Fishing lessons for executive job hunters
Friday, June 30, 2006 at 11:46AM 
Job hunting today reminds me of when I used to go salt water fishing on my dad’s boat. A typical fishing trip went something like this…. Fill the boat with fuel, stock the cooler with bait, put in our fishing poles, lunch and plenty of soft drinks, and motor out to the Taunton River on our way to Narragansett bay. Turn on the emergency radio and be sure that that is was working properly. Turn on the fish finder and search for an area well populated with striped bass also known as “stripers”. Keep your eyes focused on the water. A tell-tale sign that striped bass were in the area involved the sighting of little “shiners” jumping frantically out of the water as they tried to escape the striper chasing after them.
With a flip of the line from over my shoulder I’d watch the lure land on the water before I’d reel the line in while gently popping the lure across the water’s surface. Then came the “waiting time”. That dreaded time when we sat knowing we had prepared well for catching fish but not knowing if today would be the day we would catch the “big one” or any “one” for that matter.
Some fishing days, we didn’t get anything more than sunburned cheeks. Other days, we got more fish than we could eat or the fish were too small, or we’d catch dog fish or little sharks. On those days, we’d release a lot of the fish back in to the water.
As a job seeker, you can use the skills that fishermen have used for generations.
Fish are attracted to what wiggles.
Entice an employer with a resume that contains the skills the company needs. Read their job posting carefully to find out which “lures” (what are the keywords?) they’re likely to bite on. Yes, that means creating a resume for every job that you apply for. I know, it’s a lot of work. But, reeling in a great job is the objective and you need the edge over your competition.
Fish are only attracted to bait they can see. (clean the seaweed off of it)
Use a font size that is easy on the eyes. Using a 8 pt font might help you to cram more information on a page but it won’t be a pleasant experience for the reader. Don’t take a chance that your resume will be placed aside for one that is easier to read. Use a 10 to 12 pt font for easier readability.
Use a font size that is easy on the eyes. Using a 8 pt font might help you to cram more information on a page but it won’t be a pleasant experience for the reader. Don’t take a chance that your resume will be placed aside for one that is easier to read. Use a 10 to 12 pt font for easier readability.- If you were an employer would you bother reading a font this small?
Fish swim in schools. (there is power in numbers)
Be sure that you put the word out to your family, friends, and business connections that you are looking for a job. Networking is a great way to find job opportunities. Seek the help of an executive recruiter. They have established relationships with companies who value the referrals they send their way. Remember, recruiters not only work for the companies seeking new employees, they also work for you. It is in the best interests of executive recruiters to find companies the right candidates. If you possess the skills that a company is looking for, then the recruiting office is your best ally.
Mayday, mayday! (sending the right message)
If an employer calls your cell phone, what message will they hear? Humorous messages and pop music on your cell phone may entertain your family and friends, but a Fortune 500 employer might get the wrong message about you. Make sure your cell phone message reflects your professional side.
Catch and Release (getting thrown back in the water)
Are you the kind of fish an employer wants to catch? (Are they looking for a warehouse manager, logistics manager, supply chain manager, operations manager, sales executive, marketing director, or a vice president?) If you’re not the right fit for their job opening, get ready to get thrown back in to the water. Be honest about your educational background and your experience on your resume and during your interview. Many executives have lost the opportunity for great positions by “embellishing” the truth. If you get released back in to the water, don’t stress about it. You may be the next big catch that another company is hoping to land.
Be sure that your spelling and grammar reflect the great catch that you are. Resumes that contain spelling and grammatical errors may cause an employer to assume that you will not be a conscientious employee. Use a spell checker even if you’re a good speller. It is common when writing and rewriting information to overlook spelling mistakes and grammatical errors. Ask someone else to read and check your resume for errors before you submit it.
Photo depicted: “They that go down to the sea in ships 1623 -1923”. The Fishermen’s Memorial at Gloucester commemorating the thousands of fishermen who have lost their lives from this port. Courtesy of the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Dawn Turner
Blog Management and Development
The SearchLogix Group
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