Stay in the Lineup

Has this ever happened to you, reader? You start reading a job description with excitement. You’re going through it thinking, “I can do that! That’s really similar to what I do right now! I’m the perfect candidate!” And then you hit the bullet point that sparks the metaphorical car breaks screeching noise in your mind.

DAMN IT!

I don’t have 5 years of experience in (insert the industry) for this entry-level position!

I haven’t had that specific job title!

I’m not familiar with this (insert the computer software)! 

Now it’s MY turn to insert the car breaks screeching noise into your thought process

You only get the jobs that you apply for. *

If you pull yourself out of the lineup before the game begins, there’s NO chance you’ll hit a home run. And if you’re a women, research has found that you’re more likely to do this, especially if the job opening is a more advanced, higher-paid role. And the thing is, you are deserving of a more advanced, higher-paid position!

Here’s steps to help overcome this hesitation.

• Focus on the order of the items listed in a job description. When there is a bullet point list, the items at the top are more important than those at the bottom. If you’re missing item #9 of 10, it’s probably not an issue.

• Do some math. Count how many of the job responsibilities you feel like you can already do OR could fairly easily transition into doing. Then, calculate what percent of the items you feel good about. If it is above 75%, that’s a good sign.

• Phone a friend. Ask someone else who is knowledgeable about the work you’ve done in the past if THEY think you would qualify. Remember, we’re often our own worst critic.

• Do some digging. Look at the LinkedIn profiles of people who work at that company in the department and/or position you seek. See if their job descriptions tell you more about what the job really entails.

I strongly encourage my career coaching clients to focus on the quality of job applications over quantity, but this needs to be balanced out with a boost of confidence that you WOULD made an excellent candidate even though you’re background isn’t a perfect match.

So, step up to the plate and send the ball to the bleachers!

The asterisks

* There is a little nuance here. Sometimes you get a job that you didn’t apply for (or at least that you didn’t find while searching online job openings). Having a strong network of contacts can get you a position through the backdoor. For example, I once got connected to someone via my network who was preparing to list a position. We met and talked about what experience I had (which they loved). We then co-wrote the job description so that my background would be the perfect fit when they were making the decision on who to hire.

One of my favorite ways to network is via LinkedIn. In early November, I’m going to be offering my last free LinkedIn sprint (after this, there will be a small cost to participate). This time it’s open to ALL job seekers. If you’d like to up your LinkedIn networking game with accountability and a supportive community, sign up for more details.

You can also sign to get updated the next time I offer my workshop, Using LinkedIn to be a Powerhouse Networker workshop. Join live or watch the recording afterwards.

You will learn:

• How to meaningfully make connections

• Ways to design your profile so you stand out

• How/why it is worth getting free trials of LinkedIn Premium and LinkedIn Learning

Also, check out past issues of my newsletter for more advice on using LinkedIn as a job seeker.

PS: To keep myself and other fans of the arts entertained (remember, I am a Renaissance Woman after all), look for a reference to at least one song lyric or quote from a movie, TV show, play or musical. Message me on LinkedIn if you find it and you win…a virtual shout out in the next newsletter!

Hi! I’m Sara Kobilka, owner of Renaissance Woman Consulting.

I am a Renaissance Woman and part of my wide-ranging background includes time as a TV meteorologist/reporter, non-profit leader, higher education program coordinator, and now, business owner. During each leg of this journey, I gained new skills that I was able take with me in my next step. Now, I work remotely with clients to help them confidently tell their story and navigate the transition to their next step on their career journey.

Take the Next Step

• Follow me on LinkedIn where I actively cross-pollinate impactful ideas across industries and disciplines (and regularly share job opportunities I come across)

• Check out my one-on-one career coaching program or join a cohort of job seekers for small group coaching

• Sign up to be the first to know when I offer my workshops: Using LinkedIn to be a Powerhouse Networker and How TV News Pros Can Land a Remote Job.