As job seekers we have all experienced this feeling before, you see an attractive opportunity but your previous work experience does not match up with anything needed for the position.

So, you end up doubting yourself, and ultimately do not pursue the position of interest.

During the question answer session titled “I’m Qualified For The Job — Just Not On Paper” Forbes contributor Liz Ryan explains how to apply for a position which you not seem – to the naked eye – qualified for.

First, Ryan asks her readers to do some research. If you can figure out who’s in charge of hiring the staff, you can connect with them directly. Next, you must brainstorm challenges that the prospective employer may have and is attempting to solve by hiring new staff.

Researching these points can be done by examining the company’s LinkedIn page or latest press releases. After you identify these issues, you must use your prior working experience to show how you have experienced similar issues at your last position in order to prove your worth to the new recruiter.

The personal experience does not have to be exactly the same, but must show that you used the same skills or thought process to solve the issue as you would use to solve the new company’s problems as well.

Then create a human voiced (first-person) resume, put your thoughts and research together within the form of a pain letter and submit both the letter and resume to the employer.

While you may not receive this particular position, the research conducted and thoughts compiled will only help you draft an even better letter the next time you see a position you want to pursue.

These are all growing pains on the road to achieving a new position of interest.

Here’s to finding a job that makes you happy!

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Traditionally our culture measures success by the amount of or quality of material items that we have. Essentially, in today’s culture, a big house or luxury car equates to a successful life. However, you should ask yourself if this is a true barometer of your own life success.

Within her article “Five Signs You’re Successful — Whether You Know It Or Not” Forbes contributor Liz Ryan attempts to show why the measure of your success should not be identified solely by salary but other aspects of your job, and the relationships you forge.

Ryan’s first measurement of success deals with your relationships with upper management. She encourages you to ask yourself the following. Are you in an environment where you’re comfortable telling your boss their shortcomings or are you shackled by the weight of a possible termination if you voice your concerns?

Ryan’s second idea continues the idea of telling you to have a voice by explaining that you should never be afraid to speak up, and give the department fresh ideas. How can you be successful at your job without exhibiting self-confidence?

Ryan’s third measurement of success is that you should have a clear understanding of what they contribute to the team. You should have a defined role, and should not allow a co-worker to question your subject of expertise without proper cause.

Ryan’s final two ideas transcend the workplace but can also be applicable within the office. She believes that you should not limit your dreams and possibilities. You should allow yourself to set the goal of climbing the job ladder, and truly believe that it is achievable.

Ryan’s final idea is one that we should all follow in every aspect of life. Surround yourself with people who appreciate you. Ryan’s thought process is if we put ourselves in situations where we are loved, we will build confidence which will help us find overall success.

Good luck and let us know how applying these tips work for you.

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Seldom does an individual truly realize the power of their words. However, because words can have a positive or negative connotation, the words one uses can affect the tone of a statement.

While there are hundreds of articles analyzing the power of words within a relationship, there are very few that analyze how important one’s word choices are within the workplace.

Within her article “7 Common Phrases That Make You Look Bad at Work” Emily Moore provides the reader with common phrases that employees regularly use, and gives the reader an alternative phrase that may sound a little more appropriate within a job setting. Moore argues that by using these phrases, not only might one respect you more but you may be able to explain your thoughts with more clarity.

Do you think you could…

The first phrase Moore analyzes is “Do you think you could…” According to Moore this statement leaves the assignment open for interpretation. When asked in this manner it almost implies that the statement is not a necessity therefore one does not need to do it within the timeframe.

No big deal

Moore’s second phrase “No big deal” could possibly be the answer commonly given in response to her first phrase. However, the problem with this statement is that it gives one the impression that you are not busy, which could create issues if one is backlogged with work.

Sorry

“Sorry” is Moore’s third word of angst. Moore argues that the word is overused, and if one were to replace the word sorry with “Thank You” it would probably even be more effective.

Like

Moore also implores the audience to stop using the word “like” as a descriptive word within a conversation. Moore argues that it is juvenile and not effective.

Kind Of

She continues her attack on high school vernacular by ridiculing the phrase “Kind of,” arguing it’s not descriptive enough and also does not exude confidence.

Actually

Moore advises the reader to not use the term “actually”. She argues that if one uses this word prior to correcting a co worker it can come off as snarky and even condescending.

I just threw this together

Lastly, Moore advises her audience to stay away from the phrase “I just threw this together.” Moore argues that this is another phrase that makes the individual seem less confident, and may work to the detriment of an individual trying to establish oneself in the workplace.

Do you have phrases that have been helpful to you at work? Let us know.

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Over the last 30 years society has become more and more reliant on technology. This over-reliance has even crossed over into the workplace, but according to research conducted by the Manpower Group, this reliance on technology is not likely to translate into less jobs in the coming years.

The article “We Are Facing a Skills Revolution and Learnability Will Be the World’s Great Equalizer in This Age of Acceleration” helps to explain that as long as employees continue to acquire new, relevant skills they will continue to be employable.

Jonas Prising, ManpowerGroup Chairman & CEO explained that “the desire and ability to learn new skills (will keep potential individuals) relevant and (help employees) remain employable.”

Essentially the future will mirror the past. Those who became familiar with technology, and computers early enjoyed an advantage during the early wave of the internet, and those who were not familiar with computers were forced to learn. The report even highlights the IT and Customer Service as growing industries.

Specifically, the report projects rapid growth in data analyst positions which require (individuals) to make sense of big data, and unsurprisingly HR departments who will be given the important task of finding qualified employees to fill these positions.

However, these feelings of optimism were not mirrored around the world where employers expect to cut staff as technology improves. Employers in India, Bulgaria, Slovakia and Slovenia all expect to reduce staff size, while employers in Italy, Guatemala and Peru view the idea of robots on the workforce rather favorably.

SkillSmart is designed to help our members identify, learn and improve skills related to technology. We help create a transparent career path in IT and beyond.

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During our weekly blog posts, we usually view the interview process from the job seeker’s point of view – because as job seekers, we sometimes feel as if we need an employer more than the employer needs us.

While it’s true that the seekers typically have less resources and need a stable employment position, we often overlook how important a qualified, competent employee is to a business.

So, this week we will to look at Kristina Evans’ article “Interviewing is Not One-Sided.”

Evans’ article challenges employers to treat their prospective employees with respect and clarity. Essentially, Evans argues that companies will only attract the best employees if they respect the process and show potential candidates that they are wanted for employment as much as they want to be employed by specific companies.

Evans explains that employers must be open with their expectations during the interview process. Doing so allows potential employees to engage at their maximum potential during the interview. Evans explains that the interview process is really a two-way street. If a prospective employee has a good interview process, they are more likely to pass this experience forward and this will likely have a positive effect on the quality of future employees.

It is well known that reputation plays a huge part in the business world. Now we understand that this goes for both employee and employer.

Have you experienced an employer similar to what Evans describes?

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