The True Cost of a Job Interview (And How to Get One)
What Would You Pay for a Guaranteed Job Interview?
Let me ask you a question: How much would you be willing to pay for a job interview if you knew it would lead to getting hired? $100? $500? $1,000? Be honest with yourself.
Many job seekers I've posed this question to say they'd be willing to invest a significant amount, knowing they'd make the money back once employed. And that makes sense, given how challenging the current job market is.
As a 20-year career coaching veteran, I believe the employment situation right now is worse than it was in 2008. There's widespread unemployment and even more underemployment, with people working multiple jobs below their skill level just to get by.
The Real Currency: Your Time and Energy
Here's the thing—you don't actually need to pay money for a job interview. But you do need to invest something equally valuable: your time and energy.
I call it "temporary productive discomfort." It's temporary because it's not forever. It's productive because you're closing knowledge gaps and learning proactive job search techniques. And yes, it can be uncomfortable to try new approaches.
But here's the hard truth: For every 10 people who read this, only one will take action. The other nine will keep scrolling, applying to jobs the same old way, and wondering why they're not getting results.
A Success Story: Standing Out in a Crowded Market
Let me share a recent success story that illustrates the power of this approach. A client of mine recently emailed me, excited to share her results. She understood two key things:
She needed to identify her unique value proposition (what I call your "UVA," or unique value add).
She had to do things differently than the millions of other job seekers submitting cookie-cutter resumes online.
So, what did she do?
Updated her resume using the "6-second skim" format I teach.
Created a one-minute video resume to showcase her personality and skills.
Bundled her updated resume, LinkedIn profile, and video into one easy-to-share package.
The result? She landed a job interview, and the recruiter specifically mentioned how impressed they were with her unique approach. They hadn't seen anything like it before.
Three Steps to Transform Your Job Search Today
If you're ready to be that one-in-ten person who takes action, here are three things you can do right now:
Follow me for daily advice: Whether it's on TikTok, LinkedIn, or this newsletter, make sure you're constantly learning new job search strategies.
Utilize free resources: Work It DAILY has tons of free job search tools available online. From career quizzes to resume templates, there are plenty of resources to help you succeed. (TIP: You can find our free resources at the bottom of this newsletter.)
Consider working with a coach: If you've never worked with a career coach before, it can be a game-changer. At Work It DAILY, we offer a 7-day free trial, so you can try out our program before you commit.
The Most Competitive Job Market in Decades
I've been in this industry for over two decades, and I can confidently say that this is the most competitive job search market I've ever seen. The old methods simply aren't cutting it anymore.
But here's the good news: by doing just a few things differently, you can dramatically increase your chances of landing interviews and job offers. It doesn't require a complete overhaul of your approach—just some strategic tweaks and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone.
Your Next Steps
If you've made it this far in the article, you're already ahead of the curve. You recognize that the job search landscape has changed and that you need to adapt.
Remember, the job market may be tough, but with the right strategies and support, you can absolutely succeed. I've seen countless clients transform their job search and land amazing opportunities. You can be next.
Are you ready to invest in yourself and your career? The choice is yours. But I hope you'll take that first step today. Your future self will thank you.
Go get ‘em!
J.T. O’Donnell
Reply