Top 10 Ways to be Assertive in a Job Search Without Being Pushy
by Mike Walsh
Your approach to job searching often defines success. Employers will assume that your conduct during the process will be the same conduct you exhibit on the job. Employers are always looking for self-assured employees (though they will want to avoid arrogant ones!). These tips can help give the right impression whilst still standing out from the crowd:
1. Assertive vs. Arrogant
Assertive people succeed without stepping on the rights of others. Arrogant people fail to see that other people exist (easy to spot at an interview).
2. Let your actions speak
Let your accomplishments talk! It’s one thing telling people that you’re great but it’s another thing to show them through your past successes.
3. Let others do the talking for you
Don’t like to brag? Let your spouse, friends, previous boss or colleagues do it on your behalf. (‘In my last performance review my boss said…’ ‘My wife always says I’m…’, etc).
4. Work to get the work
Estimates show that job hunters (those out of work) spend five hours or less per week searching for a job. Making the process a full time job creates energy, momentum, and a sense of professionalism, while increasing self-confidence. Practice makes perfect.
5. Drop the baggage
Been made redundant through no fault of your own? Feeling over-qualified and under-valued? Get over it - quick! ‘Hidden’ anger will seep into your efforts and reek, to potential employers, like stale alcohol.
6. Pick up the phone
The best way to separate yourself from the pack is to speak to someone live. A CV can be seen as just an email or piece of paper (easily filed away) but a phone call represents a person - you.
7. Tele-sell yourself
Treat any phone call as a professional sales call. State the purpose of contact, ask if it is a convenient time for the other party, and if not, phone back at a specific time. Also, stand up and smile! It does come across on the phone.
8. Use Names
Identify yourself in the beginning of any phone call, establish the other person’s name and use it frequently (without being annoying!) throughout the call.
9. Don’t send mixed messages
During the interview, ensure your body language matches your assertive approach with good posture, a firm handshake, etc. Make sure your ‘walk’ matches your ‘talk’.
10. Believe in yourself (or at least act like you do!)
If you aren’t confident that you can do the job, then why apply? If you can do it, act like you can! (Even if you aren’t sure, act like you can - you might surprise yourself!) People will treat you accordingly.
Keep these tips in mind throughout your job search and try to think about the type of person you would hire – and behave accordingly!
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