Hey Nascar Team, You Need Me

Hey Nascar Team, You Need Me
by Beverly Terrill (c)

We would never say this to a prospective employer, but it doesn’t hurt to have that attitude.

This shouldn’t be misconstrued as an excuse to be cocky and an a----hole. This is an approach that offers the employer YOU as an asset to the company.

To go to an employer and explain that your mortgage is due, the triplets are hungry and you lost your job 6 months ago, makes you sound desperate. This may in some instances work in your favor but rarely. An employer is not looking for another employee with his life in shambles. That doesn’t paint a picture of a high energy, productive employee.

Put yourself in the Employer’s shoes. If you have a race team that goes to the track every weekend, you must have a group of dedicated employees that know their jobs and do not need constant supervision.

I want you to work through this exercise;

Which job are you seeking?

What are the job qualities for this job?

What additional skills do you possess that would make you an even better candidate for this job?

Let’s say you want to be the truck driver for the team. This is your background and you have the licenses and certifications to prove it. But in addition, you were a short order cook or you hold the neighborhood barbecue at your house because of your excellent ribs! This would be a huge asset to a team. You are going to be there anyway and you can cook for the crew.

You should focus on being able to do 2 or more jobs. Most teams use the same guys who work in the shop as the pit crew on the weekend.

It is also very important that you get along with your teammates. If you want to find the biggest egos in the world, look at professional sports. The sport of racing is no different and may even be worse. You cannot have a bad attitude or chip on your shoulder, although I have heard that if you are in R&D it may be OK.....just kidding! You want to get this quality (if you possess it) across to your perspective employer.

Basically, you want to show the employer that he needs you. You don’t NEED this job although you certainly want it. And it is perfectly fine to have some enthusiasm for the job! Make yourself an attractive candidate for multiple positions and who is going to turn you down.

Regardless of the type of business, all employers are looking for some specific attributes:

Punctual - Always be on time or EARLY

Self Starter - Don’t stand and wait to be told what to do, find what needs to be done and do it.

Work Unattended - If someone has to stand over you or continually answer questions, it now takes 2 people to do this job.

Get along with people - I cannot stress enough how employers love this quality in an employee.

Able to work long hours - Every industry has a peak time. If you plan to be a long term employee, commit to the long hours. It won’t be every week and you just have to remind yourself (spouse, kids etc) that this doesn’t go on forever. There are however times when there is no getting around it.

So there you have it. You are a huge ASSET and you just need to work on getting that across to your employer-to-be. Otherwise, his loss will be the next company’s gain.

photo by shazbot