A few days ago, we took a high-level look at the seven habits of highly effective job candidates. These are the traits that many of the most successful folks I've coached or otherwise helped over the years had in common.
            
Today, let's take a closer look at the first one:
            
"Effective job seekers have a clear sense of focus. They know what they want, they know where they're headed, and they know why."

With everyone relying on the internet for information it's not a suprise that there's a lot of good and bad advice that people follow. This is why there are people who also have an easier time when they're looking for a job.

Over the years, I've coached and otherwise helped many hundreds of folks find and land their dream jobs. Along the way, I've noticed that there are certain traits that the most successful candidates shared which helped them elevate themselves amongst there competition.

It's FAQ Friday, which means today I'm going to answer questions from subscribers and give you the straight honest truth -- the same advice I'd give my best friends and my own family, without the BS or sugarcoating.

Let's start with Karen:

I love reading your emails - even if I didn't always ask questions, today is different (no idea why!)

The one question I hate in interviews is 'What can you bring to the table?' I am not good at selling myself, at all.

This question makes my mind go blank!

When most folks are searching for a job, they take a look at the "public job market" -- i.e., they browse through job websites, local newspapers, etc.

There's nothing wrong with that, per se.

However, you should know that these are the places hiring managers resort to when they've exhausted all other options. In other words, the "public job market" is NOT their first choice.

Remember that blogI around a month ago – the one where I shared that quote from Rocky ("Why getting a job is like being a boxer")?
            
If not, here's that quote again:
            
(It pretty much sums up the attitude YOU need to have to get your dream job.)

It's Friday, which means today, I'm answering your questions and giving you the straight, honest truth -- exactly as if my own family were the ones asking.

Here goes:

First, Frank asks,

Readers often ask me a variation of this question:

“I saw a position that’s pretty much my dream job. But I don’t meet all the requirements that were advertised. Should I apply for it anyway, on a stretch – or move on?”

It's a great question.

But instead of answering it myself, today, I’ll let “Sarah” – an Interview Success Formula student, answer the question with an email she sent a few weeks back.

Here's an interesting email I just received from a reader:

Hello Alan,

I have been a follower for about 2 years now and I know you have addressed the over 50 people in the past but I still can't get hired. When the application says how much experience should I tell the truth at over 20?
            
Thank you,

Kaylee

Last week, I received a message from "D":
                
I have applied for over 100 jobs but I got only one interview. Most of the application are being rejected during preliminary screening. I am getting some calls from recruiting agencies but they are not coming back.
                
He goes on to say:

What does your body language say? Are you a wolf on the prowl, or a sheep waiting to be hunted?

Here are some tips on how you can tell the difference. These tips can help you on the job search, on the job, and at home.

Every moment, our bodies are signaling, among other emotions, a level of power and status.  And signaling the wrong power level can ruin relationships.