Continuing the analogous relationship between war and a job search from The Art of War for Job Search (Part 1), additional points from the thirteen chapters of Sun Tzu’s book on how to win follow here:
- Strategic Military Power – The use of inherent power should be self explanatory, but other translations of the original Chinese text have this chapter titled Energy (Giles), Directing (Wing) or Forces (Wee). All of these titles indicate the need for the use of creativity and timing in building momentum. Overwhelming force is undeniably the best way to guarantee victory, but coordinating such an effort requires finesse and skilled application. Much job seeker advice would seem to go contrary to this philosophy in that a proper match is more important than appearing overqualified. In reality, there is no such thing as someone being over qualified. Blowing your own horn is not bragging or over committing if background and substance can back up the claims. Just do it… nobody else will broadcast the story if the job seeker does not. This is the perfect example of a positive presentation of key attributes shined up by polishing a personal brand.
- Vacuity and Substance – The unknown elements of the job search environment call for ultimate readiness to jump at an opportunity when it appears. Daily analysis of weaknesses and strengths need to be analyzed to take advantages in the chinks in the armor of the employers: their gatekeepers, firewalls or the dreaded ATS. Differentiation from other candidates is similar to a surprise attack. Present the unexpected to gain notice. This also requires the flexibility to push ahead or back off depending on the response. Insuring that data is correct and that action is proper is always a factor in determining the difference between actual reality and perceived reality. Attacking shadows or resting on false hopes will not succeed. Timeliness means taking initiative, jumping on real opportunities and recognizing those that are fleeting and transparent. It is true that opportunity may only knock once, but every knock is not necessarily opportunity.
- Military Combat – Normally, the frontal assault is the most direct avenue to attack and must always be considered as an option. It is also important to recognize that the art of maneuvering to gain advantage sometimes means attacking a flank. The daunting ATS is at best the most direct route to visibility of an employer, but at its worst it is entry into the black hole and oblivion.  Other tactics will be able to help penetrate the walls and reach key decision makers. Employee referrals, networking through social media, gaining the trust of recruiters and a myriad of other devices is simply good management of a job search campaign. Also, the art of deception is essential in winning a military conflict, but the analogy to the job seeker is related to concealing the plan and not to hiding behind false images. Researching the company and interviewers is essential to initiating any maneuver, but they do not need to know the plan of attack.
- Nine Changes – Sun Tzu described nine different variations in tactics that are necessary to respond to changes in the battlefield situation. The parallel to job searching is that it is necessary to vary tactics depending on the current situation. Counting nine changes in battle is a little like a David Letterman Top Ten List: sometimes there could be more, sometimes less and the finite number is arbitrary. The important thing to consider is in continuously evaluating the present advantages and disadvantages of the original plan as it relates to each encounter. Focus should always be on the need for flexibility in response to a changing environment. Anticipating such challenges should be part of the original plan, but constant revision of the original plan is a fact of battle. If it is working, enhance it. If it is not working, change it. Holding fast to a losing strategy will never gain ground or advance toward the goal of new employment.
- Maneuvering the Army – The rule of battle to always occupy the high ground is both for protection from the enemy and to have the best view of the battlefield. Defensively, the visibility or perception that the job seeker is perched on a position of strength relative to other candidates will go far in enticing employers to capitulate on demands during negotiation. Being visibly active on social media, in professional associations and alumni groups distinguishes the job seeker as a vital force. Name recognition creates memorability through that visibility. Offensively, observation of the landscape offers tactical advantages as well. Following prospective employers in the news, in financial reports and employee gossip give insight to possible avenues of approach. Getting a glimpse into the culture of a company can be an important determining factor in deciding whether or not to continue to try and penetrate toward that interview. Understanding the motivations and actions of a company can uncover the problems that are keeping managers awake at night and provide key information to becoming a solution to those problems.
To be continued in Part 3.
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