Headhunter, Rob Barnett, distills everything he’s learned about getting hired into his new book, Next Job, Best Job.
His timely 11 strategies will take you from any current state of confusion about what’s next to a new destination that will become clear and achievable as you seek your next best job.
Candidly and step-by-step, with a book chapter devoted to each of the 11 strategies, Barnett teaches you how to:
- Regain confidence and optimism after a job loss.
- Create a focused job search game plan.
- Clearly communicate your career goals (your true North Star).
- Brand and market yourself with a unique resume and strategic LinkedIn profile.
- Navigate and effectively incorporate social media during your job search.
- Master networking.
- Score a perfect 10 interview in-person and online.
- Get immediate replies and callbacks.
- …and then Pay it forward.
Earlier this year, Barnett answered these questions for us:
Question: Why did you write your book, Next Job, Best Job?
Barnett: We’ve all just completed a master class in survival. Life is too short to be wasted doing the wrong work or stuck between jobs on a search with no end in sight. I knew I could give people new strategies to win the work they deserve and eliminate all the ancient job search rules that no longer make sense.
Question: How has the pandemic changed the landscape for job seekers?
Barnett: There’s actually more opportunity and more flexibility in a new reality where everything that came before is being reimagined for what’s next. Remote interviews and remote employment are not temporary solutions. For many companies, all this new technology has increased productivity and become part of the new norm.
Question: How has the pandemic changed the landscape for companies that are hiring?
Barnett: At first, mass unemployment and constant cutbacks put any hiring manager in total control to drive the process. Now, with a renewed economy and countless workers deciding to resign, companies need to make the most compelling cases and competitive offers to close the best candidates.
Question: What is the best next step for the job seeker after interviewing for a job?
Barnett: The world’s best follow-up note, of course. Write back the exact same day of the interview - or first thing in the morning if your job interview was at the end of the workday. Hit the highlights in this note and restate your top selling point for why you want the job and a second interview as soon as they’re ready. Ask a thoughtful question about the business as well.
Question: What are your tips for the job seeker interviewing via Zoom or a similar platform?
Barnett: At this point, we should have all followed the essential rules of how to nail the perfect virtual video interview. Next Job, Best Job has dozens of tips. No matter how experienced you are, you’re still in the best position to get hired if you get a friend to rehearse with you for every important interview the day before the real one. Tough love through constructive feedback is invaluable.
Question: Do you believe compensation should be different for employees working remotely versus in the office and if so, why?
Barnett: It’s reasonable to reduce the highest possible compensation if a company offers you a position that’s totally remote. You save all the commuting expense. You may be living in a much more affordable location. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll save tons on all the food you buy every day.
Question: What is causing ghosting by both job seekers and hiring companies?
Barnett: This new normal is a plague I want Dr. Fauci to cure next. Ghosting is rude and unacceptable. Too many people do it because it’s become expected - but it’s still wrong. Every company and every candidate owe each other a specific, timely response about where the process stands.
Question: How does a job seeker pay it forward?
Barnett: Chapter 11 in my book is not about bankruptcy. I dedicate the chapter about paying it forward to David Bowie. “We can be heroes” when we take a minute, an hour, or more to help other job seekers get the counsel, contacts and support they need to find their next, best job. Job seekers will also get renewed energy, positivity, and a return to productivity when they devote time to any nonprofit organization hungry for their wisdom, work, and time. My constant contributions of time and work for WhyHunger.org help me put my own worries and troubles aside to end hunger for people starving right now.
Question: What tips do you have for a new employee joining a company and working remotely?
Barnett: Make time to schedule as many one-on-ones with management and co-workers as you can. And find the first available opportunity to make a safe visit to headquarters.
Question: What are a few best ways for a company to retain employees?
Barnett: You saved your easiest but most important question for the last question!
The best way to retain employees is to create a culture that’s honest, open, supportive, inclusive, inspiring, creative, rewarding, fair, transparent, communicative, positive, and clear about the mission and the expectations.
Finally, Barnett shares that the top three takeaways from his new book for the job seeker are:
1. Learn how to find your true North Star.
2. Define your professional brand to make it crystal clear who you are and why you’re a perfect fit.
3. Market, Market, Market Yourself by cresting constant value every day on social media.
Rob Barnett is a headhunter, management executive, author, podcaster, and entrepreneur. As founder of Rob Barnett Media, he has discovered, hired, and led hundreds of talented creators and executives in senior management roles at MTV, VH1, and Audible/Amazon. He was President of Programming at CBS Radio. A digital pioneer, he founded My Damn Channel, one of the first original online studios and networks. Representing diverse careers, companies, and opportunities, Rob's multi-platform content and no-nonsense approach inspires people to define and sell their best professional brand.
Thank you to the book's publisher for sending me an advance copy of the book.
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