I just joined an 8-week study group on Living the Principles of Think & Grow Rich. So I’m re-reading that classic book written back in 1937. In reading through Step Six I was struck by the process Hill describes for getting the job you want – and how similar it is to what I recommend today, 78 years later. In fact, I had to wonder how much my thinking was influenced by my first readings of this book many years ago.
Here’s his 7 step process for:
***************************************
HOW TO GET THE EXACT POSITION YOU DESIRE
Everyone enjoys doing the kind of work for which he is best suited. An artist loves to work with paints, a craftsman with his hands, a writer loves to write. Those with less definite talents have their preferences for certain fields of business and industry. If America does anything well, it offers a full range of occupations, tilling the soil, manufacturing, marketing, and the professions.
1. Decide EXACTLY what kind of a job you want. If the job doesn’t already exist, perhaps you can create it.
2. Choose the company, or individual for whom you wish to work.
3. Study your prospective employer, as to policies, personnel, and chances of advancement.
4. By analysis of yourself, your talents and capabilities, figure WHAT YOU CAN OFFER, and plan ways and means of giving advantages, services, developments, ideas that you believe you can successfully deliver.
5. Forget about “a job.” Forget whether or not there is an opening. Forget the usual routine of “have you got a job for me?” Concentrate on what you can give.
6. Once you have your plan in mind, arrange with an experienced writer to put it on paper in neat form, and in full detail.
7. Present it to the proper person with authority and he will do the rest. Every company is looking for men who can give something of value, whether it be ideas, services, or “connections.” Every company has room for the man who has a definite plan of action which is to the advantage of that company.
This line of procedure may take a few days or weeks of extra time, but the difference in income, in advancement, and in gaining recognition will save years of hard work at small pay. It has many advantages, the main one being that it will often save from one to five years of time in reaching a chosen goal.
***************************************
I especially love #5 – Go back and read that again. Never has there been more opportunity for creating the job or work you love.
A listener asked, “Why do the rich get richer and the poor get poorer?” Rather than just my normal 2 minute response I am going to devote an entire podcast to discussing that question. And I am asking for your input – “Why do the rich get richer and the poor get poorer?” Send your response to [email protected] or go to https://www.48days.com/ask-dan/ and just speak your wisdom.
Dan,
I agree- after reading most of your stuff I think you were influenced greatly by this guy. I think it’s great that you are still reading Napolean Hill. All these years later.
Brad – yep, I see his words infiltrating my writing. It’s the old adage that there’s really nothing new. I’m just privileged to be able to recycle some the timeless principles that can continue to help us all.
This method will work if you have a connection to the hiring manager. Well written paper or not, if the company is not a small firm you will get deferred to an online application process or an obscure HR person. If you are 60 like me, 90% of any companies will not hire you unless you are an advanced degreed executive with an industry known reputation. I know of what I speak. I have been job hunting for 21 months since getting laid off and to even get an interview is a miracle. (middle sales management)
Getting a job today is a much different animal than 1937. Dan when was the last time you tried to get a job? Fortunately for you, you are a successful business man who does not have to rely on someone else deeming you worthy of their employment. You have a God given talent at what you do and it shows, some of us are not gifted the same. God did not create us all with the same talents.
Hi Trey
Technology can be your friend as well as your foe. Use LInkedIn and Google to find the name of the person you would be working under, and then use the above technique to mail an actual letter (not an e-mail) on stationery with your resume included addressed to that person. Mark “personal / confidential” on the outside of the envelope to avoid having a gatekeeper decide on his / her behalf that they aren’t interested. You’d be surprised at the percentage of positive responses you get that way. I’ve booked interviews and sold content using this method, and have yet to receive any nasty feedback.
Trey,
That is true, God hasn’t given us all the same talent.
And irrespective of your age, maybe you haven’t discovered your gift as yet.
Whether you are 10 or 60, keep hope alive!
God’s blessings.