Please do me a favor amgios. If you know someone who is unemployed send this on to them. It only takes a moment of your time and may be of great value to them.