Job Search Tip - Think & Act Like a Gourmet Chef

Last week, I had the chance to dine at a truly exquisite gourmet restaurant. Lucky for me, I didn't have to pick up the check! The meal was more than delicious - it was forever memorable. The presentation, the pace, and of course, the food itself were all amazing. Suddenly, as I sat there, I realized what many job seekers are failing to do these days could be compared to cooking techniques.

Let me explain...

Hiring Managers = Food Critics

For starters, hiring managers are like food critics. Their jobs are to identify talent capable of making meals that are tasty, one-of-a-kind and well-executed. They need to find the right candidate who A) has the skills, B) is a fit for their unique corporate culture, and C) is professional by their company's standards. Starting to see the connection?

Job Seekers = Chefs

Now, the job seeker is the chef. It is up to her to identify the right ingredients and cooking style (i.e. assess her professional strengths), put them together in a way that is tasty to the hiring manager (i.e. create strong introduction e-mail/cover letter/resume/social media profiles/etc. that connect with the company) and then present it in a way that leaves the hiring manager craving more (i.e. great interview skills and follow up). Make sense? Of course it does, because everyone can appreciate a well-cooked meal!

Are You Fast-Food or Gourmet Cook?

And yet, I continue to hear stories of job seekers who act more like line cooks at fast-food restaurants than gourmet chefs. They blast their resumes out to job openings without the slightest bit of research on the companies they are sending them to. They don't bother to try to find a networking connection within the organization to see if they can learn the 'tastes' of the hiring manager. And they definitely don't spend time crafting compelling introduction letters and career stories that will get them recognized as top talent who should be granted an interview. In short, they don't bother to put the time and energy into the prep and presentation of themselves so vital to being chosen for consideration.

So, as a new day of job searching begins, I ask you: "Are you going to cook a gourmet meal with your talents, or are you going to go the fast-food route?" If you want to WOW hiring managers and be memorable (in a good way), I suggest you try investing in the gourmet chef approach.

What do you think readers? How else can job seekers approach the process like an accomplished cook? What are you doing to put your 'signature touches' on your job search efforts to help yourself stand out from the crowd?

J.T. O'Donnell is a nationally syndicated career expert, author and founder of CAREEREALISM.com. Her work has been noted by leading sources including, CareerBuilder.com and BusinessWeek.com for its timely, cutting-edge job search and career strategy advice for young professionals, ages 18-40. For more articles, visit her at http://www.CAREEREALISM.com today.