“I’m hardworking.”
This phrase is perhaps the most overused in the realm of job hunting and recruitment. During interviews, when candidates are asked questions like “Why should we hire you?” or “What are your strengths?”, “hardworking” is often the go-to answer.
But in today’s fiercely competitive job market, is being “hardworking” truly sufficient to land a job? Let’s explore this question in depth and uncover how to secure a job in today’s environment, where standing out requires more than just hard work.
Join me as we apply these simple principles to grow both personally and professionally.
1. Work Hard on Yourself
We often see people working hard on their job, yet feeling discontented and unhappy because they perceive their hard work as not being compensated properly. In fact, according to an article published by Dr. Ronald Riggio in Psychology Today, employees express dissatisfaction due to feelings of inequity in terms of pay:
“Many workers are unhappy because they believe that their pay is not fair compensation for their skills, effort, and dedication to the job,” Riggio says.
The reality is, working hard on the job does not guarantee promotion or a higher income. Similarly, being hardworking doesn’t guarantee employment or a job offer.
Instead, we must work hard on ourselves. This begins by knowing our Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics (KSAOs), including our Personality, Values, Goals, and Purpose.
Let’s start with an inventory of ourselves. Regardless of the type of job we’re applying for, knowing our KSAOs is critical. For example, if we are applying for an entry-level Human Resources position, a simple inventory may look like this:
1. Knowledge and Skills:
Knowledge in Recruitment, Selection, Training and Development, Compensation and Benefits, Employee Relations, and Discipline
Skills in interviewing, psychological testing, conducting training needs analysis, attention to detail, written communication, interpersonal skills
2. Abilities (innate):
Musical or artistic ability (Companies may cater to such talents in employee engagement programs)
3. Personality:
Extrovert vs. introvert, adventurous vs. cautious, independent vs. conforming, prefers routine vs. variety
4. Values:
Strong work ethic, desire for variety and change at work, helping others
5. Goals and Purpose:
Gaining work experience, establishing a long-term career, helping family, growing professionally, and contributing to others
Consider taking personality tests like the Keirsey Temperament Sorter or other legitimate online exams. As you reflect, ask yourself, “Of all the things I’ve accomplished so far, what stands out as most significant?” This question will give you insight into your interests, values (see Monster.com‘s list of work values), strengths, and weaknesses.
Make this a priority as you job hunt. Don’t apply or attend an interview without doing this—knowing yourself deeply is vital to drafting resumes, acing interviews, and truly standing out.
2. Hone Your KSAOs
Awareness of our KSAOs is only the beginning. We also need to act on it—continuous improvement is key.
Increase your knowledge in your field, whether it’s Business, Engineering, Technology, or Education. Read books.
“A higher paycheck can be just two books away.”
Commit to reading at least one or two books weekly—it’s a good exercise for the brain. Personally, I struggled at first, but once I learned speed reading, I was able to finish John Maxwell’s “Your Road Map for Success” in just two nights. Learning has become an investment in myself.
Additionally, listen to audio or video programs in your field, attend seminars, or enroll in courses. As Jim Rohn puts it, “Don’t be lazy in learning.”
3. Become Intensely Marketing-Oriented and Offer Value to the Job Market
Isn’t it frustrating when you’re excellent at something, yet still find it difficult to get a job? You might be missing a crucial aspect—marketing yourself.
Marketing yourself means showcasing your best qualities to employers, recognizing their needs, and presenting yourself as the right candidate. This is tied to finding your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) and reflecting it in your resume.
It’s also crucial to use various platforms—LinkedIn, online recruitment, campus recruitment, job boards, government employment offices—and of course, your networks.
The key here is value. Become valuable and demonstrate that value. One way to show this early on is through your resume.
“When I worked as a Recruiter, I noticed many applicants, especially fresh graduates, fell short in marketing themselves. They used generic resume templates that weren’t tailored to the specific jobs they were applying for.”
The best technique is to research the position and tailor your resume accordingly. Include relevant keywords and quantifiable outputs, especially when applying to large companies with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
As Laszlo Bock, Google’s Senior VP for Operations, advises, your accomplishments should follow this format:
“I accomplished X as measured by Y by doing Z.”
These techniques, used by successful figures like Rohn and Robbins, can work for us too. Remember, as Brian Tracy says, “Success leaves clues.”
By understanding these principles and applying them effectively, you’ll be well-equipped to stand out in today’s competitive job market.
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