The Job Offer Formula

Skills + Visibility = Job Offers

Oct 21, 2024

“Landing a job isn’t just about what you know, it's about making sure the right people know what you know”

Hi Superstar,

Job hunting for a remote job can be an exhausting and disheartening experience, especially when the rejections keep piling up. You might spend weeks, even months, perfecting your resume, applying for jobs, and preparing for interviews, only to be met with silence or those dreaded "We're moving forward with another candidate" emails.

It's easy to feel discouraged and wonder, "What am I doing wrong?"

The truth is, rejection is a common part of the job search process, and it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re not qualified. More often than not, the issue lies in how you’re presenting yourself or, sometimes, simply not being seen by the right people. Understanding this is the key to unlocking the formula for landing job offers. The process may feel overwhelming, but if we break it down, job offers come from this simple equation:

Skills + Visibility = Job Offers

Let’s take a closer look at how you can apply this magic formula to your job search and finally land that dream role.

Skills – Your Foundation

Your skills are your most valuable currency in the job market. Whether you’re a software developer, marketing expert, or financial analyst, your expertise is what makes you attractive to potential employers. But here’s the catch: it's not enough to simply have these skills; you need to communicate them effectively. Many job seekers make the mistake of assuming their resume speaks for itself. While it may be well-organized and full of impressive bullet points, you still need to highlight how your skills directly solve the company’s problems.

During interviews, your goal is to show not just tell how you’ve applied your skills in the past. Instead of giving generic answers, offer specific examples. Talk about past projects where you faced challenges and describe how your unique skills helped overcome them. Don’t forget to quantify your impact recruiters love numbers. Whether you increased sales by 30%, led a team of 10, or saved the company $50,000, those tangible results will make you stand out. Your skills are your foundation, but it's your ability to communicate them effectively that will set you apart.

Visibility - Your Existence

The second critical part of the formula. You could be the most skilled candidate out there, but if no one knows you exist, those skills might as well be invisible. It’s not enough to be qualified; you also need to be seen by the right people. This is where many job seekers struggle. You might have a fantastic resume and impressive accomplishments, but if your LinkedIn profile is outdated or you’re not actively networking, you’re missing opportunities to get in front of hiring managers.

Networking is one of the most powerful tools you have for increasing your visibility. It’s not just about showing up to events or connecting with people on LinkedIn; it’s about building meaningful relationships. Start conversations with others in your industry, contribute to discussions, and share valuable insights. Being an active participant in your professional community will increase your chances of being noticed by decision-makers. And don’t be shy about asking for referrals, referred candidates are often given priority because they come recommended by someone within the company.

Beyond networking, be proactive about showcasing your expertise. LinkedIn is a great platform for increasing your visibility. Share articles, post your thoughts on industry trends, and engage with others in your field. The more active and visible you are, the more likely you are to catch the attention of recruiters and potential employers. Remember, it’s not just about what you know; it’s also about who knows what you can do.

Skills + Visiblity = Interviews

This is where your skills and visibility need to work together to create a lasting impression. Too many candidates focus only on answering the questions asked without thinking about how they can tell their story in a way that makes them unforgettable. Interviews are not just about ticking off boxes—they are about proving that you can solve the company’s problems. Tailor your message to address their specific needs. For example, if you’ve researched the company and understand its pain points, frame your experience in a way that shows how your skills can address those issues.

Storytelling is a powerful tool in interviews. Instead of simply listing your accomplishments, talk about them as stories—with a beginning, middle, and end. Describe a challenge you faced, how you used your skills to overcome it, and the successful outcome you achieved. This approach not only makes you more memorable but also helps you stand out from other candidates who might be reciting the same standard answers. And don’t forget to ask insightful questions that demonstrate you’re not just interested in the job but also how you can contribute to the company’s growth.

Lastly, job hunting is tough, there’s no sugar-coating it. But every rejection is an opportunity to refine your approach, learn something new, and get one step closer to landing that job offer. So, don’t give up. The right opportunity is out there, and with the right approach, you’ll be ready when it comes your way.

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Introduction to Remote Work: Access our free ebook on what remote work is and how you can get remote jobs, especially other platforms to check out. Link
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The Remote Salary Handbook: This is the first published guide on remote work. Having been a remote worker from Africa, I know the struggles of getting good pay, I have been paid less countless times. This ebook lays down tips as well as templates to ensure no one gets to be like me. It’s currently on sale and would go a long way in your career journey. Link

Yours truly,

Your Career Cheerleader,

Mary-Esther Anele

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