In Response to Rob McGovern, Jobfox.com CEO

Its nice to receive emails from Founders and CEOs that care.

Today I received a letter from Rob McGovern, Jobfox.com CEO.

He makes the point in his email that the new job market is about providing solutions, instead of providing an eagerness to learn and have fun at work.

Unfortunately, he is correct. With so many different legacy systems at work for so many different companies, there are a ton of problems to fix out there -- why not make one self appealing by offering to be ultimate solution at hand?

Debating the various radical social-polical changes that have swept over the job world here would be silly -- basically most people rely on their computers too much -- and that has 100% changed the way we behave to eachother on a human-human level.

When the job offers come -- they come -- and I think Mr. McGovern does make a great point -- one that should not be ignored.

Better to bend then to break.

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In response to Rob McGovern's letter

Hi Rob,

You make a good point here and a solutions based approach does seem to be the trend these days. I must admit I'm a unique person and when I apply to a posting I type unique cover letters for each job posting.

Perhaps I should take a more streamlined approach to applications and the interview process, but I find relying on my heart and how I feel about a posting is the best way to go for me.

There is a permeating feeling that when sending out resumes, most of them will go unanswered -- many recruiters and HR departments simply cannot get to all the email they receive for some positions.

Reading has taken a back seat to scanning -- most recruiters that have contacted me last year didn't even read my resume. They too are relying on search engine results and keywords.

I figure the company that talks to me has taken time to read my resume and understands that my experience is of value -- your letter reminds me that sometimes one must adopt some of the current trends and "go with the flow."

Thank you for your letter.

Sincerely,
Ian Scheller
ianscheller.blogspot.com



Dear Ian,

Recently I interviewed "Bob" for a job at Jobfox. His first response told me he doesn't "get" the new normal job market. I asked him why we should choose him for the job, and he answered, "Because this position would give me an opportunity to learn a new skill set, as well as work for an exciting high-growth company."

Huh?

We should pick you so you can learn and do exciting things? Did someone give you the idea that we were a benevolent university that paid people to learn and have fun? Virtually every corporation's charter states that the company exists to make profits for its owners. The fact that people have fun and learn things is extraneous in this job market.

The mistake this job seeker made was employing a 2007 job seeker's attitude. Back then it really was all about the job seekers, and employers pitched you on why you should join an organization. Now, it's reversed. Your objective is to convince the employer that you can help them achieve their business goals.

Bob would have been much better served by responding to the "Why you?" question with, "I think I'm the best qualified person to come in and solve your Web analytics problem. Not only do I have three years experience using your chosen Web tool but I'm also willing to work long hours and to commit myself to this position." With this response Bob would have positioned himself as the answer to the problem the employer was trying to solve.

This change of tone and approach should permeate every communication you have with a potential employer. For example, the objective statement in your resume should talk about what you can do for the company, not what you want for yourself. The same goes for your cover letter, follow-up letters, and phone calls. When the hiring manager is interviewing you for a position, he or she needs to feel like they can just plug you into the departing person's desk and the problem will be solved.

I hope you find this information helpful as you tune your job search.

Best Regards,

Rob McGovern
Founder and CEO
Jobfox.com