Steps to Get the Job

TV Interview with Career Coach Ford R. Myers

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This month’s Feature Article is the transcript of an interview that was conducted at a Philadelphia television station. The hosts ask Ford R. Myers about top strategies to land the job.

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Host 1:
Looking for the perfect job? Looking for any job? There are specific things you need to do to get the job.

Host 2:
And see that book right there? It’s all in there. “Get The Job You Want, Even When No One’s Hiring.” We are joined by the author, Ford R. Myers.

Ford R. Myers:
Good morning! Good to see you both.

Host 1:
Good to have you on. You say, “You need to know your own value.” Explain that.

Ford R. Myers:
The problem is that a lot of people can’t even articulate what they bring to the table.

Host 1:
You mean, “What they do best?”

Ford R. Myers:
That’s right. They have to learn how to clearly articulate what they offer, what their value is. And then they actually have to back it up with real-world accomplishment stories.

Host 1:
It can sound like bragging, but you do have to get your point across.

Ford R. Myers:
It’s not bragging if you can back it up with factual accomplishment stories. I’m not telling people to boast or brag. I’m just saying, know your value, articulate it clearly – and that’s how the employer will know what you bring to the table.

Host 2:
You also say, “Network, network, network.” But what if you don’t have friends who are in the industry that you want to get into?

Ford R. Myers:
It really doesn’t matter what field these people are in. Networking is across the board. You can talk to people in every industry, at every level. Everybody knows people. You can’t pre-judge who knows whom and who’s going to connect you with whom.

Host 1:
I’ve heard people say, “Network everywhere you go.” Even if it’s a coffee shop?

Ford R. Myers:
Absolutely. Everywhere you go, whenever you get into a substantive conversation, you should be telling people what you’re up to. You should be handing-out business cards if you have them. Just let them know that you’re actively exploring new opportunities.

Host 2:
Another point you make is, “Get help and education.” Who has the time? How do we find the time to get that education?

Ford R. Myers:
You can’t afford not to! You’ve got to continually expand your capability and your qualifications. This means new certifications, taking career workshops, participating in webinars and seminars, reading career books. There are so many opportunities to learn and expand your marketability. This is what’s most important, especially in this tough market.

Host 1:
Somebody asked me, “Could you get me a job interview?” So I got them into the network. The interviewer asked, “What do you like best about our show?” The candidate answered, “Well, I’ve never seen your network.” Come on people! You’ve got to do your homework.

Ford R. Myers:
Oh yes! You’ve got to do your research. You’ve got to know which companies you’re most interested in and what kind of role you would like to fulfill. It’s all about preparation. You’ve got to educate yourself before you go out and try to look for a new opportunity.

Host 2:
This is one that I think is very interesting. You say, “Focus on tangible results.” Because there are a lot of people out there who may have a bachelors degree in English, but they want to cure cancer. Seriously? How do you gently say to someone, “You’ve got to stay within your wheelhouse?”

Ford R. Myers:
Having credentials is a good start, but it’s not enough. In this market, you’ve got to be able to tell people exactly what kind of results you’re going to produce quickly. The employer is going to be asking, “What can you do for me right now?” So you’ve got to use your accomplishment stories and be able to transfer those relevant achievements to how you’re going to produce positive results immediately for the new employer.

Host 1:
Another important item is to make sure you upgrade your resume and all the other documents, because they have to be fresh.

Ford R. Myers:
That’s right. There are at least eight or 10 documents that you want to have in your self-marketing portfolio. Not just the resume! The resume is critically important, but there are many other tools that need to be developed too.

Host 1:
Good to see you, Ford R. Myers. Local guy with great information!

Ford R. Myers:
It’s a pleasure! Thank you so much. I appreciate it.