Career Advice Talk

Job Search: Be a Problem-Solver…not an applicant!

25th July, 2009 - Posted by Robin Ogden -

Today I was reading through author Ford Myers “Top 5 Career Tips” (from his new book: “Get the Job You Want, Even When No One’s Hiring”)… one of the things that he said that really jumped out is “You need to stop acting like an applicant, and start acting like a problem solver.”

This is so true in today’s employment marketplace.  Employers aren’t just hiring any warm body to fill their openings.  They need to hear that you know what their challenges are, they want to know that you’ve done your research and are able to speak to how your talents will bring them problem-resolution.  After all, they’re not hiring just to add to headcount.  They’ve got a problem and want the new employee to fix it.

Is that you? Can you express in words during your interview how you will be their solution?  Have you done your homework around what you have to offer and how that matches up with the employer’s needs?  Because if you haven’t - your competition probably has.  Get well prepared in advance of your interview and stand out as a “problem-solver”.