Gaining Internal Advocates in a Highly Competitive Job Market
You already know that today’s job market is highly selective. If you’ve made it past the resume submission, screening call, and the first interview, you’ve demonstrated that your technical skillset is sufficient.
However, companies are looking for the perfect fit, which extends beyond core skills. Informal and internal hiring decisions are made quickly, sometimes within hours after an impression is formed.
More than ever, outcomes are influenced by internal advocates. You need someone on your side, like a hiring manager or a recruiter, who can speak to your value and push for your inclusion on the team.
How Do You Gain Internal Advocates?
By showing up authentically. People hire people, not just skillsets.
Key Strategies for Authenticity:
- Understand and articulate what makes you unique.
- Speak confidently about your strengths and weaknesses.
- Demonstrate how your core values benefit the organization.
- Practice, practice, practice.
- Sweat the small stuff.
If you want someone to go to bat for you, they need to buy into your authenticity. You’re building your brand as a technical expert and an individual who can integrate seamlessly and communicate effectively with a new team.
Many people struggle to answer and articulate basic questions about themselves. Take time to reflect on what sets you apart. You’re not creating a new persona; you’re uncovering the experience that makes you, you.
Leveraging Your Recruiter
When you use a reputable recruiting agency, your recruiter can be your biggest advocate, especially if you don’t have a company connection or established inroads with a hiring manager. In addition to extensive staffing experience, they have intimate knowledge of the team, company, and the job itself.
Your recruiter is your partner. They will work to extract information about you and build a cohesive story. When you are open and transparent, they can help present the best version of you to advocate for your candidacy.
