A few months ago, a coaching client was trying his best to land the next job. In fact, he was very good at generating interview opportunities. However, after completing multiple interviews at various employers he had not received a job offer. All he was told each time was that another candidate was selected. The only exception was an agency recruiter (a headhunter) who told him the last company’s impression was that he did not have a high enough energy level. That was hard to understand because our client clearly wanted this job.
What was particularly disturbing is that all the jobs for which he had applied had clearly communicated selection criteria checklists and he was very well qualified for these assignments. On paper, he was THE candidate for the job.
In frustration, he came to see me. One day we were discussing yet another new job opportunity and his body language and facial expressions were definitely upbeat and different. There was an interest level, an excitement and energy, an enthusiasm that was different from anything I had previously witnessed. I asked him, “Why? What is different here?” He responded, “Honestly, my heart just was not in the other jobs; this one has a “heart factor” that clicks on all levels.”
His heart had never so clearly surfaced until that particular occasion. Therefore, I asked the obvious, “What is on your heart checklist?” We flip charted an entire page (about ten factors or so) that were his heart factors. As a side note, it was interesting how focused he was and how quickly the heart list developed.
Should you also have a list of heart factors posted on a flip chart? Some would say this is your list of goals. Many times it is. Other times we have seen critical additional information come forth when we move our conversation from goals to heart.
Checkpoint – Today’s exercise requires you to avoid looking at your target goal. For now, look within your heart, reach your deepest buried wish list, connect with your dreams and create a brainstormed list of your thoughts that develop. We suggest you dream beyond the boundaries, limitations and restrictions that society or others place upon you. Consider Einstein’s words, “Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.” As I personally mature, I find that often times the mediocre mind I need to get past is my own.
My boundaries, limitations and restrictions hold me back just as tightly as those of others.
Next, return to your goal target and see if anything needs to be added. If so, add these items and highlight anything there that connects with your heart. Our coaching experience has revealed that most experienced recruiters are able to discern individuals who say they want the job from those who clearly display I WANT THIS PARTICULAR JOB BECAUSE IT MATCHES EXACTLY WHO I AM.
Nick Synko- Principal Partner at Synko Associates, LLC
