The
transportation industry is chaotic and confusing. We read daily that the ocean
carriers are still bleeding. The result: dramatic cost-cutting measures
including hundreds of unprecedented worldwide layoffs for one major shipping
line this summer. Those reductions affected a wide range of employees, from
senior executives to support staff.
Despite
ongoing difficulties within the industry, we are seeing more job openings than
we have at any time since the beginning of the 2008-09 recession.
Most of
our client companies (primarily ocean carriers and port authorities) are more
desperate than ever to find experienced sales and sales management personnel.
There’s a critical shortage of prospects in virtually every major maritime
market, and competing companies are all vying for the same talent pool. Some
hiring managers are becoming more flexible (or creative or desperate?) and are
willing to train bright, eager prospects who may lack direct industry sales
experience, but have the desire and aptitude to learn.
In the
port sector, although job openings are less abundant than in the private
sector, competition for the limited number of executive level openings is
fierce, and ports are moving aggressively to fill vacancies. Today’s plethora
of multimillion-dollar infrastructure projects demand high-level port officials
and project managers to help navigate these complex, high-stakes capital
improvement programs.
Our
recent experience points to positive hiring trends within the industry. If
you’re employed and seeking a better opportunity, or between positions and
seeking employment, these 10 tips may help improve your chances of landing your
next job.
1.
Resume. Refrain from using pre-formatted resume templates available online. A
resume is not a one-size-fits-all document and should be tailored to the
individual. Aim for a clean and readable format and remember the reader spends
only a few seconds scanning for the critical information, so avoid too much
text and too little white space. As for length, two to three pages is
acceptable for someone who’s experienced, while one page may be suitable for
entry level job seekers. And please, remember to spell check! If you’re working
with a recruiter or have a friend or colleague in human resources, ask them to
review your resume and provide tips on how you might improve the content or
aesthetics.
2. Apply
for Appropriate Jobs. Only apply for jobs for which you’re truly qualified.
Although it may be tempting to think there’s nothing to lose by applying for a
job for which your experience isn’t suitable, your reputation will suffer with
the recruiter and hiring firm if there’s no connection between the job
description and your professional background.
3.
Provide Only What’s Requested. Part of the application process involves
attention to detail and the ability to follow directions. Provide only the
items requested without superfluous additions. A cover letter should be
specific to the job opening, and a salary history should be broken down by base
salary plus other compensation elements (bonus, commission, car allowance,
etc.).
4. Job
History. If you’ve been laid off, have had frequent job moves or have been let
go from a company, explain it briefly in your cover letter and pre-screening
interview. Not answering the obvious questions up front may lead to being
overlooked for the position. When you do have a chance to explain, honesty,
openness and introspection will help give you the credibility that might lead
you to the next step in the hiring process.
5.
References. Always provide references from recent employers (including at least
one person you’ve reported to). If you’re applying for a management-level
opening, consider listing someone who reported to you as well. If personal
references are requested, list them, but don’t use them in lieu of professional
ones. Always supply full contact information for your references and provide a
sentence explaining your relationship to the individual.
6.
Follow Up With the Hiring Company or Recruiter. Because it’s so easy to apply
for jobs these days, hiring companies and recruiters may be inundated with
applicants. If you’re a great match for the job, differentiate yourself by
taking the initiative to follow up. A great impression on the phone or by
e-mail also may help lead to other opportunities.
7.
Social Media and the Internet. Use them wisely! Job boards and LinkedIn can be
fantastic resources for jobseekers. I’ve heard some say that in the
professional world, “if you aren’t on LinkedIn, you don’t exist! Although that
may be a little extreme, it’s true that LinkedIn is a great way for hiring
companies and recruiters to find you and to cross-check the information you
provide. Your LinkedIn connections also can help establish some credibility and
talking points if you have mutual colleagues. “Google” yourself and see if your
Facebook page comes up. If so, make sure any photos the world can view are
appropriate for a prospective employer (or, as I tell my kids, your mother!) to
see.
8. The
Interview. Be confident, well-prepared, flexible and show your exceptional
communication skills. If you’re a good fit for the job and the organization, it
will come through naturally. You are interviewing the hiring company, too, so
ask questions, be engaged in the exchange and don’t forget to ask for the job
(or at least the next steps) at the end of the meeting.
9.
Follow Up After the Interview. A thank you e-mail is always a must. We’ve had
candidates who weren’t selected for a position because they missed this crucial
step. An e-mail thank you will normally suffice, but an old fashioned
hand-written note is also a classy touch. Recap why you are a good fit for the
job and any critical points that may help you stand above the competition.
10. The
Offer. Depending on the position (for sales – are you a good negotiator?), a
counteroffer may be appropriate. Usually, the recruiter or hiring firm can give
you a sense for any flexibility in salary and whether you will help or hinder
your chances with a counteroffer. While a base salary may not be negotiable,
consider requesting a signing bonus, additional vacation days or earlier
availability of benefits, particularly if you currently have a job with a
similar compensation package.
Wishing
you much success in your career!
Source: Susan Shey Dvonch
