Why Job Interviewing Is Out of Control and What You Can Do About It
Every single day, I hear from frustrated job seekers about how chaotic and challenging the current job market is. They tell me horror stories about endless interview rounds, confusing processes, and feeling like they're jumping through hoops with no end in sight. As a career coach, I've been listening closely to these experiences.
The Current State of Job Interviewing š¬
Recently, I came across a survey that highlighted some of the frustrations I have been hearing:
Being ghosted after eight rounds of interviews
Watching hiring managers make sandwiches during Zoom presentations
Enduring grueling, drawn-out processes that seem to go nowhere
According to a study by The Hustle newsletter, a whopping 58% of job seekers believe that job interviewing is completely out of control right now. This statistic doesn't just validate what you've been telling meāit paints a clear picture of the widespread frustration in the job market.
The Hustle Newsletter
Let me break down what's really going on and, more importantly, share some strategies to help you navigate these turbulent waters.
Why Is It So Messy?
There are a few key factors at play:
It's a Buyer's Market: With many qualified candidates available, companies are taking their time to compare and contrast. They're treating hiring like an expensive purchase, kicking the tires and looking under the hood before making a decision.
The AI Factor: Artificial intelligence has accelerated the death of the traditional resume. Candidates are using tools like ChatGPT to create resumes that perfectly match job descriptions, leading to a lot of confusion in the recruitment process.
Authentication Challenges: Recruiters are now forced to spend more time verifying that candidates are who they claim to be. This adds extra steps and interviews to the process.
The Silver Lining š«
While the current situation is frustrating, it's actually speeding up much-needed improvements in the hiring process. As someone who's been in this business for 20 years, I can tell you that the most crucial part of the entire process is the first interview.
This initial conversation is where you authenticate yourself and provide what I call "impact evidence"āproof that you're the right candidate for the job. It's your chance to break away from the pack and showcase your unique value proposition.
How to Stand Out in This Chaotic Market
So, how can you make the most of that critical first impression? Here's my advice:
Embrace Video: Create short videos of yourself answering common interview questions. This allows you to showcase your personality and expertise in a way that a resume simply can't.
Be Proactive: Send these videos to recruiters and hiring managers before they even ask. It's a great way to introduce yourself and stand out from the crowd.
Leverage Technology: Use tools that allow you to package your video responses into a single, shareable link. This makes it easy for hiring managers to review your "reel" and get a sense of who you are. I recommend using McCoy.
Practice Makes Perfect: If you're not comfortable on camera, that's okay! Practice recording and re-recording until you're happy with the result. I've seen this method work for people of all ages and personality types.
The Game-Changing Approach š²
I've been raving about the McCoy mobile app for a year now because it embodies this new approach to job seeking. It allows you to create a video profile that you can easily share with potential employers. The best part? You get notified when someone views your profile, giving you valuable insight into who's interested.
This kind of technology is a game-changer in today's competitive job market. It allows you to authenticate yourself, provide impact evidence, and do it at scaleāreaching multiple potential employers efficiently.
Your Next Steps
If you're feeling overwhelmed by the current job market, remember that you're not alone. The key is to adapt your approach and find new ways to showcase your value to potential employers.
P.S. - I understand how intimidating it can be to get in front of a camera and record yourself speaking. I do it every day, however, it took time and practice for me to feel comfortable with it. Itās okay to take baby steps at first. I challenge you to download the McCoy app and just check it out. Maybe record a video (or a few), but the goal should be to start getting comfortable with this concept I have shared with you today. Feel free to respond to this email and let me know how it goes!
Go get āem!
J.T. OāDonnell
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