Career Planning for Midcareer Professionals

Job search, like almost everything else, has changed in the 21st century. For instance, you may be wondering, “Is it still correct to use ‘Dear Sir or Madam’ in a cover letter?”  (Actually not..)

This question provides the opening for a provocative article in Business Week. Read the full article here. I’ve added my thoughts in this post.

There are two reasons to avoid outdated search tactics. First, you could be branded as ‘older.” More important, as a new hire of any age, you are supposed to bring a fresh wave to the company. You’re expected to show that you’re up to date on trends and practices.  As this article notes, if you haven’t noticed that ‘Dear Sir or Madam” hasn’t been used in the past 30 years, what else aren’t you noticing?

You might say, “That’s an unfair question.” I would agree. After all, how often do we write letters to anyone, let alone strangers in a business environment? Why would we even notice?

Career change and job search represent critical points in a person’s life for which we are usually unprepared. Other critical points include surgery and buying a home. We just don’t do these things enough to learn how to make wise decisions. And time pressures usually preclude the kind of careful research we would like to undertake.  That is why so many people seek out professional advisors, such as case managers in health care or  career coaches for careers.

Outdated Tactic #1: Your job search doesn’t require special stationery. Often you will send resumes and cover letters via the Internet, where they will be printed out on plain white paper. It’s okay to use a heavier stock than the default option from your neighborhood copy shop. But skip the “nubbly beige or pink or stone-grey resume paper.”

On this point, I agree 100%.

I also recommend getting simple cards printed up with your name and home phone number, so you’ll have something to share at networking meetings. This step is especially crucial if you are unemployed or job-hunting in secret.

The author says it’s a 1980s idea but I suspect you’ll find resume consultants today who are making these recommendations.

Outdated Tactic #2: Quaint cover letter phrases. The author refers to “Creaky Cover Letter Language,” such as “Dear Sir or Madam.”   Instead, find he name of the hiring manager, using LinkedIn, if at all possible. If you are responding to a blind ad, you can omit the salutation altogether. I still see people saying, “Good morning.”

What you don’t want to use: “Dear Hiring Manager…” or “To Whom It May Concern.”

I’d also avoid phrases like “prior to” (instead of “before”). Write the way you speak.

Outdated Tactic #3:  Groveling and begging with an “I will do anything …”   You’re expected to present yourself as a specialist who talks to the hiring manager as an equal. After all, you are arranging a win-win business deal. You aren’t desperate.

The easiest way to avoid this mistake is to make sure you don’t need this particular job. Start your own small business (hey, my dog walker made more than some teachers last year.). Have many irons in the fire. Don’t end your job search until you have a written offer, with a salary and a start date, and you have accepted, in writing.

Outdated Tactic #4:  A Bevy of Bullets. Identify 2-3 accomplishments for your past jobs. Each bullet should represent an accomplishment, written up as “problem, solution, outcome.”  Your resume tells a story in simple, everyday language.

My own comment: If you’re over 16 you don’t have ‘”tasks” or “duties.” You have responsibilities and more important, you’ve created accomplishments.

If you’ve had several jobs, include details in the last two or three job listings. After that, a summary should be enough.

Outdated Tactic #5: Show-off-y research.  You absolutely need to do your research. Sites like ZoomInfo, LinkedIn,  Glassdoor.com, and other company-research sites will give you a leg up on the company. The firm’s own site will tell you what they claim as the official party line.

What’s more important is the way you present your research. Bring up a few points casually. Even though you are on a job search, the idea is to come across like a consultant who may be taking on an engagement. Anything that smacks of seeking brownie points or groveling will lead to a loss of credibility.

What About the X Factor In Your Job Search?

Finally, one comment to the original article pointed out that a lot of hiring is based on personality. A job search strategy may include finding as much as you can about the personality of  the person who will hire you.

Many people are gifted at picking up vibes in situations so they’ll instantly grasp the personality of the interviewer. I’m not sure how much you can learn ahead of time. People sometimes take on different personality traits during an interview, so company insiders won’t be able to give you an accurate perspective.

However, you may be able to research the company’s culture. During the interview, you’ll notice different things.

For example:

Are you invited to meet your future colleagues? One of my own clients called after he had been on a job for a few months. He realized he had made a horrible mistake. Going back, we could see clues. He had been interviewed in a conference room, far from his future colleagues. He met one other manager. Sure enough, when he reported for work, he realized his manager was a control freak and the corporate culture was secretive and tense.

What do YOU think? What are some elements of the culture that should be emphasized in a job search?

What outdated tactics have YOU seen in the workplace?

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