It sounds so simple, but so many people simply fail to observe what is going on around them.
There are so many aspects to a job search that the simple things often get lost in the techniques required to make you to stand out from the crowd.
What does observation have to do with a job search?
Here’s an example: Many job seekers overlook the level of influence the administrative staff has on a job candidate’s future during the interview process. I’ve heard countless stories of job seekers who acted as though the administrative assistants were not important.
Would these people have been so dismissive if they had observed the nonverbal cues the administrative people gave the hiring decision makers as they handed the job seeker off?
Or what about the networking event where one job seeker is doing all of the talking and asking little questions in return, making it a one-sided conversation?
What would happen if the job seeker took the time to observe the verbal cues from the networking contact. Would the job seeker give the person a chance to talk? Would they notice the contact saying “it was a pleasure meeting you,” clearly indicating an end to the conversation?
Most people could sharpen their observation skills a bit.
Things to observe:
Silence and non-verbal cues
When to stop talking and listen
How loud or soft you should be talking
Introductions
Company cultures
Dress codes — are they work-casal or traditional?
Observation can be used to help you make good career decisions, such as when to accept an offer. Use observation skills to listen for mixed messages. Note impatience on the part of the hiring decision maker and see if employees are smiling.
What are some things that you observed in your job search that were helpful to you?
