Boss-Oriented WIIFM in Your Job Search Strategy

Among the sizzling topics we see on the news every day is jobs.

Jobs, employment, unemployment, work, career and the unanswered question to a stable and continued livelihood all factor in with the most difficult economic climate the United States has seen in years. Hundreds - if not thousands - of job- and career-related forums have sprung up. Of what they have in common: they are all rich with discussion on the most frequently asked question: How do I find a new job?

We all respectfully agree that we must have work of some kind for our livelihood. But in asking this question we also must recognize that it is entirely one-sided - and is only half of the complete question.

See It From Both Sides - Not Just Yours

As the saying goes - It takes two to tango.

By asking yourself how you can you find new work, you have only asked a question pertaining to only one partner in the dancing duo of employment: you. What about your dancing partner - your would-be new employer?

Whether we're talking human relationships or strictly business relationships, you must strike a balance of some kind. Otherwise the relationship will be lopsided and won't work out.

WIIFM

"What's in it for me?" (WIIFM) is great.

When you look for a job and when you go to interview, it's really easy to think only of yourself and what your needs are. But now try asking this same question from the perspective of the employer?

So... Employer Boss asks you, "What's in it for me?" Or more bluntly," Why the hell should I hire you?"

Your chances of getting the job are increased many-fold by stepping out of your own shoes. Be prepared to answer your employer's needs from their perspective - it could be the difference between walking out the door with or without your new job.

Applied WIIFM

How to apply the employer's WIIFM? It's all about them - they're the boss.

Think about things entirely from your prospective boss's perspective. When the time comes to fill in that Why do you want this job? box on the application form, you may be prone to say something like this:

I want to find a job that is fulfilling and will provide me with enough salary to support my family and maintain a decent lifestyle we feel we deserve.

While this statement is entirely true, an answer such as this is definitely a turnoff to a prospective employer. Rather, phrase the answer to answer the employer's WIIFM perspective:

What I bring to you are skills and knowledge that will help you drive up productivity, efficiency, and raise company profits. For example...

While you may not have a hand in the company's coffers after you get hired, the fact is that you expressed a commitment to help the company's bottom line by doing your job well. This kind of statement is what puts a smile on the hiring boss's face. It shows you are treating their business as if it was your own business, and that you are committed to throwing in with them to do well.

Use It Throughout the Whole Process

Apply WIIFM to your application paperwork, your phone interviews, and to your face-to-face time with the big shots doing the hiring. Talk about everything as a benefit tailor-made for your about-to-be employer. Use WIIFM to show them your compelling range of skills offerings, and your determination to help them do well!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: John Melendez is a freelance writer reporting on technology, the environment, sustainability, alternative energies and "green" issues. John Melendez is a writer for hire. To email him, go to http://www.emailmeform.com/fid.php?formid=19595

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