Kim Davey: You can snare that dream job

Kim Davey

YOUNG people (and old), listen up.
So you are looking for a job? Maybe you already have one and hate it, or you don't have one at all. Either way I have some advice that might help you to nail the one you want.
Recently I have had a number of very cool people asking me if they could come and work for me. Initially it's quite baffling - you want to work for me? Then I realise that I have created some very cool businesses. It takes serious hard work to be in business and to know other people love what you are doing so much they want to be a part of it is just awesome.
These recent encounters have got me thinking about who I want on my team and why. Which leads me to uncover the other side of the job equation - what the employer really wants. You can read all you want about how to prepare for an interview for a job but at the end of the day there are some key things that potential employers are looking for.
I thought I would share them, for those of you currently job hunting ...
1. Do you have passion? Are you truly excited about the industry, the product or the service? Have you got a personal interest and connection with it? For many jobs you are going to answer "no". So guess what - don't apply for them. If you know from the start you have no interest in the product or company but you just NEED A JOB - don't waste your time, or the company's. You know you will end up hating it. Plus you are unlikely to get it unless you are a very good actor/actress. Employers can see and feel passion. Apply only for jobs you are interested in.
2. Are you proactive? Do you actively seek out job opportunities even when they do not currently exist? I used to do this all the time growing up and it works. Don't wait for a job to be advertised. Are you kidding? Then you are 50 million other people are competing for the same single job! Think about what you would like to do/where you would like to work. Put your CV together, dress up pretty (boys too!) and walk in to that workplace. Ask to speak with the manager, shake their hand (with eye contact) and a big smile and say "Hi, my name is X, I was wondering if there are any jobs going here at the moment as I am very interested in working for you ... / ... etc. etc. etc." Leave them with a big smile, another handshake (with eye contact) and go on your merry way. I got my bank teller job, law firm job and numerous other jobs this way. So morale of the story is - do not wait for your dream job to be advertised, go get it now.
3. Are you efficient? Reality is, if you are lazy, can't be bothered or don't care to learn you are not going to get a job and if you do, you won't last long. While many people want a job purely because they want money, you need to consider what the person who is offering the job wants.
You want the money and they want the job done fast, efficiently and correctly. When looking to hire I look at work ethic - prompt, efficient, capable, excellent people skills, teachable and prepared to go the extra mile.
I love people who are on to it. I hate babysitting, excuses, having to follow up or check up. If you are one of these people, you need to step up your game or you will never get your dream job.
Looking at a job from the perspective of your potential employer helps you uncover the secrets behind how to nail that job. Ask yourself, 'If I were them, what would I be looking for?' and make sure you fit the criteria.
And always:
a) Dress up - no scruff balls - I ain't employing you if you don't care about you, because if you don't care about you, then why on earth would you care about this business or me?! Get it?
b) Follow up - call or send a thank you note a day or two after the interview, mention a few things you talked about during the interview and how much you want the job.
c) Relax and be you.
You have one shot at the interview so let the true you shine! Don't be rigid, don't be cocky, be friendly, fun and enthusiastic.
The key to success in life is to be pro-active. Don't sit around waiting for things to happen, get off your butt and go and make it happen. If you really want that job, go and get it.
There are no rules. Make your own. It's your life. Do not miss out. Enjoy!
Be Real. Be True. Be You!
#Kim Davey is an international speaker, author and entrepreneur who lives between Hawke's Bay and LA and runs www.nzdancenetwork.co.nz and www.kimdaveylive.com