Forty thousand years ago some Neanderthal stepped into the circle of the campfire and approached the tribal leader with a resume etched in stone hoping to land a position as the tribal storyteller. But the tribal leader was too busy trying to get the team to hunt and gather, and the resume was lost in a pile of rubble. Even if this didn't happen, every candidate for every job can imagine it did.
For the job seeker, searching for that new opportunity may be one of those important life changing moments. Unfortunately for them, for the employer it's mostly just a chore. The dynamic between job seekers and employers is marked by an inherent power imbalance. Job seekers are dependent on employers for employment opportunities, while employers have the authority to select and hire candidates, mostly on their own timeline. As a result, job seekers may experience feelings of vulnerability, uncertainty, and the need to impress employers during the application and interview process. On the other hand, employers face the challenge of identifying the most suitable candidate from a pool of applicants, managing the hiring process efficiently, and ensuring a good fit for their organization. Some employers make the mistake of looking for the "purple squirrel;" an ideal candidate who possesses that rare combination of skills, qualifications, and experience that perfectly matches the requirements of a job opening. The term implies that finding such a candidate is as rare as finding a purple squirrel in the real world.
So what can the job seeker do to overcome this imbalance?
Continue to work on developing your skills, knowledge, and qualifications related to your desired objective. Acquire relevant certifications, pursue further education, attend workshops or seminars, and engage in self-learning to stay updated and competitive.
Research, research, research: Understand the current state of the job market to focus your search efforts effectively. Gather information about potential openings. Sign up for performing arts industry newsletters. Keep the applications going to "have one in the queue," which is to say look for other opportunities while you await news.
This is not to say you should apply for every job that comes along. You're not playing a numbers game, you're looking for relevant opportunities. This means investing energy in the application, which is very hard when it seems fruitless. Customize your resume, cover letter, and any other application materials for each job opportunity. Highlight relevant skills, experiences, and achievements that match the specific requirements of the position. Tailoring your application shows that you've done your homework and increases the chances of catching the employer's attention.
Network: Build a strong professional network by attending industry events, joining relevant online communities, and connecting with professionals in your field. Networking can lead to job referrals, insider information about job openings, and valuable advice from experienced individuals.
Prepare for interviews: Research the company and the role you are applying for before attending an interview. Practice common interview questions and prepare examples that demonstrate your skills and experiences. Show enthusiasm, ask thoughtful questions, and be prepared to articulate why you are a good fit for the position and the organization.
Be proactive and persistent: Actively search for job opportunities, follow up on applications, and network consistently. Be persistent in your job search efforts and don't get discouraged by rejections. Every interaction and interview is an opportunity to learn and improve.
Continuous learning: Stay updated with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices. Take advantage of online courses, webinars, and professional development opportunities to continuously enhance your skills and knowledge.
Hire a coach to help you focus on these objectives.
Mitigating the imbalance requires patience, persistence, adaptability, and a proactive approach. It also helps to be objective about the opportunities in front of you. After all, what may seem like the ideal job may not be so. Job seekers tend to idealize the position as it appears on the job description, and may often look for an alignment that isn't actually there ("I'm totally qualified for that...) It's often forgotten that the applicant has to consider whether the organization is a good fit for them. The last Neanderthal storyteller may have been eaten by a sabre-toothed tiger. More likely their stories were taken for granted by the tribe and so they simply moved on to a better cave.