Your Worst Enemy
“I have met the enemy, and it is us.”
—En homage to the cartoon character, Pogo
For
sure, Pogo’s grammatical entendre was intentional.
The
moment you make the decision to enter the employment job-seeking arena,
you have enter the war zone. It is you against all the other candidates. Either
you are up to doing battle, or you are not. Sadly, most are not.
When
you are in the heat of battle, you are not privy to the big picture. The big
picture at present is the state of the employment marketplace. When employment stakes are high for employers, there is fierce
competition to grab the best pieces of labor fruit. When employment stakes are low,
employers get to cherry pick among the low-hanging fruit.
Where
you are on this employment tree directly influences your chances of being picked—especially
during hard times. If you have positioned yourself so that you are too
difficult to reach, you are less likely to be selected. To be identified as ripe for picking, you have to stand out.
Now
here is a ray of good news: You do not always have to be the quintessential job candidate. You merely have to be within the top group of candidates. The
absolute top-notch, primo candidate with ABC Company is most likely the top-notch,
promo-candidate with XYZ Company also.
To
increase your odds, and avoid becoming your own worst enemy, here is a quick checklist of 10 things you need to ask
yourself.
¨ Are you up-to-date on all the current terms (lingo) in your
occupation?
¨ Are you technically aware and proficient in using you industry's technology?
¨ Are you knowledgeable about the trends and challenges facing
your field?
¨ Are
you prepared to interview for employment offers? In other words, can you
respond effectively and creatively to tricky interview questions?
¨ Is
your résumé fresh and up to date?
¨ Have
you checked everything in your credit files within the last 90 days?
¨ Have
you been in contact with each job reference within the last 30 day?
¨ Is
your interviewing wardrobe up to date?
¨ Do
you physically look healthy?
¨ Do
you have a positive mindset, and can-do attitude?
If
you can honestly check off all the above, you are good to go into battle. The
fewer obstacles left unresolved, the greater the odds you will be a battlefield
casualty.
Indeed,
these are harsh, sobering realities. Best advice is to minimize your liabilities
and maximize your strengths.