EXECUTIVE JOB SEEKERS: ARE YOU EXCEPTIONAL BUT STILL BEING REJECTED? DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHY?
Bernard Pearce
THE EXECUTIVE CAREER TRANSITION SPECIALIST ► Your essential bridge to realising your true value; the vital missing link in your search to secure the right job.
As the job market returns to ‘fully active’ mode, you probably already feel the returning pangs of rejection; the inevitable consequence of responding to advertised vacancies.
Inevitable? Yes of course it is.
If 100 people apply for a single vacancy, 99 will ultimately not be appointed, and will probably feel rejected.
If 600 people apply, then 599 will feel rejected.
Is every application from an exceptional candidate? Experience tells me no, they’re not!
Those numbers include those who apply for jobs hoping for the sympathy vote, saying they’re prepared to learn if just given a chance!
At your level, you cannot let your job search style drift back to mirror your approach when you were just a junior manager or recent graduate.
BUT IS IT THE FINAL DECISION, OR REJECTION DURING THE PROCESS THAT HURTS MOST?
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Bernard Pearce is The Executive Career Transition Specialist. He empowers executives to navigate complex career challenges, seamlessly transition into new roles and achieve their professional goals. His comprehensive understanding and unique approach consistently deliver exceptional results that build or restore your self-esteem, self-respect and self-confidence. He helps you become who you are capable of being – significant.
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LET’S LOOK AT THE FILTERING PROCESS
Whether you apply directly to an organisation, or via recruiters or head-hunters, the volume of applicants will be whittled down to manageable numbers.
Hundreds of applications will initially have to be reduced to under 50 – and the time to do that will probably only be between 2 and 7 seconds per application - if done by a human being.
Is that fair? No, not really.
But it’s the same process you’ve employed when recruiting for your organisations, so why do you/should you expect any special treatment in your job search?
You’ve done it haven’t you? You’ve glanced at CVs, quickly formed an opinion and rejected people in less time than that yourself!
IS TECHNOLOGY MAKING THINGS DIFFERENT OR BETTER?
The increasing volume of applications and the associated labour workload led to the search for quicker, and more accurate filtering processes.
The automated processes that emerged shortlist potential candidates through broadly simplified criteria – Qualifications, Current Job Title, Current Company/Sector, Location – and perhaps some additional more subjective evidence.
It’s not much different from the human approach then – just in split seconds – and your ‘rejection’ can arrive almost by return!
Many applicants spend hours attempting to realign their CV, working on their application or creating their supporting personal statements.
BUT THE NUMBERS DON’T CHANGE – AND WORSE …
The frustrations of ‘rejected candidates’ continue to abound.
So, the most important consideration right now is, whilst you might appear to meet the job specification, 600 other people might also meet it!
SO WHY SHOULD YOU BE SHORTLISTED?
What is it that should float you to the top of the pile?
What makes you different and better than all the other applicants?
CAN YOU TRULY JUSTIFY BEING SHORTLISTED FOR THE JOB?
Being able to perform the role, is no longer enough. The market has a choice, and it’s unlimited, despite organisations declaring a shortage of good talent!
So, are you good talent, just adequate, or exceptional?
If you’re exceptional talent, but not breaking through the barriers, we need to speak now.
IF YOU DON’T KNOW WHY YOU ARE WORTH INTERVIEWING OR APPOINTING – HOW CAN YOU EXPECT SOMEONE ELSE TO?
If you think you’ve got everything right, think again. You probably haven’t.
Professional advice and guidance can make you stand out and set your job search campaign ahead of your major competition.
If you’ve never taken professional advice on how to job search correctly, how can you expect to do it efficiently and effectively?
It’s your future – does that matter to you?
If now isn’t the right time – when will be?
Subscribe now to access all previous publications. https://bit.ly/execcareer
Bernard Pearce – The Executive Career Transition Specialist
E-mail: [email protected]