New Rules in Getting Jobs. Lead with Solutions.

This morning I was answering questions on LinkedIn (which has become a regular part of my day). One question was about getting a government job. I hope I answered that question with some useful information.

One point I tried to make was that employers are looking solutions. They are not posting jobs because they like hiring people (well most aren't). Today more than ever employers see new hirees as new "expenses"--and employers are not seeking more expenses!

So if you want to get hired, present yourself as a solution to the employer's problems. This means you need to know and understand what the employer's problems are. Approach the job interview as an exploratory experience. Use this time to gather information about what the employer (the organization and your potential boss) is trying to do. What's the goal? How's it going? What are the challenges? What's the game plan? And--most importantly--how could you fit into that game plan? Are you a potential source of solution? And would you like to take a stab at meeting the challenges?

In the good ole' days you might have gotten a job because you knew someone who could open doors and make your entry possible. But those days are gone. Today, if you want the job you have to sell yourself as the solution to the problems. So lead with solutions--and focus on getting the jobs you really want!