We know a business coach by now, but a job interview coach? I didn't know it existed either, so I started researching. I ended up with Ruth. And wow, what innovative insights she has. Things I wish I had thought of myself. No worries, I'm happy to share them with you. I present to you: application coach Ruth Tolhuijs.
Applying for a job starts with being yourself
Why exactly is she the expert on applying for jobs? "I wasn't happy with who I was. I thought a lot about my career, becoming successful and being happy. After doubting for a long time, I stopped being unhappy. That's how I discovered what showing yourself can pay off, just like giving in to your dreams. I stopped working full-time. Pretty scary, because I didn't have any backup." But what does this have to do with applying for a job? "Everything! I believe that applying for a job is easiest and best when you really dare to show yourself. If you give in to your dreams, you will end up where you belong. It's all about knowing what you want, what you care about and what you're good at."
"I only do things I WANT to do anymore and not the things I think I MUST do."
So, quitting your job without backup to become a job coach. A bold move, I would say. "Indeed, I thought it was very difficult to start a business. I had been helping people apply for jobs for years and thought about starting a business before. The fear of uncertainty held me back for a while. But it was all not that bad. With the right tools, I had it up and running in no time." In no time, she was working for a super creative entrepreneur. "She read my story on social media. In it I told her I was only going to do things I WANT to do and no longer the things I think I MUST do."
These days Ruth coaches people in applying for jobs in an authentic way. I conduct focus interviews and help people with their LinkedIn and resume. Then it's time for the real job interview. Then I review cover letters and help with writing. Finally, I help people prepare for their job interview."
Applying for a job effectively is how you do it
All good, we now know a little more about what a job coach does and about Ruth and her motivation. So now let's talk about applying for a job. According to Ruth, when it comes to applying for a job, there are not really mistakes, but mostly eye openers. According to her, people often just don't know what they could do to make applying for a job easier. You're in luck, because Ruth is here and she is happy to share three eye openers.
"First, apply in a focused way. People often start applying for jobs without really thinking about themselves. Ask yourself: what do I want? What do I think is important? What am I good at? That way you can really apply in a focused way and present yourself better on the job market. That is the key to finding something that suits you." Sounds logical, but what is Ruth's role in this story? Isn't writing this down enough? "It seems easier than it is. Putting such things on paper is confrontational, time-consuming and difficult because you don't know what to focus on. I conduct focus conversations and create a personal summary. The three pillars: dreams, drives and qualities."
"Putting dreams, drives and qualities on paper is not difficult, ás long as you have the right tools."
The second eye opener has to do with competencies. You know, "perfectionist, results-oriented and hardworking," like all of Holland. Ruth calls them container terms. "Use examples," Ruth advises. "Don't use container terms like 'team player' and 'analytical thinker.' That could mean something completely different to me as a recruiter than it does to you." So how should it? So what terms should you write down? "It is difficult to find examples and expose your real competencies. This is something I work on during coaching interviews. I help people explain their competencies with very concrete examples, so you can convince a recruiter."
Last but not least: LinkedIn! This is something many people think about when applying for a job, but according to Ruth, LinkedIn is far from being used to its full potential. "People often have no idea that you can really make LinkedIn work for you. You just have to set up your profile the right way." Sounds easy, but how do we apply this? "Fill out your profile completely. Use the right keywords: the keywords recruiters in your industry search for. Also, don't forget to check that you would like to be contacted on LinkedIn. Really saves you a lot of searching!" One tip you can start with now? "Look at five job postings in your job area. Write down the most important keywords and incorporate this into your profile." You can do this. Promise me you'll take a moment to do this before you read on? Because we're about to reveal the top tip....
The tip for applying for a job
If all goes well, by now you've updated your LinkedIn profile and already brainstormed your competencies, dreams, motivations and qualities. Did you do that obediently? Then you may read on. Because what is Ruth's top tip for applying for a job? "Realize that it goes both ways. People are actually mainly looking for a company that wants them. That's half of it. You're also looking for a company that you want to work for. Again, this all comes back to being yourself."
I learned a lot. As a part-time entrepreneur and master's student, I will not be applying for a job anytime soon, but if I ever look for a job again, I will keep Ruth and her advice in mind. Finally, I want to ask her one more question. Because it seems like I can just get started with her tips. What really is the added value of a job coach? "I help people make a mind shift: apply based on what you want instead of what you think you should. Give yourself time to do that, because by doing so you make a mindshift. It is easier for me as a recruiter, expert and especially outsider to draw conclusions and give advice. I make applying for a job easier. If you really dare to show yourself, things will happen automatically. Then you end up in a place where you don't have to pretend to be anything other than what you are."
More info on Ruth? Check www.ruthtolhuijs.nlof send her an email. Trust me, even though her advice can be confrontational, she is really sweet and happy to help you.
