2 Questions To Ask In Job Interviews To Reveal The Hiring Manager’s (True) Leadership Style

2 Questions To Ask In Job Interviews To Reveal The Hiring Manager’s (True) Leadership Style

Nobody wants to work for a bad boss. But if you’re looking for a new job, how can you ensure the hiring manager you’ve been interviewing with will be a good boss?


One of the best ways to dodge a bullet in the hiring process and avoid working for a bad manager is to find out their leadership style. There are two questions I coach people to ask in job interviews to help them secretly figure out what it’s really going to be like to work for that hiring manager.

How To Reveal The Hiring Manager’s (True) Leadership Style

@j.t.odonnell Replying to @SloaneTilliePoppy 2 Questions To Ask In Job Interviews To Reveal Their (True) Leadership Style 🤔😉😜😳. There are questions you can ask in a job interview they can help you figure out what the hiring manager will really be like to work for. A lot of times they say one thing but don’t really mean it. These two questions I’ve been teaching for years as a way to understand exactly what they value in an employee. What you wanna do is listen closely to see if what they say actually matches up with what they claimed their leader ship style is. And if you don’t like what you hear, I would say pass on the job opportunity! I also encourage you to prepare for interviews as best you can. That’s why my new TikTok series teaches you how to answer the 18 Tofas behavioral questions so that you can now the interview and stand out. That way they’ll really want to make sure That they pick you for the job and then you’ll sit in the driver seat and it’ll be up to you to decide if you want them! ##tiktokseries##interviewtips##interviewtipsandtricks##interviewquestions##interviewquestionsandanswers##interviewprep##interviewpreparation##behavioralquestion##careertok##careeradvice##careertiktok##careercoach##interviewcoach##jobinterview##jobinterviewquestions##jobinterviewtips ♬ original sound – J.T. O’Donnell

When it’s your turn to ask questions in the job interview, ask the following questions to determine the hiring manager’s true leadership style:

1. Tell me about a recent hire who’s been successful here. What 2 or 3 things are they doing that’s making them so successful?

Asking this question can help you start to determine whether or not what they said about the job, the company, and their leadership style matches what they value in a person.

For example, if they said, “We believe in work-life balance here. We know you have a life. We really support you. You can get all your work done in the hours that are given here,” and then when you ask them this question, they say, “That person that we hired recently, she was amazing. She came in, we were in a pinch. She worked overtime. She worked nights and weekends. She took on a whole bunch of extra responsibilities and she just really crushed it,” their answers don’t sync up.

2. Can you tell me, without naming names, about somebody who did not work out well here, who really failed in the job? Can you give me 2 or 3 examples of why you think they weren’t successful?

Once again, listen closely. If they say things like, “They just walked out the door right at 5 p.m. They weren’t flexible. They weren’t willing to take on additional responsibility. They weren’t a team player,” what does it say about the situation?

As a job seeker, these two questions can help you get a better sense of what it would be like to work at a company and/or for a specific hiring manager so you can dodge a bullet. If their leadership style isn’t compatible with your work style, you probably won’t be happy on the job, no matter how good the opportunity sounds.

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7 Things Employers Want To Find Out During Job Interviews

7 Things Employers Want To Find Out During Job Interviews

The job interview is an essential part of the screening process for employers. It helps employers dig deep beyond the resume to find out about 1) your experience and skills for the job, 2) whether you’re a good fit for its workplace culture, and 3) your career goals and outlook to determine how dedicated and loyal you’ll be to the job and continued employment with the company.


Asking questions is essential to helping employers make the right decision on which job applicant to select for the job. So, let’s break down some of the typical interview questions you may be asked and what employers are really trying to find out so that you can provide the best response.

1. “Talk About One Of Your Greatest Achievements At Work.”

When employers ask this question, they are trying to see what you consider important on the job and are also trying to understand your key skill set. The best response is an example that can directly relate back to the job you’re applying for.

2. “Talk About A Time You Faced A Major Challenge At Work.”

Employer/hiring manager asks a potential job candidate a hard interview question

Employers are always trying to see how you face obstacles at work and your approach to dealing with them. Regardless of the challenge you present, the key is to demonstrate that you were able to overcome it and bring results of success.

3. “What’s Your Greatest Weakness?”

Employers want to see how honest you are, and the way you answer can also shed light on if you’re able to overcome obstacles. Everyone has a weakness, so provide an honest answer but finish off your response with how you’ve worked to improve on it so it actually isn’t a weakness anymore.

4. “Where Do You See Yourself In 5 Years?”

Employer/hiring manager wants to find out where the job candidate sees herself in five years during an interview

Employers want to find out your long-term goals and how they may fit into their plans. Your response should inform the employer that you’re dedicated to the profession and you have a confident outlook to move up in your career with even more experience and skills to succeed on the job. Do not give an answer that indicates you may not stay with the company.

5. “Describe To Me The Type Of Work Environment You Desire.”

Job candidate waits to answer an interview question from the hiring manager

It’s important that employers ensure you can fit in culturally and they want to understand the type of worker-boss management relationship desired. Say the person supervising is a micromanager, but you are one who has self-drive and desires empowerment. In such a case, conflict is highly likely.

Do your research ahead of time to understand the employer’s workplace culture so you respond accordingly. But it’s also important in helping decide whether you should even apply for a job because you want to work in an environment where you’ll be happy.

6. “Why Do You Want To Work With Us?”

A hiring manager asks a job candidate, "Why do you want to work with us?"

Employers need to find out if you’re a serious candidate for the job and if you have a true desire to work for the company and in the specific field you’re applying to. If you do your research beforehand, you will have an idea of things you can call out about the employer that impress you. It’ll also inform the employer that you’re not just randomly applying to any job, but that you have a true desire to work for them.

7. “Why Are You Leaving Your Employer?”

A job candidate answers the hard interview question, "Why are you leaving your employer?"

Employers will ask this question to try to better understand your long-term goals. It’s also to ensure that the reason you’re leaving is not one that may present itself again on the new job.

If you were fired from your job, the employer wants to ensure the problem or concerns about being fired do not carry over to the new job. Focus on a response that speaks to your desire for more challenge and that will allow you to utilize your experience and skills, and help you to continue to grow them.

When you understand what employers are really trying to find out with the questions they ask, you can tailor your responses so that you come off as the best candidate for the job.

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

Quitting Without Another Job Lined Up: Here’s What To Do

Quitting Without Another Job Lined Up: Here’s What To Do

Quitting without another job lined up can be scary, and for many people it’s not the right move. But there are situations when making this decision can help you advance your career or improve other areas of your life. This guide takes a look at all of them! The Pros of Quitting Without Another Job […]

The post Quitting Without Another Job Lined Up: Here’s What To Do appeared first on Career Sherpa.

How To Answer Salary Questions On Job Applications

How To Answer Salary Questions On Job Applications

You may be asked salary information on an application form, or be faced with a “current salary” or “desired salary” field on an online application. Or you may be asked the same question by a legal recruiter. The answer you provide may be used in the screening process—answer too high and you may not be considered for the position at all.


This number will also likely come into play at the interview/offer stage. It can establish the range for the offer the employer makes. And if you’re underpaid and undervalued at your current employer, then there’s the risk that your low level of pay will follow you when you move on.

On a paper application form—or if the online form allows you to type in whatever you want—you can write “Negotiable.” This gives you the opportunity to discuss your salary history and expectations later on.

How To Answer Salary Questions On Job Applications

If it’s not a required field on an online form, leave it blank. If the “desired salary” field requires you to enter a figure, however, you have a couple of options. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks:

  • Enter $0, $1, or $10 (the minimum number you can). It will be clear you’re not answering the questions (most employers will know you aren’t offering to work for free).
  • Enter $999,999 (or the highest number you can). Like answering $0, this shows you are purposely avoiding the question.
  • You can enter your desired salary, based on not only your personal needs and wants but also on your market research of your value and salaries. But know that it may lead to you being screened out (if it’s too high) or being offered a lower salary in the interview.
  • If you can, enter a range. Some online forms will allow you to enter two numbers. Entering a salary range is often the best option because it reduces the chances of you being screened out, allows room for negotiation, and recognizes that some of the most valuable compensation (vacation time, signing bonuses, tuition reimbursement, insurance, company cars, travel, child care, insurance, and more) isn’t included in the salary.

How you answer the salary question on a job application will depend on your situation and what format is allowed on the online form. But if you can, entering a salary range is always the best option.

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

Recalling Past Accomplishments

Recalling Past Accomplishments

Recalling your past accomplishments is an important first step during the job search process. These stories are the proof you need to show future employers. If you are just starting your job search, recalling your past accomplishments is a great way to identify your strengths and transferrable skills plus this will help you pinpoint what […]

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5 Cover Letter Mistakes You Must Avoid

5 Cover Letter Mistakes You Must Avoid

You’ve polished your resume to no end, especially after finding a job posting that precisely fits your skills. But did your cover letter merit the same attention?


Many hiring managers use your cover letter to gauge your interest in the company, as well as your aptitude for the job. Therefore, when you resort to “Dear Sir, I’m interested in your open job, here’s my resume,” you’re missing out on a critical chance to persuade employers to take you seriously.

Here are five of the most crucial mistakes made in cover letters—those that can quickly knock you out of the running for a leadership job:

1. The Opening Line In Your Cover Letter Is Boring

“I am an operations director with 18 years of experience” or “In response to your ad for a CEO, I have enclosed my resume” really aren’t compelling enough to use as opening statements. Instead, try a hook that makes the hiring manager sit up straight in his or her chair, as in these examples:

“Would a sales vice president who consistently pushes teams past quota (up to 52%) make a difference in your national rankings?”

“As a CIO for global company ABC Consulting, I’ve increased customer satisfaction to 97% in 3 outsourcing engagements—pushing our revenue growth to its peak despite the recession. I’m interested in creating the same results for you.”

The idea is to speak precisely to the employer’s pain points while describing the performance impact you’ve had in previous roles. Note each of these sentences contains metrics, a targeted job title, and a career-defining achievement that is framed in context and laid out quickly for the reader to absorb.

At Work It DAILY, we advise members to follow our disruptive cover letter format and use storytelling to hook the hiring manager. The key is to show a connection between you and the company. Your opening line should also leverage the research you’ve done on the company, per the next point.

2. Your Cover Letter Doesn’t Tell Employers How You’ll Solve Their Problems

Man on laptop fixes his cover letter mistakes

Rattling off a list of competencies isn’t strong enough to distinguish you from other candidates, but speaking directly to the company’s needs will do the trick.

You have to dig into the company’s history, press releases, annual reports, social media accounts, and other news to figure out their pain points. What type of expansion is planned? Were earnings down in previous quarters? What do industry analysts say about the company’s future and business strategy?

Armed with this information, you’re able to connect your leadership skills to the employer’s needs much more succinctly:

“My ability to produce business development results (30% rise in cloud-based solution sales during Q4 2022) can address any struggles you’ve had in breaking into this market. Can we talk?”

3. Your Cover Letter’s Key Points Don’t Match (Or Exceed) The Job Requirements

Couple on laptop work together to write a cover letter

Like resumes, cover letters must be precise and direct the reader. It should keep them attentive to the reasons they should hire you and the edge your work can give them.

While you’re writing, put the job description in front of you to remind yourself what the employer is seeking. Then, look for ways to point out how you can surpass these expectations. The following paragraph is taken from an IT director’s cover letter:

“Your ad noted that you require a leader in service delivery and customer satisfaction. My career includes 3 years of 97% satisfaction ratings, achieved by improving infrastructure and network capacity, and I hold responsive service as my #1 priority.”

4. Your Cover Letter Isn’t Addressed To An Actual Person

Young professional woman on laptop writing her cover letter and avoiding critical cover letter mistakes

Finding a contact name inside the company has never been easier. First, you can use LinkedIn to search for the employer. Then, navigate to the “People” tab on the company page and find the name of the hiring manager or department head. For example, a business development manager might look for keywords such as “VP Sales” or “COO” to identify the next-level manager contact, while an IT product director can try to find the CIO’s name.

If you don’t find a name through LinkedIn, be sure to check Zoominfo.com or the company’s About Us page. If you have access to Dun & Bradstreet, you can also use that resource to locate company insiders. In addition, Data Axle is a free contact name database available through many public libraries and requires only your library card for access.

Taking the time to locate a name (vs. resorting to “Dear Hiring Manager”) will help your letter create more impact at a target employer.

5. You Aren’t Assertive In Your Cover Letter

Professional man working at his computer/laptop and learning to avoid critical cover letter mistakes

This is especially important if you’re pursuing an executive or senior-level role. Employers like to see a take-charge style (the same one you’ll use to deal with vendors or your new team).

If your closing line isn’t strong, you run the risk of looking too passive. “Thank you in advance for reviewing my credentials” is certainly polite and professionally stated. However, “I plan to exceed your requirements as your next Vice President of Finance” and “I am confident that I can demonstrate the leadership you look for in your next CIO” are both stronger.

Even more intense, “I will follow up with you next Tuesday” shows definite intent on your part to influence the hiring audience, and gives them advance notice of the proactive steps you’ll take to secure the interview.

To summarize, there’s no reason to settle for a bland, one-size-fits-all cover letter that blends in with the others. Your job search will fare better when you zero in on the hiring audience with an unforgettable opening—especially when it draws a parallel between employer needs and your unique value.

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

3 Job Search Tips For New Grads

3 Job Search Tips For New Grads

New grads with limited work experience are some of my favorite people to coach. And here’s why…


You have no bad habits yet. You have no preconceived notions. You don’t have a long list of demands that you want from a job. If anything, you’re just trying to figure out what kind of work would work for you.

Does that sound familiar?

This is why I love working with new grads. And if you’re a new grad looking for your first job out of college, these are the best job search tips I give all my clients who are in the same boat as you…

The Best Job Search Tips For Recent College Grads

@j.t.odonnell Replying to @swoopchirp New Grads Job Search Tips! 👍🍀❤️ if you are a new grad then you have a competitive advantage in that you have no bad habits. however at the same time you haven’t been taught how to position yourself with employers. you need to leverage your intrinsic motivation. that is what will get you up every day to go do the job. the best thing to do is to identify companies where you feel a deep connection to the work that they do and then you want to leverage your unique skill sets to match them to jobs there. companies love hiring people that they can mold into high performing employees. that’s one of the advantages of hiring a new grad. so you want to make the most of that by being able to Showcase how your personality and your workplace personas will be a great fit for their organization. the first place to start is to take the two free quizzes linked in my bio and then if you want help decoding the results I’ve got an awesome new tiktok series here that you can purchase where you can listen to me explain the results. but most importantly if you’d like to get some career coaching to help you with all of this I hope you’ll head over to workitdaily.com where we help new grads all the time just like you. we’ve got a great 7 Day free trial! #newgrad #collegegrad #collegegraduate #newgradjobs #howto #jobsearch #howtofindajob #findmeajob #jobsearchtips #jobsearch #jobsearching #jobsearchhelp #careeradvice #careercoach #careercoachontiktok #careerhelp #careerquiz #careerdecoder #workplacepersonas #personalityquiz #communicationstyles ♬ original sound – J.T. O’Donnell

1. Understand Your Unique Combination of Professional Strengths (Communication Style & Workplace Persona)

My first piece of advice for you is to understand two major components of your professional strengths. The first is your communication style (how you interact with others in the workplace). This plays a huge role in the type of jobs you’d be a good fit for. For example, if you’re a contemplator, you’re more introverted. You’re not going to want a job that requires you to be really extroverted with a lot of people. Whereas if you were an energizer, you would actually feed off the energy of others.

The second thing you need to learn about yourself is your workplace personas. This is how you create value on the job. Companies pay you to create value, right? You need to save or make them enough money to justify the cost of hiring you. This is something they never teach us in school. So, there are eight workplace personas, and you should find out what your top three workplace personas are. Are you a builder, mentor, super connector, educator, visionary, optimizer, or researcher?

Take my free quizzes below to discover your unique combination of professional strengths:

2. Use The Information In Step 1 to Create an Interview Bucket List

Once you know your communication style and top workplace personas, you can weed out a whole bunch of jobs that aren’t a fit for you and dial in on the kinds of roles that would be a fit for you. Then, we can teach you how to take that information and use it to reach out to employers and introduce yourself to them. This is a technique called an interview bucket list where you come up with a list of companies that you feel connected to. It’s called intrinsic motivation. That’s the fancy term. And when you are a recent grad, that’s all you got, my friend.

As a new grad, you don’t have a lot of experience to share. But companies love recent grads who have an intrinsic motivation to work for them and who understand their personality (their communication style and workplace personas) and how they’ll create value for them. That shows a self-aware recent grad, and that’s the kind they love to hire and mold, which will help catapult your career.

It’s a really great time for you to be looking for work if you understand your unique combination of professional strengths and how to create an interview bucket list.

If you would like us to coach you on all of the things I’ve discussed, sign up for Work It DAILY’s seven-day free trial of our career coaching platform that is literally going to teach you everything you need to know to land your first dream job.

Good luck, and go get ’em!

5 Things Every Employer Wants To Hear In An Interview

5 Things Every Employer Wants To Hear In An Interview

Ever wonder what a potential boss wants to hear in an interview? What exactly can you say that will increase your chances of receiving a job offer?


I recently heard some great advice that lined up with my previous experience as a human resources manager, and so I thought I would share this great advice with you! Here are five things to communicate during an interview that will convince the employer you’re a great hire

1. You Will Never Have To Tell Me What To Do Twice

Every employer wants to know they can give you instructions once and you’ll get the job done. I guarantee you that no employer wants to micromanage or ask an employee more than once to do something—no matter what it is.

2. I Will Complete The Job/Assignment You Give Me With Excellence

Woman answers a hard interview question

The employer wants to hear that, no matter what, you are going to make it happen—that you’re going to get the job done and do it to the best of your ability.

3. I Am An Agreeable Person

Interviewer ask job candidate if they are a team player

The employer wants to know that no matter what situation you are put in, you’re going to be a team player—and that you’re not going to create confusion, conflict, problems, or challenge their authority.

4. I Am Easy To Correct And Instruct; I Am Teachable

Man answers an interview question

If there is something that’s not getting done, or if you’re not doing it correctly, the employer wants to know that they can approach you to discuss the situation and that you’re not going to fly off the handle or think you’re superior.

5. I Am A Loyal Employee

Job candidate conveys he's a loyal employee in an interview

I will not talk poorly about you. I will do everything I can to promote you and help promote this business. While I am working for you, I will always be the best employee—whether for one year or 10 years. And, should I leave, I will be rehireable, and I will leave in an amicable and responsible manner.

Prospective employers nowadays understand that asking employees to make a commitment to stay for 10, or even 25 years, just isn’t realistic. Loyalty isn’t about longevity. It’s about being a committed and responsible employee while you’re with that company.

These five points are essentially what every employer wants to hear from a potential employee. Of course, this isn’t an end-all, be-all of an interview. But if you can communicate these very important points to a prospective employer during an interview, you will stand out among the other job candidates, and it will help the interviewer believe that you would be an asset to the organization.

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Become a member to learn how to land a job and UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

How AI & ChatGPT Will Impact The Job Search Process

How AI & ChatGPT Will Impact The Job Search Process

AI is about to completely disrupt how we look for work. If you haven’t used AI or ChatGPT in your job search, chances are your competition has. What does this mean for the job search process and the future of recruiting?


Due to AI and ChatGPT, anyone can slap together a resume and cover letter now, and that means everyone’s resume and cover letter are going to look the same. Employers and recruiters aren’t going to know if your skills and experience are real. They’re not going to know if you’re real.

So, what will they do?

Recruiters Will Have To Authenticate You

@j.t.odonnell Replying to @christinamzc Here’s How AI & ChatGPT Will Impact Job Search 😲😜🤔🤓 AI and chat GPT are going to have a huge impact on job search in the very near future. that’s because they are making it possible for people to create fake resumes and cover letters. as a result recruiters and hiring managers are going to need a way to authenticate that you are who you say you are. I think that we’re going to see a big transformation with some new technology that’s going to enable us to prove our value to Employers in a new way. I think it’s exciting times ahead but you’ll want to pay attention because this will happen quickly and if you don’t adapt you could be left behind. here’s how job search is going to be directly impacted by this technology. and while you’re waiting for it to happen if you’d like help with your resume check out the new tiktok series I’ve listed below that can help you. #AI #chatgpt #jobsearch #jobsearchtips #careertok #careercoachontiktok #coverletter #resume ♬ original sound – J.T. O’Donnell

Employers and recruiters are going to have to authenticate you somehow. The job search process will shift from resumes and cover letters to a new era where recruiters truly find you. And that means there’s going to be new technology coming down the pike in the next year that is going to enable recruiters and employers to do that. This technology is going to authenticate you because it’s going to use things like video in order to know that you are who you say you are.

Now, before you come at me and say, “Yeah, but they’re making avatars,” trust me, there will be new technology that’s going to verify you are who you say you are and it’s going to give you a chance to put yourself in front of hiring managers and recruiters and compete in a way you’ve never been able to before. Plus, it’s going to increase the number of recruiters coming to you about open positions you’d be a fit for.

I don’t know about you, but I hate knocking on doors and schlepping off resumes and never hearing back. This technology is coming now, and it will make it easier to connect with employers.

People often ask me, “Will I need a LinkedIn profile?” Yes, you will always need a LinkedIn profile. LinkedIn is the yellow pages for your business-of-one. It’s how people find you. But it’s tools that are coming down the pike to help compete against AI fakeness—that you’ll use in conjunction with LinkedIn—that are going to completely change how you look for work because you’re not going to look for work anymore. You’re going to shop for jobs. You’re going to be a job shopper. You’re going to be discerning. You’re going to know what you want, and what you want is going to come to you.

The day this technology drops and I can tell you about it, I am going to share it all with you and show you how to leverage it so that you can go out there and finally start getting the jobs you want and deserve. Good luck, and go get ’em!

Need more help with your job search?

Become a member to learn how to land a job and UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!

5 Things To Do TODAY To Get Noticed On LinkedIn

5 Things To Do TODAY To Get Noticed On LinkedIn

These days, you’re a simple Google search away from blowing recruiters away or making them rethink your candidacy for a job. So, it’s important to stay on top of your online presence!


Plus, if you want to get noticed by employers or recruiters, you need to be proactive. Here are five things you can do TODAY to help you get noticed on LinkedIn:

1. Update Your Old Photo

How old is that photo on your LinkedIn profile? If it’s old, it’s time for an update. Upload a clean, professional photo of yourself. You don’t need to hire someone to take a professional photo of you. Just make sure the lighting is good, your appearance is professional, and you don’t have a distracting background.

2. Share Interesting Articles On Your LinkedIn Feed

Man on phone shares an article on LinkedIn to get noticed

Share articles that are relevant to your industry, that your connections might find valuable, or that you just think are interesting reads. By doing this, you’re adding value to your connections and increasing your visibility within your network.

3. Check In With A Connection

Woman on laptop checks in with a connection on LinkedIn

Send a message to check in and/or share an article you think they might find valuable. Nurture your network now and they will be more likely to help you out later when you need them.

4. Recommend Or Endorse Someone

Man endorses a connection on LinkedIn to get noticed

In order to get recommendations or endorsements, you need to give them out. Write a thoughtful recommendation for a connection you know and trust. Give out a few endorsements to people who have showcased their skills to you. The more you give to others, the higher the chance they’ll repay the favor.

5. Update Your Accomplishments

Woman on phone updates her LinkedIn profile to get noticed

Take a few minutes to go over your work history and make sure your numbers, keywords, and accomplishments are accurate. Do this now and you won’t have to do a complete overhaul later. It’s good to keep up with it!

If you want to get noticed on LinkedIn by recruiters, employers, or anyone else, it’s critical to keep your profile and presence up to snuff. It’s better to do it little by little rather than completely redo it when you need it most. Try using these tips today!

Need more help with your job search?

Become a member to learn how to land a job and UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

5 Things Every Employer Wants To Hear In An Interview

The Power Of Genuine Connection: Why AI Won’t Secure Your Dream Job

We are living through the next significant era. The AI Revolution, aka the Fourth Industrial Revolution, is upon us. It is very tempting to believe that AI, like ChatGPT, holds the key to landing your dream job. With promises of crafting impeccable resumes, cover letters, and acing interviews, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that a well-programmed algorithm can do it all. However, the truth remains unaltered: the power of human connection and authentic conversations truly shape your career trajectory.


Unlocking Career Success: The Role Of AI And Authenticity

Artificial intelligence (AI) in the job search

​Picture this: You’ve meticulously fed an AI with all your achievements, skills, and aspirations, and it spits out the most polished resume you’ve ever seen. This automated process might get your foot in the door, but what happens when you walk through that door? The interview room isn’t where AI shines, and here’s why.

Beyond Algorithms: The Human Touch In Navigating Interviews

Man shakes hands with the hiring manager before a job interview

Firstly, conversations and highlighting what makes you uniquely you is where true compatibility and synergy can be explored on the employer/employee fit. A resume might outline your accomplishments but YOU must convey your personality, values, and passion for the role.

These intangible qualities are the very things that build connections and make employers remember you. When you rely solely on AI-generated materials, you’re missing a chance to showcase your uniqueness, which sets you apart from other candidates.

Crafting Uniqueness: Standing Out Beyond AI-Generated Resumes

Hiring manager reads the job applicant's resume during an interview

There is a reason a “love letter” to a potential employer has a significant effect on your eligibility for employment. That message, email, or video message can SHOW the recruiter how you align with the company’s mission, vision, and values. Not just that but the hiring manager needs to be sure you will be a fit within the team.

Don’t believe me? Ask any of the thousands of Work It DAILY members who have utilized the disruptive cover letter and their success in getting an interview or accelerating their interview process.

Embracing Authenticity: Where AI Falls Short In The Job Hunt

Man writes a cover letter on his laptop

Furthermore, utilizing AI to “game the system” by embellishing your resume can have dire consequences comparable to outright lying about your credentials.

In the information age, it’s becoming increasingly easier for employers to fact-check and verify the authenticity of claims. Imagine the embarrassment of being caught off-guard during an interview when questioned about a skill you don’t possess. Your credibility takes a hit and, suddenly, your AI-generated masterpiece crumbles under scrutiny. Hiring managers may sound a bit like Ariana Grande by saying “Thank U, Next” if you can’t back up what you have presented in your materials.

Employers are skilled at spotting discrepancies between AI-polished presentations and in-person interactions. Authenticity matters, and when it’s absent, the disconnect is palpable.

Networking: The Unparalleled Strategy For Job Search Triumph

Young professionals at a networking event

So, what’s the secret ingredient to triumph in your job search? It’s the age-old power of genuine connection and networking. While AI can certainly streamline processes, human factors solidify relationships. Whether attending (even virtually!) industry events, participating in seminars, or even engaging on professional social media platforms, these interactions offer an opportunity to showcase your skills, passions, and character in a way that AI simply cannot replicate.

Success stories of professionals and executives repeatedly highlight the significance of networking. Meeting someone face-to-face, discussing shared interests, and forging a memorable conversation can open doors that no AI-generated cover letter can. It’s about making a lasting impression, demonstrating your expertise through interactive discussions, and leaving behind a memory employers will recall when hiring decisions.

In conclusion, while AI has its place in optimizing certain aspects of the job search process, it is not a magic bullet that guarantees success. Rather than relying solely on automated tools to craft a perfect presentation, job seekers should recognize the immense value of authentic connection. Your skills, passion, and personality shine brightest in conversations that leave a lasting impact.

So, the next time you’re tempted to let an AI take the reins of your job search, remember that genuine connections are your most potent weapon. Invest time in networking, engage in meaningful conversations, and let your authenticity drive your career journey.

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