3 Fail-Proof Ways to Land the Job You Want

In my role as a career architect, I talk to people in all kinds of life circumstances. From top-level executives to men and women on the verge of a career pivot, so many people express similar reservations in how they approach their job search, interview process, or negotiation.

I find that we get so hung up on job titles and how we think we’re perceived that we often forget to be real about who and where we are in our lives. Sometimes, we become so ultra-focused on climbing the career ladder that we miss or throw away opportunities that are either lucrative or satisfying or both.

Here are three pieces of advice I find myself giving most often.

You are the brand that matters most.

We so often define our worth and success on the track record and reputation we have built with major corporate brands. And while having known and respected agencies and corporations on your resumé and LinkedIn profile certainly lends credibility to your skillset and knowledge base, don’t forget that you will be hired because of the brand you built (and sold) around yourself. Your brand includes the skills you’ve built, the relationships and networks you’ve nurtured over time, and the kind of leader you’ve become. Remember that your transferable skills can be leveraged at other companies, in new industries or careers, or in an entrepreneurial capacity.

Don’t back-seat drive your career.

Too often we think of our careers as something that happens to us. Whether it’s a layoff because of a once-in-a-century pandemic or even a promotion attained when a co-worker retires, remember that you own your career, not the organization. Pandemic or not, be prepared and navigate your own path. Don’t wait until formal review time to get the skinny on how the company is evolving and where your performance stands. This should be part of your regular discussions and one-on-one conversations with leadership, no matter what your level. Keep an eye on the skills you want to attain and the goals you have for yourself and hold yourself accountable to make sure they are happening. Cultivate your relationships with people you trust and admire, not when you need something. Whatever you do, approaching your career out of fear of change or failure will not serve you or the company. 

Honesty is refreshing (and often rewarded).

One of the most common concerns from my clients relates to how to answer questions about the circumstances that led them to a career transition. In almost all circumstances, being as real and authentic as you can is the best and most beneficial approach. People (especially HR managers and recruiters) can see through canned, inauthentic pitches. Being honest about your narrative will build trust with potential employers (and it won’t come back to bite you in background/reference checks).

Another example that recently came up was about the timing of the interview process for two opportunities that weren’t aligning for a candidate. The first role was likely a slam dunk and a result of a former colleague backing him. But his first-choice position involved a more nebulous timeline and process. Rather than playing games with his colleague who was putting her neck and credibility out there for him, I encouraged him to be real with her and share his dilemma and even seek her guidance. He took my advice, and she appreciated his honesty and actually asked him to stay in touch in the event the second opportunity didn’t pan out.

Here’s a little secret to keep in your back pocket. Even the most “successful” and well-respected executives I’ve coached eventually come clean with reservations and self-doubt. At the end of the day, like it or not, we are all human.