War for Talent means War for Talented

[David Sandusky]

I don't need to tell you about the job loss and other scary economic statistics because the media is covering that well and opinions about the "war for talent" tag line is all over the blogosphere.

I know, it is scary when the company and industry where you are an expert is cutting back and the job loss vs. job creation ratio seems to be against you. The fact of the matter is there are strong industries and even those industries cutting are hiring the right talent and in some cases even struggling finding the right fit. I see examples of this all over the country and certainly right here in Denver.

You are now asking who is hiring? Fair question. This is where I hold you accountable because YOU need to be familiar with your current and forecasted environment. Answer this question instead - who is hiring YOU?!! YOU need to tool yourself and invest in yourself for marketability and transferable skills. That is what the talented do in good and challenging times. It is part of the personal brand awareness. When you do your homework, you learn and add value when networking.

When you do your homework, you position yourself with knowledge and confidence your competition lacks and that is what companies hire even when they are not...hiring. That is right, the talented know what they offer and have the confidence to target companies that may not even be hiring.

I experience your struggle as a candidate marketing yourself to me for my own companies, interests including clients. Pay attention. I have always seen a direct relationship to those who complain about not getting a response and those who do not invest time targeting their value proposition to the company needs, vision and culture.

Even in this ultra competitive environment that is not going away, I see people as recent as today that don't make the minimum investment in themselves for opportunities they know I am leading recruiting activity or at minimum a great networking source for them. Even potentially qualified people communicate a brand of disrespect and laziness...don't be this brand during your career search:

1) "To whom is may concern" on letters and email. - I got one of these today and my email is david @ YourBrandPlan . com and another referencing a job description with my name on it and even the company for research opportunity.

2) Highlighting experience that hurts you more than helps you for the company you are targeting. Equally, passing along an obvious one size fits all letter and resume.

3) Misrepresent your current situation.

4) Not picking up the phone.

5) Not following up.

These, and many others, are the easy activities for you to do. If over looked, it is easy for those in a position to hire you to discount you. Take it a step further in your due diligence and professional communications and even if the timing is not right, you will create a network of value. Multiply your efforts times 100, and you will find the right deal in any market.