How to Get a Job
At the Financial Training Day, Mars Hill members Silke Habedank and Paul Freed led a session about finding a job.
Silke is a CPA, and she is also the Recruiting Manager for Moss Adams LLP. Paul is a founding partner of Herd Freed Hartz, a top executive search firm based in Seattle since 2001. Here’s their advice to consider as you embark on a job search:
Before jumping into a job hunt, put things in perspective—God first, job search second. After that…
1) Don’t worry; you have value and worth.
As an image-bearer of God, you are not defined by your job or income. (Matt 6:25–34; Rom 5:3–5, 8:28; Phil 4:6, 11–13; James 1:2–4)
2) Ask for wisdom and listen to God.
Is your life in balance? Is there something God is trying to teach you? (Matt 7:7–8; John 15:1–2; James 1:5–6, 4:3, 13–17)
3) Ask for peace and forgiveness.
Do you have any unresolved anger with past employer? Does that have anything to do with why you left your last job? What lessons have you learned in previous jobs that you can apply to your job search? (Prov. 5:21, 10:9; Eph. 4:26–29; Phil. 2:3–4)
4) Put money in its proper place.
Is money an unhealthy preoccupation in your life? Get a temp job to bring in immediate income—this could also lead to a full-time job. (Prov. 12:11; Eccles. 2:22–26; Matt. 6:24–27; 8:36–37; 25:14–30; 1 Tim. 6:6–10, 17)
5) Surround yourself with Christian friends.
You were not meant to go it alone, especially when times are tough. Are you in a community group? Resist hiding and go to where people are. Be generous. (Prov. 17:17; Eccles. 4:9–12; 1 Cor. 15:33)
6) Job search is a full-time job.
Give yourself permission to take a personal break in order to get recharged and refocused first. After that, your job search is an eight hour per day job. Keep moving. Have a plan and measure activity you are in control of. Get organized. (Prov. 6:9–11; 14:23; 16:9; 19:21; 1 Cor. 9:26–27)
7) Narrow your focus; don’t broaden it.
The tendency with many job searchers is to broaden their target for fear they might miss something. While it can feel good, quantity of resumes sent doesn’t necessarily equal success. Focus on a few targeted campaigns to specific companies and roles. Your company research is time well spent and separates you from the pack.
8 ) Less is more.
Remember the “Top Third Rule” on resumes: tell me what you want to do and why I should talk to you within the top third of your resume.
9) Practice your interview answers with a friend or your spouse.
Any job interview is basically answering these three questions:
- What are you looking for?
- Why are you interested in us?
- Why should we hire you over other qualified candidates?
10) Prepare “case study” descriptions of past work.
How did you save money, make money, or make things more efficient at previous companies? What were you hired to do? What were your strategy and resources? What were the results? Many hiring managers feel past performance is the best indicator of future performance.
11) Engage the large network of contacts all around you.
You might be surprised by how many people you know: past co-workers, friends, church, college alumni, volunteer groups, industry associations, and neighbors. Have in mind a clear statement of what you’re looking for in a target company and role. Follow up, say thank you, and keep building your network once you are hired. (Prov. 27:2)
12) Be professional in the way you present yourself.
Look the part. Know what to wear, practice good hygiene, get a hair cut, and take care of yourself (get enough sleep, eat right, and work out).
13) Be flexible in type of work and compensation.
Be open to contract work, project work, part time, internships, and volunteer positions. Be realistic about your compensation expectations.
14) Follow-up frequently with diligence and professionalism.
Don’t “stalk” a recruiter or company; remember the recruiter is your agent/advocate. If you’re invited for an interview, ask the interview team for their business cards and send them prompt thank you notes.
