Dr. Arlene Barro  

Seeking a new job during a recession is a daunting task. Maybe not. It’s up to you. Figure out if you should pursue the same career. Perhaps you love your career but want to change industries. Don’t say that’s not possible. Of course it’s possible. It’s all up to you. Change your mindset to embrace possibilities. Explore without restraints. Get in touch with your career passion.

When you are ready to begin your job search, here’s how to use the Right Fit Method to de-mystify three disastrous myths of the search:
Myth 1: Employers usually have a clear picture of the position they’re trying to fill. Employers usually like to see a parade of candidates to compare and contrast them to figure out the “best” candidate to hire.
Right Fit: Stop the shopping: Your goal is to stop the employer from looking at lots of candidates. Ask the employer targeted questions so that you can create a blueprint of the Right Fit candidate. Explain how you match the specs. Be clear and precise when you broadcast your fit.

Myth 2: Calling companies about a job opening is a big mistake. It’s absolutely necessary to call companies to find out more information about the open position. You do not have to follow the standard procedure which many companies ask you to follow. Here it is. “Send your resume first and we will call you, if interested.” You’re not in the military. Be creative.
Right Fit: When you call a company about a specific position, find out to whom the position reports and ask to speak to that person. Try to arrange a phone appointment, if that person is not available. When you make contact, ask questions to determine if you are the Right Fit and arrange an in-person interview, if the fit is right.

Myth 3: Arranging an interview without sending a resume first won’t work. You don’t need to follow this outdated procedure. Your resume is your written broadcast of yourself. Why not communicate verbally first?
Right Fit: When you call a company to learn about a particular opportunity, if it’s the Right Fit, arrange an interview. Then, modify your resume to demonstrate that you are the Right Fit. Be sure to emphasize what you achieved in each of your positions. Focus on what you accomplished not what you did, nor the number of years you worked. For example, stating that you worked for 30 years in sales does not give any indication of success unless you state the amount of revenue you generated either directly or indirectly. Of course, you should include other accomplishments in addition to revenue generation.

If you act on any of these three myths, you jeopardize your chances of hearing “You’re Hired.”

Make no assumptions about what you can or cannot do. Rid your mind of the warrior mindset. Yes, there are 10 million unemployed and more to come. It’s all about you, not them. Adopt the mindset of “no competition.” Harness and hone your skill set to set a standard against which no one can compete. Imagine that you are training for the Olympics. Keep raising the bar until you achieve the gold medal. Play your own game. Find the Right Fit job with zero competition. It’s up to you.   

WIN Without Competing! is the life mantra of Arlene R. Barro, PhD, a UCLA-trained educator, educational psychologist and a nationally recognized search consultant and career coach. Dr. Arlene Barro's guiding beacon is to "set a standard against which no one can compete." This high standard underscores her success in each of her career challenges and has enabled her to effect important and lasting innovation in this country and globally. Dr. Arlene's Right Fit Method, the subject of her book WIN Without Competing!, is the key to capturing employer attention and hearing "You're Hired."