Are You a “Mets” Type of Job Candidate?

As a lifelong Yankees fan, I’ve been spoiled. Getting to and winning the World Series almost felt like a birthright by the early 2000s. Then things changed. The Yankees started plugging holes in their roster with high-priced prima donnas who couldn’t or wouldn’t do the things that got them where they are. As a result, other than in 2009, the Yankees have pretty much underachieved. Meanwhile, across town, the Mets made it to the World Series. Why does it seem like the underdog works a little harder, scratching and clawing their way to earn respect?

After fourteen years as a headhunter, I’ve seen MANY job candidates interview. The Mets recently making it to the World Series reminds me that it’s not always the candidate with the resume chock full of achievements and certifications that gets the job. If you are an “underdog” type of candidate, the Mets are proof that there is hope for you! Take control of the things you can, by doing the following:

 1) Following up:  Every time you have an interview or contact with someone at a company, send them a short and concise follow up email or note. It sounds so basic, but you would be surprised how many times professionals get lazy and don’t do this. 

2) Doing your homework:  I think G.I. Joe said it best: “Knowing is half the Battle”… Hiring authorities definitely can tell who is prepared and who is just “winging it”. These days, company websites have so much content that you’d be foolish to not take advantage. TIP: Pay particular attention to blogs, videos, whitepapers, Gartner reports, etc.

 3) Knowing your own background:  When was the last time you actually read through your resume? You would not believe how many times hiring authorities have told me that a candidate couldn’t very well articulate data points about their own background. TIP: Take a view of your resume through a hiring authority’s eye. What questions would you ask yourself?

 4) Finishing Strong:  At the end of the interview, you should always follow through on a several things: 1. Ask the hiring authority if he/she has any reservations/concerns about how you would excel at the position. This is your chance to overcome any objections. 2. Companies want to hire people who have a passion for the job and really want it. If you really want the job, stick your flag in the sand and let the interviewer know!  3. Create a call-to-action regarding the next step(s) in the process. TIP: Close him/her on the fact that you will be part of those next steps.

 People love to root for the “underdog”. Just like the Mets, you may not win every time, but you can put yourself in a real fighting position to advance- and hopefully win!