Business is about change. To succeed in a competitive marketplace, companies constantly look for new and better products, systems and processes. They train personnel to boost productivity. They reach for untapped markets, create new promotional strategies and launch campaigns to increase loyalty among the client base.
Workers need to change just as quickly. This requires a commitment to learning the latest technologies, overcoming unexpected obstacles and generating ideas that drive revenue or cut costs for their employers. If you want a job with a progressive company, you must demonstrate that you excel in a vibrant, changing environment. The hiring manager needs to know without a doubt that you thrive in a dynamic setting where new people, updated processes and emerging opportunities are part of the daily routine.
Many job hunters try to make this point by adding a phrase to their resumes. They find a place to write “adaptable to changing circumstances” and hope that this throw-away line will help them get through the door. It won’t.
Remember, change is critical to business success. And since growing companies swiftly rule out job candidates who don’t fit the bill, a vague statement on your resume does not make a strong enough impact. Drive the point home by taking a powerful, front-and-center approach in your resume and job interviews.
In your resume
Don’t merely declare that you are a flexible person. Insert a few concrete examples from your career history that prove your case. Highlight instances that directly influenced the company’s stability or growth. Here are a few sample bullets that you can modify based on your own experience:
•Proposed a new product idea and led the department in creating new systems and production processes to bring it to market. Developed a pricing and promotional strategy that increased brand awareness and grew overall market share by 10 percent.
Revised job descriptions and worked one-on-one with each manager to seamlessly integrate new responsibilities. The effort streamlined the work force and improved productivity by 20 percent.
Earned a reputation as a loyal team member during a period of extremely high turnover. Served as one of the few individuals to help stabilize the organization and rebuild the workforce after a new management team came onboard.
In your interviews
Employers know that interviews are stressful for job hunters. They realize that most candidates are meeting new people in an unfamiliar place. For this reason, your behavior is important. It shows the interviewer how you cope with new situations.
Be aware of your demeanor at every phase of your interview, beginning the moment that you step out of your car (or walk off the bus). Friendliness is essential. Eye contact is a must. Your mannerisms should reveal that you aren’t fearful in new surroundings, even if you are a bit nervous. Also, be sure to exhibit some genuine curiosity about the company by asking for details about upcoming projects, transitions and goals.
When responding to questions about your background, talk about your experiences in dealing with corporate transformations (mergers and acquisitions), company transitions (new products, clients, business objectives or priorities) and teams (staff turnover or new job descriptions). Your ability to manage and adapt to change will help you land the job.
Send your job search questions to Eve.GetaJob@gmail.com.
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