Job Hunting Tips from Ashraf Chaudhry, Pakistan’s Number 1 Sales Trainer and Author of “The Craft of Selling Yourself”
Job Hunting?
“Treat a job hunt like a personal development project and be the project manager.” –PENELOPE TRUNK
The Majority of fresh graduates, treading the beaten trail, trust writing their CV and sending it out to potential employers is all that’s required to land a job. I’ve screened thousands of CVs and Cover Letters in my one and a half decade career and I have to say that minimal efforts are usually invested by job seekers to customize their CVs and Cover Letters. An employer could easily get frustrated with vague imprecise words such as ‘Metric, Martial, and Carrier etc’ in CVs and sentences in Cover Letters like ‘ I’ve come to know through reliable sources that you have a vacant position and I assure you that if given the chance, I’ll leave no stone un-turned to satisfy you’. All such CVs and Cover Letters end up in piles of unsuccessful candidate files. Successful people don’t sit on haunches, waiting for miracles to happen. They make miracles happen!
Job hunting is very much similar to selling a product. It’s the process of selling the professional’s skills, ideas, time, talent, energies and expertise. It’s like being available for value addition as any other product does; and in return you get paid in cash and kind.
“Throughout your life, no matter what course it takes, you’re going to be called on to convince others to accept a product or a concept.” –VICTOR KIAM, GOING FOR IT
A company does not make profit unless the sales process is set into motion for ultimate conclusion. Things will come to screeching halt if the selling activity isn’t on the forward move. The success or failure of any organization in large depends on the success or failure of its sales activity. Thus, Sales is the starting point and the ending point of every enterprise and every industry. The salesperson is the breadwinner and the flag carrier of any organization. Selling is not necessarily innate in you, but is a craft and just like any other craft, it can be taught, learned, practiced and eventually mastered.
Treat yourself like The Chief Selling Officer of your own company, and your skills as your own products and services. Like any other well seasoned and successful Chief Selling Officer, make sure you are selling your vision and your ideas to the right people. You need to bring out your entrepreneurial skills to push yourself forward on the course of life.
“The whole theory of the universe is directed unerringly to one single individual—namely to You.” –WALT WHITMAN
Ashraf Chaudhry can be reached at ashraf@ashrafchaudhry.com
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June 15th, 2009 at 6:52 pm
Dear Ashraf Chaudhry,
my recent view of your article has imbibed in me the spirit to revisit my covered potentials that i need to venture now.I highly appreciate your novel approach of developing such a craft in oneself that can entice and appeal the corperate world to value you with a difference.I strongly believe that if one follows your prescribed vision the recipe of success will be found available at your doorstep.Mr.Ashraf,i fervently look forward for your substantial ideas that would transform my frazzled spirit into a vibrant force.I need to vocalise my effusive thanks to a person like you who has been bestowed with what John Keats says ‘teeming ideas’ and we value the ‘grains of your thoughts’
Regards.
kishwer janjua.
June 16th, 2009 at 11:07 pm
Ashraf, thank you for this article. I like its brevity and you get right to the point.
Please keep me on your mailing list for upcoming articles.
Thank you,
Neil
June 17th, 2009 at 12:26 am
Ashraf,
The article is pertinent and motivational as it should be, however, the same sentiments are echoed by pretty much everyone who has written on the subject. To be able to sell one self is the name of the name but how, where and when to do it is still a mystery to many.
Customizing resume and cover letter is fine but when used in traditional manner and or channels, I am afraid, has no value. There is no one formula for success. In today’s job market, networking is perhaps the only medium that stands out relative to other in terms of result. How to sell yourself while networking is what you should focus on in your writing. Other than that its just a matter of being at the right place at the right time which one would not know until it happens.
Sincerely,
Khalid A. Qureishi
June 17th, 2009 at 12:50 am
You comments on the CVs and Cover Letters are quite realistic. There are people in our locality who dont know even what are their skills sets and strengths which are likely to be sold at good price. I would say jobs seekers just know one thing and that is money / package. Secondly, many time our fellows send their CVs by email and after having a look on their requests and text in emails, all the moral get spoiled. Writing a convincing letter or email is not a joke. If some one is requesting some thing from some one then atleast an element of profile of yourself and the one who is going to help some one should not be forgotten. I am not a head hunter but some times feel happy to help others.
One of my friend writes me Dear Aamir I want to come to Dubai please have a look in the market and search a job for me. Ok when he is replied with good words they he would ask about the package and after than he would say what if company can compensate me to bring my family. He is still sitting there in his home and dreaming like a guru. Anyway, Thanks
Please keep me on your mailing list for upcoming articles.
Thank you,
Aamir
June 17th, 2009 at 5:13 am
Ashraf:
I really like the inspirational touches in your posting. At the end of the day, it’s a good resume, networking strategy, but also the spirit to do what it takes! And you put importance on all three. Nice job.
June 17th, 2009 at 7:57 pm
Kishwer: Thanks for liking my ‘grains of thoughts’.
Neil: Thanks for appreciating view. Your book “The Magic of Working Smarter” is really great. I just finished Chapter 10, The Five Hundred Million Dollar Man. Please tell me the secret of inspiring others.
Khalid: I absolutely agree with you. It’s all networking. In my subsequent articles, I will write about Networking Nerds, The 10 Commandments of Networking.
Aamir: This is dilemma. You are 100% right. I daily get emails like: Dear Ashraf, attached is my resume, please review it and let me know if you can refer me to some good company. When I send them my review or refer them, they even forget to drop two words: thank you.
Helen: Thanks for the nice words. Hows NY. When ever I get your message, I feel urge to watch movie Troy:)
June 18th, 2009 at 1:39 am
Hi Ashraf,
A little story for you about saying thanks!
Being a subject matter expert, normally subject fellows are invited to listen and discuss few of their subject matters problems and to learn/ teach them to be ready for an interview any time if there would be an oppourtunity to switch the job. During last of my experience which I had one fellow came to me for this purpose he was really unhappy with his job. He came about ten times/ visits and he was given all the tips. How to speak, how to touch/ hit the time/ point to lead the discussion. How to motivate ourselves to be focussed and result oriented. Much more with subject studies. I was thinking and discussing with my references to send him for interview. Suddenly what happened he stopped coming to me and stopend even calling me. I thought may be he would be busy or could be out of the town but happy to say for him when we met after about two months one of his fellow told that Aamir he has got a new job. Oh I was just surprise and just quit the talk and get aside. I was not able to speak anything at that moment. Saying thanks by himself was far apart he did not even tell me what, when, where and how he got the job.
Actually it was one of my another fellow who helped him. But today after four months it is still in my mind that why he did not tell me. Although we are still good friends.
Thanks
Aamir
June 18th, 2009 at 2:03 am
Ashraf:
Things are great in New York, though unusually cool for this time of year. No pool days yet!
I just wanted to add to Aamir’s comment. We have an expression on Wall Street. “You’re only as good as your last trade.” Translation, “What have you done for me lately?” It’s sad, but it seems that human nature, is not wanting to be bothered putting forth any type of effort when a person is no longer of any use. So if you are suddenly able to begin walking and no longer need a particular person to hold you up, many people just do not do what we would perceive as the right thing…pick up the phone and say “thank you” for your help. However, if you look at the BIG picture, the efforts put forth do come back to you. Just in different ways. Even five or ten years down the road, when paths cross once again, a person could quickly make mention “hey, you really helped me way back when.” or send along a referral. That good energy does return to you so keep your eyes open. It just may be in a different form or time that we would hope or expect.
June 20th, 2009 at 1:18 am
Mr. Helen,
Thanks for your meaningful comment, that’s great to have you here.
I have a comment on job search by one of my friend in Dubai. Actually he was on visit visa when I interviewed him for a while it revealed to me that he is demanding much more than his potential & spark. Being a friend I tried to advise him that it is a multicultural market and may be you need little experience first to explore for yourself where to place yourself. During all the process of this discussion he was given tips on language proficiency, attitude, realiabilty and networking etc. Suddenly a time came during our discusion and he said I have got an offer already and it is this much package. As per my experience what he was offered was very good package for him while on his visit visa first time in Dubai. Anyway, I advised him may be you should start this job and have some experience and try another job but during his final words with me he bounced back to me and said you don’t know anything about the job market and my nature. He just left away. I was surprized by this all story.
Anyway, after couple of week he had to go back to his home country because he did not get job of his nature, likes and immediate experience.
Dear Helen and Ashraf, let me know what is your point of view on this point of time if there is no any job offer available which is just matching with your previous experience what you will/should do? comment please
With kindest personal regards
Aamir Rasool
June 20th, 2009 at 6:40 pm
Dear Aamir
Ooops, Helen is Princess of New York.
It all depends upon person to person. Everyone has different ‘compromise level’. Sometime. going below a certain level is damaging for career. If someone can find better position in homeland, then no need to go below a certain level.
Your help is indeed worth appreciating. What is he doing now?
Aamir, which company are you working for? I have a senior HR Person to get in place in UAE. She is graduate of London School of Economics and has around 18 years of HR experience with top notch companies.
Regards
Ashraf Chaudhry
ashraf@ashrafchaudhry.com
June 20th, 2009 at 7:35 pm
My apology to Miss Helen, Thanks correcting me Dear Ashraf,
Basically I am a Food Science and Technology graduate, MBA and Certified Quality and Food Safety professional and currently busy in preparation of my CMQ/OE Certification from ASQ. Serving Rotana Hotels Middle East, a big chain of hotels in middle east having about 12 in Dubai itself. Currently working in Food Safety and Quality Department however aspiring to be a business professional in near future.
Being a people person and MBA in HR, some times I take this oppourtunity to have discussions with people who are aspiring for good jobs. Like these days I have few professionals who are in Dubai and working with very less salaries and are interested to have good jobs but the recession is still there so have to wait till Eid (after Ramadam) I believe. However, still we are working with our references. The guy went back to his homeland he never had any contact later.
You are my linkedin contact. You can see my profile as AAMIR RASOOL there.
As per my knowledge and latest news may be better to wait till Eid hope all will be doing well after Eid. However, still if I can be of your service please let me know.
Personal regards
Aamir Rasool
aamir_ft@yahoo.com
June 20th, 2009 at 9:04 pm
I absolutely agree with Helen. A good deed performed with the best of intentions is ever a waste. Aamir, you continue with your deeds, keep your intentions pure and not expect a reward from us humans. It will come in ways you will hardly expect or recognize. At the end of the day, if you are satisfied within you will know. Ironic - but certain phenomenon has no logical explanation; faith therefore is blind and defies man made logic. What else defies logic is the weather. It’s raining and 60F (16C) here in Toronto on June 20th. I recall being in NYC on Dec 31st 1984 when the temperature shot up to 75F from mid 40’s within few hours. I have never seen so many people wearing shorts in December in Manhattan.
June 20th, 2009 at 9:05 pm
My apologies for the typo. “A good deed is NEVER a waste”.
June 20th, 2009 at 9:48 pm
Dear Aamir, I knew but was little confused about your identity. Because, I was under the impression you are attached with headhunting, but your profile was showing something different.
@Khalid, you are absolutely right. Good deeds never go in waste. Life is just like boomerang. Whatever goes around comes around. Sometimes, most of the times from different sources. So keep enjoying the attitudes of people.
I will share something very funny with you. In 2004 I was Corporate Manager Marketing & Communications for Pearl Continental/Marriott Chains in Pakistan. A famous mind science guru, Prof Moiz Hussain is my friend and he asked me to refer to him a young chap who could sell his workshops to companies. Incidentally, a boy came to my office for job and I referred him to Prof.
A time was set. After half an hour of their appointment I called the chap to know how his interview went. His cell was not responding. I thought he might be in interview yet. After an hour I again called him, but he did not attend my call. After two hours I got a call from Prof who asked that where is the chap. He said he rescheduled his flight just because of this interview. I was quite embarrased that my reference did not contact him.
Next day I again called that person but he did not pick my call. I sent him emails to know where is he. He never replied. After 5 years I got an email: “Sir, I am desperately looking for a job, can you help me?”.
I wonder, what should I reply to this man. Any guidance?
Regards
Ashraf Chaudhry
June 20th, 2009 at 10:35 pm
Ashraf:
You have begun a quite a spirited discussion amongst this group of professionals. I see there is much we can learn from each other. And I very much enjoying the exchange!
I do believe a common thread with everyone’s post here, is that often, people cannot at first comprehend, what they did not know until we brought it to their attention. Nor can they immediately trust who they do not know. For me, the key is to get more people to understand reality vs. the perception. Someone can send me a resume and ask “What do you think? I’m not getting any interviews.” I give them my opinion that the resume needs help and sometimes they respond, “But it was done by my brother. He is a vice president.” Or “I had it done by my teacher.” So what? It’s NOT working. But the individual is hesitant to believe a stranger (me) vs. a person they know(a teacher or family member). They might choose the easy way and walk away blaming it on the economy. The job then begins to build trust.
My referrals, or existing clients, trust me with their lives. Thank heaven for places like Linkedin to help build credibility with the general public. It is sometimes an uphill battle, but if you are passionate about what you do and truly love to help people, you arrive at your desk up to the challenge each and every day and will succeed.
Now. Princess of New York? I’m loving that!
Tomorrow we celebrate Father’s Day! So to all the fathers, step-fathers, grandfathers, father’s-in-law, or like-a-fathers, Happy Father’s Day!
June 20th, 2009 at 10:38 pm
Dear Ashraf,
Being a people person may be there are germs which always motivate me to share myself with the people if I could be of their use. So just sharing my thoughts in your blog.
Same incident happened with me as well, one guy who was at visit visa was sent to Kuwait for a job but it was dilemma of his attitude. He could not get customised due to his unpredicted attitude. You know this case was more tougher than your’s because there are lots of costs involved due to relocation of a person from one country to another but still his assignment was failed. Now next time when he got another offer in UAE he again put me as a reference and he emailed and called that he needs favor this time again. You know what he was asked to do;
1) First of all give your words/ commitment in writing that you will never do the same again. (May be commitment could be signed together between both parties)
2) Secondly generate any sources of your reference in your home country or here in UAE that could work for you to tell about you and give your gaurantee.
This was happened with him and he could never generate any commitment and reference for himself, you can have an idea if it is impossible for some one to generate a reference how famous he is in his market/ industry. And this guy was unable to pursue his career abroad and he is working in his home country now with a small salary. It happened about a year back.
After reading this story I hope you will get good idea how to tackle with this guy. Anway, I believe end of the day as Miss Helen and Khalid said “A good deed is NEVER a waste” and I would say “bad deeds have no place to be placed”.
Kind regards
Aamir Rasool
June 20th, 2009 at 11:08 pm
Dear Ashraf,
Your focus is right on the mark, but I find that most individuals don’t know how to sell…let alone, sell themselves. In this new world order we are living in, the company is not longer king…the individual is. Therefore, individuals must understand that their value (what someone will hire them for) is based entirely on what they have done. They are their projects. So in selling yourself, sell what you have done.
Kind regards,
Taylor
June 21st, 2009 at 2:16 am
Ashraf,
Having agreed that the good deeds must go on, it is equally important to differentiate who is abusing you and who really needs help. In your case, my simple advice would be:
1. I will let that person know that the fundamental requirement of your clients or contacts, for that matter, is that the person must be responsible, commitment, professional and someone with strong ethics and integrity.
2. Citing the previous incident, I would inform him that he failed to meet this criterion the last time around.
3. I would than ask him the question as to what he has done to change himself since than providing references/evidence to substantiate his claim.
His response should help you decide your next course of action.
Taylor,
You are right on the money. The ability to sell is the big disconnect in today’s market. That’s what differentiates, say, a successful consultant/manager/business from others. If I could sell my expertise & skills in the market than I really don’t need to work for anyone else. The same is true with pretty much all of us.
Sincerely,
Khalid A. Qureishi
June 21st, 2009 at 10:41 am
Helen/Aamir/Khalid/Taylor/Kishwer
The credit goes to all of us to start a spirited discussion. We belong to different localities/cultures and our thoughts allow us to understand and learn different perspectives.
There is no one solution to any problem. The beauty of social media is that we have not met each others but we feel so close and deeply-connected.
Please keep doing good deeds. Life is just like boomerang.
Warm regards
Ashraf
June 21st, 2009 at 6:12 pm
Dear Ashraf Choudhry,
The book “The craft of selling Yourself” is wonderful; it is so simple and passionate. With straight tips to writing//networking and your soothing mentorship made it a passionate art of relationship building rather than the cliche selling
June 25th, 2009 at 1:45 pm
hello Ashraf thank you alot for those words on job hunting i have learnt alot to put into consideration while job searching. Am grateful on that. may you please adivise me more on how to go about cv writing that can be used internationally and how to access job on the international markert with ease. Kasede micheal Based in Uganda East Africa. thank you so much
June 25th, 2009 at 8:03 pm
Dear Kasede, thanks for the nice words. At which email ID, I can write to you. My email ID is given at the end of the article.
Regards
Ashraf
June 29th, 2009 at 4:25 am
Thanks for sharing this article. Very interesting blog.
July 10th, 2009 at 4:39 pm
really very interesting article and discussion… learned a lot!
Mr. Ashraf, can i send U my cv for Ur comments/suggestions?