Job Search Blog

Blog entries August 2006

08/24/2006Join Our August Live Chat!

Summer Hires & Blunders - August 30, 2006

Thank you for joining us for the August Live Chat with Janice Worthington.

Susan

08/14/2006Candidate Limbo - Part 2 (scroll down for part 1)

Ever get a "Dear John" letter from a company that you really wanted to work for? My daughter did. Here it is:

June 2, 2006 - "Thank you for your interest in the Pharmaceutical Sales Rep position. Although the position you applied for has been filled, we remain interested in your candidacy and we will maintain your resume in our database for twelve months in the event future opportunities match your qualifications. We encourage you to visit our website; select 'careers' to search for other sales opportunities in your area. We appreciate your interest and wish you every success. Please do not reply to this email!"

Despite my 33 years as a Job Search Coach I hated to see this happen to my child, especially after she had done everything so well. I was disappointed and was no longer in the mood to continue the search for awhile. I needed a break, something I constantly strongly discourage my clients against. But this was different.

"Ya can't just become immobile," I'd caution. "Keep that momentum going and you get hired. Become immobile and you'll have to start over."

I've seen so many discourage so easily after merely one disappointment and I'd pulled them right back up and out into the search and interview scene. I was tough but not this time. This time I just wasn't in the mood. Fortunately my daughter had learned and listened. Going back to their web site she applied for every sales opening the company posted; geography no longer mattered. She was now on a mission. She was called and re-invited. She didn't even tell me and while I sat this one out, armed with everything she'd heard me teach everyone else for three decades, she stepped back in the line of fire. I include a second letter.

July 27, 2006 - On behalf of our company, it is my pleasure to extend you the offer of employment for the position of Medical Representative. With your abilities and experience, I know you will be able to contribute to and benefit from our growth. I believe this position offers an outstanding career opportunity and look forward to your acceptance.

The lesson was meant for me. More from the trenches soon... How I adore the trenches!

Susan

08/02/2006One Candidate's Limbo - Part 1

Last week my daughter had her final interview to become a Product Representative with a major pharmaceutical company. At age 24, her pedigree includes a Bachelor's in Journalism and nearly 2 years as a leading producer in the mortgage lending industry.

I have been with her every step of the way. So treasured are opportunities in pharmaceutical sales that she found herself much like the American Idol finalists, steeped in heavy competition. As a parent I have been a wreck but as her Coach I have had a far better opportunity to witness hours of mandatory preparation toward a winning performance than anytime in my practice.

Considering the staggering competition, it's been repeatedly proven that one's performance in presentation and persistence in pursuing a job offer is as important as what qualifications one brings to the job. The contest begins with the resume, continues through additional appearances and culminates by winning the offer during or after the final interview. Job offers are not a matter of mere credentials or luck, and candidates have far more power than they realize.

This company initially called in 30 candidates and then invited eight back for a second interview. Some returning candidates had direct pharmaceutical sales experience and some were 15 years her senior. With nothing to lose she wrote one last "hire me" thank you note based on the manager's repeated statement that he needed to final the missing piece to his hiring puzzle. With customized stationary left over from the 1990's featuring an embossed puzzle piece, her presentation began with, "I am the missing piece to your puzzle."

This candidate, complete with the talent, image, personality and temperament did all the right things by going after what she wanted. Every step was perfectly-executed and yet she may never be selected to work for this organization. Disappointment will loom large but when a candidate performs this well it's only a matter of time until another sales manager will ask, "When can you start?"

Susan