Would You Hire You?

Whether you’re an old school media pro or someone just getting his or her feet wet in the industry, you’ve probably already seen a pretty stereotypical communications office. You’ve seen the smarmy sales guy and the by-the-book accounts payable manager, you’ve seen the crunchy graphic designer and the gossipy administrative assistant. You know where you fit in, or you know where you want to fit in. It’s all about image, whether you’ve created your own or been pigeon-holed into one.

If this was WKRP in Cincinnati, would you be loud-suited Herb Tarlek or voice-of-reason Bailey Quarters? If this was The Office, would you be suck-up Andy Bernard or quiet and reserved Toby Flenderson? If this was Office Space, would you be suspendered everyboss Bill Lumbergh or meek but conniving Milton Waddams? If you’ve spent time in multiple office environments, it is not hard to see how people, no matter the locale, fall in to pretty familiar roles. Do you? Probably, even if you don’t see it.


So think back to your last (or current) position. Who was someone with just a little more experience and talent than you? What colleague was just behind you in seasoning and ability? Ok, now you’re on a horse. I mean now you’re the human resources director. All three of you are up for a new job or a promotion. Tell me: why would I choose you for the job? What sets you apart from the guy next to you?

When you’re applying to a new job, there could be dozen, perhaps hundreds of you's. What makes you 'the guy' (or 'the girl')? Some try to stand out on experience and achievement alone. Some design hard-to-forget (but often bewildering) résumés. Some, believe it or not, send bottles of wine to hiring managers. So, why you and not the guy who’s résumé is on top of yours in the HR Inbox?

If you’re looking for answers, you’re asking the wrong person. The answer is in you, because what sets you apart comes from only one place: effort. Your résumé is never going to be the best. Your portfolio is going to blow them away, but so will a dozen others. You gave a killer interview, but so did five guys that day alone. Low-balling salary requirements is only going to hurt, well, everyone. It comes down to effort. When applying for the job, did you shape your résumé to fit the job? Did you do your due-diligence in finding exactly to whom to send your cover letter? Did you follow up with phone calls and emails and thank you letters? Did you research the company and the position like you were writing your thesis? Did you have an outstanding response when the interviewer said, "Do you have any questions for me?" Good, because that’s just the start. The more effort you put in, the more results you will get out. You’re a communications professional, have you communicated to the best of your ability your desire that this is the one job you want?
 

So back to the original question: Would you hire you?
 

Michael Hochman
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Michael is a Copywriter, Creative Marketer, and Broadcaster with 15 years in Programming, Marketing, Promotions, and New Media at television and radio stations in markets like Philadelphia, Syracuse, Albany, Wichita, and Kansas City, as an advertising writer in marketing departments and at ad agencies, and as a freelance copywriter. A Philly native and graduate of Syracuse University's Newhouse School, Michael is available for freelance work, full-time writing, and wedding receptions.
 

"Good writers borrow from other writers. Great writers steal from them outright." - Aaron Sorkin, "The West Wing"