Is your perspective at odds with a hiring manager’s?

“I just need someone to take a chance on me.” If you’re job hunting, especially for a career in a new field or industry, I bet this thought has crossed your mind. It did for me. But let me offer some perspective.

You’re investing in your growth. You know you can learn new things, apply new skills, and succeed. After all, everyone starts somewhere.

The problem with “Just take a chance on me” is that “chance” implies risk. And most hiring managers are risk-averse. They want to hire someone with the least risk so their projects have the highest possible chance of succeeding.

So while the job seeker is thinking, “I just need a chance,” the hiring managers are thinking, “Who can I depend on to be the least risky choice?”

The two perspectives are at complete odds with each other.

So let’s flip that narrative!

Because you, my dear reader, are far from a gamble. 😉

Here’s how to show you are less of a risk:

• Get a referral. Hiring managers tend to trust their teams’ referrals, and recruiters tend to prioritize referrals before cold applicants. The general thought tends to be that familiarity means less risk. “I know Mandy’s work ethic, so if Mandy says that, Jane Doe, is a good pick, we’re going to talk to them.” I’ll talk more about how to get referred in upcoming newsletters. But a good start is to intentionally network on LinkedIn.
• Provide work samples. A portfolio is a solid way to show hiring managers you have the skills they need. Maybe you create something for a volunteer client or use case studies. Either way, providing examples of your work can help lessen a manager’s perceived risk.
• Include results and key metrics on your resume. Who would you rather hire Person A who has “built eLearning programs for associates” or Person B who has “built over 400 hours of eLearning for global associates to develop rapport building skills with potential clients–87% met quota within the first quarter”? Person B, of course! Don’t list your job duties on your resume. List your results with quantifiable data and KPIs. (More on KPIs in an upcoming issue.)
• Share your experience on LinkedIn. Tell people how you’ve solved problems, what you’re working on now, what you’re learning, and how you’re applying it to your current role. LinkedIn is a wonderful place to tell the stories that prove it would be a risk not to hire you!

I’ll write more on these topics in upcoming newsletters, but for now, I just want you to work on shifting the personal narrative from “Take a chance on me” to “Here’s how I solve problems and bring value.”

If you're not sure how to craft that message, check out From Inbox to Offer below!

I’m very excited right now because...

From Inbox to Offer is on sale for $139.98. (Click the link above for details or keep reading for the summary)

This series will:

🤝 Help you network with the right people

❗ Offer you the support you need to find who's hiring and get their attention

📨 Teach you how to communicate confidently even if you're feeling like an imposter

😵💫 Get rid of the overwhelming “what do I say now” feeling you have every time you're in interview limbo

Here’s how it works:

The From Inbox to Offer Weekend Webinar is a series designed to help job seekers communicate confidently during their hunt. It includes:

• 2 live webinars discussing job hunt communications: cover letters/emails, follow-ups and more (a $200+ value)
• Lifetime access to on-demand video lessons for networking and salary negotiations ($100+ value)
• From Inbox to Offer, the book: Your go-to resource for crafting standout messages ($27+ value)
• Bonus - Every Bullet Counts: an email course dedicated to revising your resume in 5 days and prove your value to potential employers! ($100+ value)
• and more!

You can use all of these resources right now, or simply focus on the parts you need because there's lifetime access!

Either way I expect you'll have fantastic returns on this investment in yourself (especially since From Inbox to Offer and its bonuses are only $139.98!)

But my favorite part of From Inbox to Offer?

I spun my wheels for months as a transitioning teacher until I finally figured out this strategy! And when I finally learned how to 1) find the right people and 2) send the right message in the right channel, I started getting interviews. And, even though the market changes, this strategy continues to deliver results for my mentees.

And now I'm bringing it to you in a weekend!

If you're in, sign up for From Inbox to Offer using the one-payment or two-payment link (also linked below).

Enrollment ends Sept. 27, 10 pm EST

PS - If cost is an obstacle, but you still want in, please reach out to me. I know the struggle of a job hunt with limited financial resources and have financial aid available.