7 Tips to Follow When Applying for a New Job  

I recently read an article published on LinkedIn entitled, “Why Did Tesla Hire Jasmin?” by Michael Carr, a career counselor in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area.  This article reinforced many of the topics we have discussed in the previous weeks, and I love having a specific example to share. 

In his article, Carr discusses the different strategies a young woman named Jasmin Rohman used to land a new job with Tesla. After being with the same company for 13 years, Jasmin chose to pursue her aspirations to work somewhere that better aligned with her passions. Here are the 7 strategies Jasmin employed in her pursuit of the job she really wanted:

7 Ideas to Consider When Applying for a New Position

1.    Choose a Purposeful Plan – Pursue a passionate purpose! She followed her passion. Tesla was her top choice because of its focus on “sustainable and progressive work” to make society better. She wanted to be able to align her passion with the company she worked for and chose a company accordingly. 

2.    Show a Bias for Action With Mentors/Advisers – Mentorship is one of the most discussed concepts in my writings. It is such an invaluable asset that many never take the time to use. Find a mentor or be a mentor today!

3.    Update Your LinkedIn Profile – I am just now learning all the advantages LinkedIn has to offer for B2B connections, and while I am not an expert, I recognize the advantage in developing and utilizing your LinkedIn profile. There are so many benefits to developing these connections and you never know when one will result in great value for all concerned. 

4.    Prepare for Meaningful Discussion – During an interview for America’s Healthcare Leaders, Ben McKibbens shared a quote from James Baker: “Prior Preparation Prevents Poor Performance.” Keep this in mind when branching out and pursuing new opportunities. Know the organization, study the history, and show you are engaged with the organization. 

5.    Reach Out to Your Professional Network for Advice & Information – You might not know anyone directly connected with an organization, but you might be surprised to find out how many people know about the organization or have ties of their own. Don’t be afraid to reach out to these individuals. 

6.    Minimize Employer Risk & Expense – In the article, Carr talks about how Jasmin met with hiring managers from Tesla at informal coffee meetings, thus reducing their risk and expense involved in recruiting new hires. By taking steps to minimize the employer risk and expense, you communicate your interest as well as your consideration for more than yourself. 

7.    Hiring Managers Are Your Professional Advocates – Realize the importance of hiring managers. Carr discusses how these people became Jasmin’s most valuable assets in the hiring process. Pursue these relationships!  

These are just a few tips for you to consider as you look into a new position. Not all of them may be applicable to your particular situation, but pick and choose what works for you, and step forward toward greater success!