I’ve seen job postings that seem to go on and on and on and… well, I’ve decided it’s no longer about how much I know, but how I can focus on what’s needed that’ll get me that interview. Or, at least, make it past the AI. Let me tell you where this shift in perspective has come from.
My First Automotive Love
In my teens, amongst the cars my parents owned, one of my favourites to drive was a first edition Hyundai Pony. It was a 4-door hatch back, with a 5-speed manual transmission, rear-wheel drive and a whopping 68 horsepower. It was the opposite of fast. But, under the right circumstances, it was a beast!
Every Drag Race a Pony?
So, one rainy afternoon I was stopped at a red light when an old-school Camaro pulled up beside me, in the left-hand turn lane, with the intention of jumping past me when the green light flashed and go straight through the intersection. I looked over, revved up the Pony and nodded my head. With an incredulous look and a laugh, the Camaro driver nodded, revved back and we were set. Game on!
Green Means Go, If You Can!
The light turned green, I popped the clutch and slammed on the gas. My little Pony screamed in defiance, but lurched forward. I looked over and to my shock, was bumper to bumper with the Camaro. My Pony barley had enough power to make the tires spin, even on the wet pavement, but my adversary could not find traction. I could hear him rev, roar and spin. I watched his frustration mount as he pounded on his steering wheel. Ultimately, he was faced with the embarrassing choice of having to pull in behind a “Pony” to make it through the intersection… which he reluctantly did.
The Pony Perspective
I’m quite sure it was the only time a Hyundai Pony has ever won a drag race but, as I think back to the event, it was the weaknesses turned to strengths that allowed me the unique victory. I had just enough power and traction, AND the atmosphere was literally perfect for me to succeed. I’m using this perspective to hunt down what’s unique in job postings, match my skills and experiences, then highlight those strengths, you know, the ones other candidates may miss because they're looking with high horsepower attitudes?
I have yet to beat another Camaro with a Pony but when you’re “in transition” and need to find another angle to get your resume noticed, looking for traction rather than all-out power could get you to the other side of the intersection first. Give it a try and let me know how it works out for you.
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