(2008) Feeling defeated? Here’s your comeback guide…
Found this newsletter from the week of the 2008 New Hampshire primaries…
Found this newsletter from the week of the 2008 New Hampshire primaries…
A 71 year-old and a 60 year-old were recently vying against tough competition for two top jobs — they were in the mix against younger, more ‘energetic’ applicants.
With more than 500,000 subscribers aged 50 and over to this newsletter, I thought it would be instructive for me to share how these applicants got ‘the nod’.
Well, Senators McCain and Clinton had good strategies for overcoming perceptions, pundits and polls, and they snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in snowy New Hampshire.
I know you all couldn’t possibly be voting for both of them, but keeping in mind the old saw about ‘keep your friends close and your enemies closer,’ let’s see how we can turn their wins into your job hunt success
Experience: I saw Senator McCain speak last year at a Wall Street Journal conference; here’s the video. He emphasizes how his long experience with many different issues makes him qualified to handle new problems that will arise for the next President.
And in my experience, Readers, there’s a magic phrase that can help you turn your many years to your advantage. Talk about ‘pattern recognition’: your ability, based on many prior episodes, to understand what’s required to make the most out of any situation. By pointing out how you thrived through every change in technology or business environment or industry transformation, you will demonstrate your ability to grasp the new and make the best of it for your prospective employer.
Experience Plus Change: I actually loved the tactical genius on this one. Senator Clinton updated her message to be ‘I have the experience to know how to make change possible.’
Wow. If that isn’t a fantastic way for you to package your lengthy resume as a track record for future success, I don’t know what is. Show how your experience at tackling past changes actually makes you a better candidate than the young ‘uns for the future growth of your new company.
Stick to What You Know: Senator Clinton fired up her base and got women voters to turn out for her in droves. Whatever your stage in your career, don’t try to ‘change your spots.’ Instead, use what you know and show how your extensive depth in your area applies to your future employer’s needs.
Illegitimi Non Carborundum: this ‘mock Latin’ phrase translates as ‘don’t let the bastards get you down.’ McCain’s campaign was left for dead 6 months ago. His finances were a mess. His poll numbers were drooping. But he soldiered on and saw his quest through to another day. Take a cue from this war hero and see your own quest through to victory — you will find your next job.
And if your job hunt is getting you down, take a long weekend and blow off some steam. Go duck hunting. Hit the beach and read the latest James Patterson novel. Or take to the slopes and ski (or snowboard for the adventurous) your blues away. And then come back next week with new found power and stamina. I know you can do it!
Folks, what I’m saying is, every great football coach watches the films and studies the reels of the opponents on Monday morning. What I’m asking is that you take this Monday morning and study the tricks and tactics of these top politicians to make your game even better.
The Senators showed that sometimes wisdom and experience can turn the tables on those seemingly more glamorous and vibrant applicants. Let’s take a page from their books and make your job hunt exciting, appealing to your core constituency, and a ‘primary winner!’
Happy hunting this week, Readers- you’ve got my vote!