Nolan Church, a former recruiter for Google and now the founder of Continuum, a talent marketplace for executives, shares his insights on how job applicants can stand out in a competitive market. Church emphasizes the importance of preparation and establishing connections before the job interview.
According to Church, job seekers should not expect to hear back from companies after applying online due to the high number of applicants and limited resume reviews. Instead, candidates should focus on distinguishing themselves from the crowd. Church offers five tips for job seekers:
1. Look for a job while still employed: Church suggests that the best approach is to have a job and develop an interest in a new industry. Job seekers should connect with professionals in that field, engage in conversations, and build relationships. By doing so, they can establish a warm connection before even getting an interview.
2. Be bold: Church shares an example of a candidate who emailed the CEO of a company he was interested in working for 21 days in a row, each time discussing why he wanted to work for the company and why he should be interviewed. While this approach may seem risky, Church believes that candidates should not be afraid of reaching out directly to those they want to work with.
3. Go beyond prepared questions: Instead of simply preparing a list of questions, Church advises candidates to delve deeper into a company’s values, vision, and mission statement. Candidates should also listen to podcasts or online interviews featuring company founders to gain more insight. By demonstrating knowledge and specific examples, candidates can showcase their genuine interest and engagement.
4. Share compelling stories: Church recommends that candidates have a few stories ready for interviews. These stories should include a successful project they worked on and their role within it, a career highlight, and a lesson learned from receiving constructive feedback. Sharing these stories allows candidates to showcase their motivation, resilience, and personal growth.
5. Find unique ways to stand out: Church shares an example of a candidate who went to restaurants that did not offer a particular service and asked them why not. The candidate then presented their findings and solutions during the interview. This proactive approach impressed the hiring team and led to an immediate job offer. Church advises candidates to think outside the box and find creative ways to demonstrate their value.
In a competitive job market, Church emphasizes the importance of standing out. By following these tips, job seekers can increase their chances of getting noticed and landing their desired positions.
