Pod Insights No B.S. Job Search Advice Radio Ready . . . Aim . . . Get Hired! About this episode EP 3012 On today's show, Dana Manciagli discusses the "Ready, Aim, Get Hired" framework for job searching. ABOUT JEFF ALTMAN, THE BIG GAME HUNTER People hire Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter to provide No BS job search coaching and career advice globally because he makes job search and succeeding in your career easier. You will find great info and job search coaching to help with your job search at JobSearch. Community Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/TheBigGameHunter Schedule a discovery call to speak with me about one-on-one or group coaching during your job search at www. TheBigGameHunter.us. We grant permission for this post and others to be used on your website as long as a backlink is included to www. TheBigGameHunter.us and notice is provided that it is provided by Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter as an author or creator. Not acknowledging his work or providing a backlink to www. TheBigGameHunter.us makes you subject to a $1000 penalty which you proactively agree to pay. Please contact us to negotiate the use of our content as training data.
Transcript 0:00 Speaker 00 Your sausage McMuffin with egg didn't change. Your receipt did. The sausage McMuffin with egg extra value meal includes a hash brown and a small coffee for just $5. Only at McDonald's for a limited time.
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0:41 Speaker 03 Hey everybody. Ready to crack the code on landing your dream job?
0:45 Speaker 04 Ooh, I like that, cracking the code.
0:47 Speaker 03 Well, we're gonna try. Today, we're diving deep into some advice from a real pro career expert, Dana Ackley. She's helped tons of people find amazing jobs. And get this, she says most people make a big mistake before they even send out a resume.
1:02 Speaker 04 Really? Before they even send out a resume? That's gotta be like square one.
1:06 Speaker 03 I know, right? But that's why we're doing this deep dive. We're gonna break it all down. So whether you're out there pounding the pavement right now or just wanna be ready when the time comes, stick with us.
1:16 Speaker 04 Sounds good to me.
1:17 Speaker 03 All right, so let's get into it. Dana calls her approach, "Ready, Aim, Get Hired." Kinda like, um, well, like you're getting ready for a big game or something.
1:26 Speaker 04 I like that. You gotta have a game plan.
1:27 Speaker 03 Exactly. And she says most people skip the ready part entirely, and that's where they go wrong.
1:32 Speaker 04 That's interesting. So what's the big deal about this ready phase? What does it even mean?
1:38 Speaker 03 Well, it's all about being strategic and intentional. Like, most of us just wanna dive right into sending out applications, right?
1:46 Speaker 04 Oh, for sure. I've totally been there.
1:48 Speaker 03 But Dana says that's like setting off on a road trip without a map. You might get somewhere eventually, but it's gonna be a long and frustrating ride.
1:54 Speaker 04 Okay, that makes sense. So we need a map. Where do we even start?
1:58 Speaker 03 It all starts with knowing where you wanna go. Dana calls it defining your goal. Sounds simple, but apparently a lot of people can't even answer the question, "What kinda job do you want?"
2:08 Speaker 04 Yeah, I can see that. Like, sometimes it feels like anything would be better than what you're doing now, but you need more direction than that.
2:15 Speaker 03 Right. So Dana breaks it down into this simple formula. She says, "Figure out the function, the industry, and the city." So like, I want to be a, uh, let's say a graphic designer in the tech industry in Austin, Texas.
2:29 Speaker 04 Okay, that's specific. I like it. So, we've got our destination, now we need directions, right?
2:33 Speaker 03 And that's where those sometimes kind of scary job descriptions come in.
2:37 Speaker 04 Oh yeah, those things can be intimidating. Like, do I really need 10 years of experience for an entry-level job?
2:43 Speaker 03 I know, right? But Dana says, "Job descriptions are often written for the perfect candidate," which, let's be real, doesn't exist.
2:51 Speaker 04 Okay, so they're kind of like a wish list, then?
2:53 Speaker 03 Exactly. So, instead of getting overwhelmed by all the requirements, Dana says to use them as a guide. Figure out what the core skills are, pinpoint any gaps you might have, and maybe even discover some new opportunities you hadn't thought of before.
3:07 Speaker 04 So it's more about understanding what they're really looking for, even if they don't say it directly?
3:11 Speaker 03 Yeah, it's kind of like, um, using a recipe for inspiration, not as a set of strict rules.
3:17 Speaker 04 Oh, I like that.
3:18 Speaker 03 Dana actually tells this great story about an ammunition truck driver who transitioned into a tech career.
3:24 Speaker 04 Whoa, wait, what? Ammunition truck driver to tech? How'd that happen?
3:28 Speaker 03 He didn't have any formal tech experience, but he was able to showcase other skills, like problem-solving and working under pressure, and that's what landed him the job.
3:38 Speaker 04 That's amazing. It's like, you never know what kind of experience might actually be relevant.
3:41 Speaker 03 Exactly. Okay, so, we've got our goal, we've figured out the job description code, now it's time to start applying, right?
3:48 Speaker 04 Yeah.
3:49 Speaker 03 Just fire off as many applications as possible.
3:51 Speaker 04 Hold on there. That's where the "aim" part of Dana's framework comes in, and she's very clear on this. Randomly applying for everything is a big no-no. It's like shooting arrows in the dark and hoping one hits the target.
4:02 Speaker 03 Yeah, I can see that being a waste of time.
4:04 Speaker 04 And energy. Plus, it can actually hurt your chances of getting hired.
4:07 Speaker 03 Really? How so?
4:08 Speaker 04 Well, first of all, hiring managers can spot a generic application a mile away.
4:13 Speaker 03 I bet. I used to get so many resumes that were completely irrelevant to the job. Job I was hiring for, like, did you even read the description?
4:21 Speaker 04 And then there's the ATS, the applicant tracking system. It's basically a digital gatekeeper that scans your resume for keywords and filters out the ones that don't match the job requirements.
4:31 Speaker 03 Wait, so if I just blast out a generic resume, it might not even reach a human?
4:36 Speaker 04 Exactly. The ATS is looking for specific ingredients in your resume recipe. And if you just throw in a bunch of random stuff, it's going straight to the no pile.
4:45 Speaker 03 Wow, okay, that's a good point. So how do we make sure our resumes actually pass the ATS test and get seen by a real person?
4:52 Speaker 04 It's all about tailoring your resume to each specific job. Use key words from the job description and really highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to that particular role.
5:03 Speaker 03 So it's quality over quantity?
5:05 Speaker 04 A hundred percent. Focus on crafting a few really targeted applications instead of sending out a hundred generic ones.
5:11 Speaker 03 Got it, quality over quantity. Now, speaking of aiming for the right target, Dana had a pretty bold prediction about the future of job hunting.
5:19 Speaker 04 Yeah, I was reading about that.
5:20 Speaker 03 She said that in five years recruiters will primarily use LinkedIn to find candidates. What do you think about that?
5:27 Speaker 04 I think she's probably right. It's all about your online presence these days. Your LinkedIn profile is like your digital storefront. And you want to make sure it's looking good and attracting customers.
5:36 Speaker 03 So is it more important than our actual resume now?
5:38 Speaker 04 Dana thinks so, yeah.
5:40 Speaker 03 Wow, okay. So how do we make our LinkedIn profiles stand out? Do we just copy and paste our resume over there?
5:47 Speaker 04 Actually, Dana recommends doing it the other way around. Create a strong resume first and then use that as the foundation for your LinkedIn profile.
5:55 Speaker 03 So we're not duplicating effort and everything is consistent?
5:59 Speaker 04 Exactly.
6:00 Speaker 03 Okay, so we've got a polished resume, a sparkling LinkedIn profile. We're ready to conquer those interviews, right?
6:07 Speaker 04 Well, almost. Remember, Dana's all about being prepared, right?
6:11 Speaker 03 Right.
6:11 Speaker 04 She's a big believer in practicing for interviews even before you have one lined up.
6:16 Speaker 03 That makes sense. It's like athletes training for a big game. They don't just show up and wing it.
6:21 Speaker 04 Exactly. And one of the best things you can do is write out answers to common interview questions.
6:26 Speaker 03 Especially that dreaded "tell me about yourself" opener.
6:29 Speaker 04 Oh, yeah, that one can be a tough one.
6:31 Speaker 03 I always feel like I'm rambling when I answer that one.
6:34 Speaker 04 Dana actually has some great advice on how to structure your response to that one. And she has a brilliant framework for those tricky behavioral questions. You know, like, tell me about a time when...
6:44 Speaker 03 Okay, I gotta hear about this framework.
6:45 Speaker 04 Mm-hmm.
6:46 Speaker 03 What's the secret sauce?
6:47 Speaker 04 It's called the SAR framework. Situation, Action, Result. It helps you tell a story that highlights your skills and accomplishments.
6:55 Speaker 03 Ooh, people love stories. It's way more engaging than just listing facts and figures.
7:00 Speaker 04 Exactly. And you know, Dana actually uses a great story about a challenging coworker to illustrate how to use this framework effectively. It's about turning what could be a negative experience into a showcase of your problem-solving skills.
7:13 Speaker 03 Okay, that's smart. So we've got the SAR framework for behavioral questions, and we're gonna use stories to make ourselves more memorable. What else can we do to really nail those interviews?
7:23 Speaker 04 Well, Dana encourages job seekers to be a little bit loud and proud in their interviews.
7:28 Speaker 03 Loud and proud? Doesn't that sound a little, I don't know, risky?
7:32 Speaker 04 No, no, no. She doesn't mean being arrogant or overbearing. It's about projecting confidence and enthusiasm, showing the interviewer that you're excited about the opportunity and you believe in yourself.
7:42 Speaker 03 Ah, okay. So loud and proud means letting your passion shine through?
7:47 Speaker 04 Exactly. And enthusiasm can be contagious, you know? I bet interviewers can spot a genuinely passionate candidate a mile away.
7:55 Speaker 03 For sure. Now, what about those awkward silences that can sometimes happen in interviews? Any advice on how to handle those gracefully?
8:02 Speaker 04 Dana says it's okay to take a moment to collect your thoughts before answering a question. Don't feel pressured to fill every silence with words.
8:10 Speaker 03 Sometimes I think I start rambling just to avoid those awkward pauses.
8:13 Speaker 04 I'll get it. But a brief pause to gather your thoughts can actually make you seem more thoughtful and composed. And if you're not sure what the interviewer is asking, don't be afraid to ask for clarification. It's much better than giving a rambling, incoherent answer.
8:27 Speaker 03 Okay, so breathe, clarify if needed, then deliver a thoughtful response. Got it. Now, let's talk about what happens after the interview. Is a simple flunky note enough?
8:37 Speaker 04 Dana actually goes beyond the standard thank you note. She recommends following up three times spaced about a week apart.
8:43 Speaker 03 Three times. Wow, okay. But it's not just about checking in, right?
8:47 Speaker 04 Nope. It's about adding value to the conversation. You could share an article that's relevant to the company's industry, or highlight a recent accomplishment that aligns with the job requirements, or even just mention something specific you discussed during the interview.
9:00 Speaker 03 So it's about staying on their radar without being annoying?
9:03 Speaker 04 Right. And if they're really interested in you, they won't be put off by a well-crafted follow-up. They might even appreciate your initiative.
9:11 Speaker 03 That's good to know. So we've covered the ready and the aim phases of Dana's framework.
9:17 Speaker 04 We have.
9:18 Speaker 03 And I'm guessing get hired is all about acing those interviews, but there's gotta be more to it than that.
9:24 Speaker 04 Oh, you better believe it. There's a whole lot more to uncover when it comes to landing that dream job.
9:29 Speaker 03 I can't wait to hear it.
9:30 Speaker 04 Well, get ready, because we're diving even deeper in part two of our Dana Ackley deep dive.
9:35 Speaker 03 Don't go anywhere. We'll be right back.
9:40 Speaker 04 Okay, so we're back and ready to keep unpacking Dana Ackley's job search wisdom. Last time, we left off talking about how to really rock those interview questions. Yes. And you know, the SAR framework we talked about, that's super helpful for those behavioral questions like, "Tell me about a time when..."
9:56 Speaker 03 It's all about telling a story, right?
9:58 Speaker 04 Right. And Dana actually has this great story about a challenging coworker. She really emphasizes how important the result part of that framework is. It's not enough to just talk about what you did. You have to show the impact.
10:12 Speaker 03 Oh, that makes sense. Like, how did your actions actually make a difference?
10:15 Speaker 04 Exactly. Did you save the company money? Did you improve efficiency? Or maybe even boost team morale? All of those things are results worth mentioning.
10:25 Speaker 03 So it's not bragging. It's just showing what you're capable of.
10:28 Speaker 04 Right. And you know, even those "tell me about a time you failed" questions can be a chance to show off your skills.
10:34 Speaker 03 Wait, really? How do you spin a failure into a positive?
10:37 Speaker 04 It's all about owning your mistakes and talking about what you learned from them. It shows self-awareness and a willingness to grow.
10:45 Speaker 03 And that's good, right?
10:46 Speaker 04 Definitely. Employers love that kind of stuff. Okay, so you've got the SAR framework. You're ready to tell your stories. But these days, interviews can take a lot of different forms.
10:56 Speaker 03 Yeah, it's not always just a face-to-face meeting anymore, is it?
10:59 Speaker 04 Not at all. You might have a phone interview, a video interview, or even multiple rounds of interviews before you actually meet anyone in person.
11:07 Speaker 03 It's like an obstacle course.
11:09 Speaker 04 It can feel that way sometimes, but each type of interview comes with its own unique challenges and opportunities.
11:16 Speaker 03 So let's break it down. What about phone interviews? Any tips for those?
11:20 Speaker 04 Well, since they can't see you, you gotta make sure your voice and personality really shine through.
11:25 Speaker 03 Oh, that's hard. I hate talking on the phone.
11:27 Speaker 04 I know, it can be awkward, but just try to be clear, enthusiastic, and a good listener.
11:31 Speaker 03 Okay. And what about video interviews? Those can be even more nerve-wracking.
11:35 Speaker 04 Right. Video interviews are almost like mini-productions. Think about your background, the lighting, what you're wearing. Make eye contact with the camera, and try to forget that you're on camera.
11:45 Speaker 03 And test your technology beforehand, right? The last thing you want is for your internet to cut out in the middle of the interview.
11:52 Speaker 04 Oh, totally. Okay, so we've talked about different interview formats, but what about just, like, general tips for making a good impression?
12:01 Speaker 03 Yeah. How do we stand out from all the other candidates?
12:04 Speaker 04 Well, a lot of it comes down to being authentic and engaging. Let your personality show, but also be professional.
12:12 Speaker 03 Right, it's about finding that balance.
12:14 Speaker 04 And active listening is huge. It's not just about answering the questions. It's about showing that you're really paying attention and interested in what they have to say.
12:22 Speaker 03 Makes sense. And what about asking questions? Is that a good idea?
12:25 Speaker 04 Oh, absolutely. Asking insightful questions shows that you're curious and that you've been thinking critically about the role.
12:31 Speaker 03 It also gives you a chance to learn more about the company and make sure it's a good fit for you.
12:35 Speaker 04 Exactly. Now, Dana also talks about the power of storytelling. She says it's a great way to make yourself more memorable.
12:42 Speaker 03 Oh, yeah, stories are powerful.
12:44 Speaker 04 Think about it. Would you rather listen to someone drone on about their responsibilities or hear a captivating story about how they overcame a challenge?
12:53 Speaker 03 I'd much rather hear a story. But how do we use stories effectively in interviews?
12:58 Speaker 04 Well, the SAR framework can help you structure your story, make sure it's clear and concise.
13:03 Speaker 03 Okay, so SAR for behavioral questions. Stories for a personal touch. What else can we do to really seal the deal?
13:12 Speaker 04 Dana encourages people to be a little loud and proud in their interviews.
13:16 Speaker 03 Wait, loud and proud? Again, I thought we talked about that.
13:19 Speaker 04 We did, but it's important. Remember, she doesn't mean being arrogant or anything. It's about showing your enthusiasm and confidence. Let the interviewer see that you're excited about the opportunity.
13:28 Speaker 03 So basically, loud and proud means letting your passion shine through.
13:32 Speaker 04 Exactly, and enthusiasm can be a real game changer, especially when everyone else is playing it safe.
13:38 Speaker 03 I like it. Okay, now what about those awkward silences? Any tips on how to handle those gracefully?
13:44 Speaker 04 Dana says it's okay to take a moment to collect your thoughts. You don't have to fill every silence with words.
13:49 Speaker 03 Sometimes I feel like I ramble just to avoid those awkward pauses.
13:52 Speaker 04 It's a common reaction, but a brief pause can actually make you seem more thoughtful and composed. And if you don't understand the question, just ask for clarification.
14:03 Speaker 03 That makes sense. Alright, so breathe, clarify if needed, then give a thoughtful response. Now, what about after the interview? What does Dana say about follow-up?
14:15 Speaker 04 Well, she recommends going beyond the standard thank you note. She suggests following up three times spaced about a week apart.
14:22 Speaker 03 Three times? Wow, okay, but what are we supposed to say? Just checking in?
14:27 Speaker 04 Definitely not. You want to add value to the conversation, share an article, highlight a relevant accomplishment, or mention something you discussed during the interview.
14:36 Speaker 03 So basically, keep the conversation going, but don't be annoying about it.
14:39 Speaker 04 Right, if they're interested, they'll appreciate it.
14:41 Speaker 03 So we've covered ready and aim. Now I'm guessing get hired is all about those interview skills.
14:47 Speaker 04 Well, that's definitely a big part of it, but there's more to landing your dream job than just nailing the interview.
14:52 Speaker 03 Ooh, there's more.
14:53 Speaker 04 Always. We'll be right back with part three of our deep dive into Dana Ackley's no-nonsense job search advice.
15:01 Speaker 03 All right, welcome back to our Dana Ackley deep dive. So far, we've tackled resumes, LinkedIn, interviews, and even networking. What else is there?
15:10 Speaker 04 Well, now we're getting to the good stuff, the job offer.
15:12 Speaker 03 That's what it's all about, right? The moment we've all been working towards.
15:15 Speaker 04 Exactly. But Dana says a lot of people make a mistake at this stage, too.
15:19 Speaker 03 Really? What do we gotta watch out for?
15:22 Speaker 04 Well, it's natural to be so relieved and excited when you get that offer that you just wanna say yes right away.
15:28 Speaker 03 I can totally see that.
15:29 Speaker 04 But Dana says almost every offer is negotiable.
15:32 Speaker 03 You mean like, we can ask for more money?
15:34 Speaker 04 Money, benefits, even things like professional development opportunities.
15:38 Speaker 03 So it's not greedy to try to negotiate?
15:39 Speaker 04 Not at all. It's about knowing your worth and being willing to advocate for yourself.
15:44 Speaker 03 But how do we do that without, you know, seeming demanding or ruining our chances?
15:49 Speaker 04 It's all about being prepared and approaching the conversation as a collaboration, not a confrontation.
15:56 Speaker 03 Okay, that makes sense. So where do we start?
15:59 Speaker 04 Do your research, figure out what the market read is for someone with your skills and experience. There are websites that can help with that.
16:06 Speaker 03 Oh, that's good to know. And then what? Just come right out and say, "I want more."
16:10 Speaker 04 Well, you wanna be a little more tactful than that. But yeah, be prepared to justify your request, highlight your accomplishments, and the value you bring to the table.
16:19 Speaker 03 And be ready to compromise, right? It's a negotiation, not a demand.
16:22 Speaker 04 Exactly. The goal is to find a solution that works for both sides.
16:26 Speaker 03 I like it. So we've got the job, we've negotiated a great offer, we're ready to start our awesome new career. But what about those times when the job search just feels endless and you're starting to lose hope?
16:38 Speaker 04 That's a really important point. Job hunting can be tough, and it's easy to get discouraged. Dana talks a lot about staying motivated throughout the process.
16:46 Speaker 03 Because it can be a process, for sure.
16:48 Speaker 04 It definitely can be. And it's okay to feel frustrated, but it's important to find ways to keep your spirits up.
16:54 Speaker 03 So what can we do to stay positive when it feels like we're hitting a wall?
16:58 Speaker 04 Well, Dana emphasizes self-care. Make sure you're taking breaks, doing things you enjoy, spending time with people who support you, and celebrate the small victories along the way.
17:09 Speaker 03 Like just finishing an application is a victory.
17:11 Speaker 04 Exactly. Give yourself credit for every step forward, no matter how small it seems.
17:16 Speaker 03 It's important to remember why we're doing this, right? It's not just about getting any job. It's about finding the right job for us.
17:23 Speaker 04 Right. It's about finding a career that aligns with our values, passions, and goals.
17:28 Speaker 03 So we gotta keep our eyes on the prize.
17:29 Speaker 04 Exactly. So as we wrap up this deep dive into Dana Ackley's advice, what's one thing that really resonated with you? What's one piece of wisdom you'll take with you on your job search journey?
17:42 Speaker 03 We'd love to hear your thoughts. Head over to our website or social media and share your biggest takeaway. Until next time, happy hunting.
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