Your job search and resume have to have a laser-like focus. But what does that really mean?
Light waves first marched in step half a century ago. The laser was born. A 10 watt laser will burn you from a mile away. A 100 watt light bulb will only burn you if you touch it.
Light waves marching in step is called coherence. When light comes out of the laser it is one pure color. Each bit of light created inside a laser merges into more and more powerful light waves. The waves of light get stronger, more intense. A simple lense focuses the light into a narrow beam of light.
Coherence, marching in step, and being only one color are keys to lasers. In a resume and in an interview coherence is also a critical key. Hiring managers always look for attitude and experience. Let me give you an example of lack of coherence in each.
Attitude: I love my job. I give it everything I’ve got. I will do whatever is required to get the job done. Can I leave early on Wednesday and Friday? You can just pay me for a 34 hour week. Okay? (He’ll do what it takes? Why not work a full week?)
Experience: I’m a pure manager. I lead. My people get the job done under my direction and I don’t have to do the work. I installed the server software over a weekend myself. I also designed and programmed the billing software. I supervise 2 part-time people. (Pure manager? He’s a worker with a title.)
If something you say cancels out another thing you said, you lack coherence. If you apply for three different jobs, you should have 3 resumes. Each should tell one story. You need to drop information from your resume that is not important to the job you seek.
In an interview make sure you stay on track. Talk about exactly what suits you for this job. If the interviewer asks you a question that doesn’t apply, give an extremely brief answer. Then ask her, “Will that be part of my responsibilities in this job?” It is always a good idea to find out why a strange question is asked.
Hiring managers notice when your resume and your interviews all march in step. It makes them feel safe. Pay attention to what you say and how you say it. Be coherent.
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Something To Do Today
Do you give the same message on the job, in an interview and on your resume? It may be time to change and get laser-like focus. Do you need 3 different resumes?
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Tomorrow: Why lasers work – part 2
Later: Why lasers work (3 part)
What time is it?
Put your feet up on his desk.