“One of the greatest regrets in life is being what others would want you to be, rather than being yourself.”
Shannon L. Alder
Alder is an inspirational author. Her tidbits of wisdom have been published in over 100 different books, by a variety of authors her philosophy or Shannonisms are centred around celebrating your uniqueness and freeing yourself from your fears, so you can live your life purpose.
She addresses in her quotes and blog articles the issues most people face that prevents them from taking themselves to the next level (self-esteem, lack of focus, fear, anxiety, self-righteousness, mental illness, lack of positivity, not caring, control issues, jealousy and anger).
For myself, having worked in business for over 25 years I have developed a bunch of my own perspectives on people, their hiring, firing and promotion.
I’ve seen many diverse skill levels, wide-ranging experience and differing levels of commitment. As with all people, there are team players, loners and a variety of middle road performers.
Though the specific hiring techniques have changed particularly in the past ten years, the overall hiring cycle remains unchanged. Positions are created or open up, recruiters or hiring managers seek out candidates and candidates apply or are recommended for positions by friends, family or former colleagues.
I think you would be surprised at actually how many positions never get posted online or publicly and rely on personal recommendations. If you get to have the interview, expect there to often be more than one and expect the process to be a little gruelling.
Today more than ever before, hiring decisions are often made by collectives rather than individuals. Candidates are chosen for their skills, and experience and above all their cultural fit.
As a candidate, you should take the time to understand the culture of the business that you are looking at joining. Read your audience when interviewed by groups of individuals. Today, unlike in the past, you can glean a great deal of perspective around a business simply by examining the demeanour, disposition and language of those who interview you.
Most importantly, in the interview and even in your resume – make sure you keep yourself authentic.