He offered something different and he appeared to really want the job…What job applicants can learn from Donald Trump’s success
Just over a week on from Donald Trump's surprise victory, recruitment giant James Reed asks what job seekers could learn from the President-Elect's success
WHETHER you like him or loathe him, there’s no avoiding the reality - Donald Trump is the President of the United States.
When it comes down to it, the US Presidential Election is essentially a very high profile job application, according to James Reed, the chairman of the Reed recruitment companies.
James says there are some important lessons that job seekers can take from people like Trump, who beat the odds to defeat powerful competitors in the race for the top job.
Here are his top five tips you can learn from Donald Trump's victory to make you more successful in your job search:
1. He demonstrated personal energy and drive
James said: "When you’re looking to hire someone, low energy is a definite no-no.
"In the run up to the election, Donald Trump repeatedly accused his rival Hillary Clinton of lacking the energy to do the job in question, which he said 'requires a lot of energy.'
"Obviously a lot of Americans also heard this message, and it’s harshness and directness hit home."
James said Donald Trump, on the other hand, displayed the right amount of energy, adding: "Between numerous speeches and a seemingly unending stream of Tweets - and at one stage attending four rallies in two different time zones in a single day - Trump proved he had the energy and drive needed for the job."
2. He used memorable language
"The use of language throughout an interview process has a huge impact on the success of candidates," says James.
"There’s a fine line between demonstrating to the employer you are willing, able and determined to do a good job and overpromising.
"Throughout the campaign process, Trump continually used phrases like ‘I will do this’ and ‘we will make America great again.’
"His emphasis on the change that he would enact, meant that those who voted for him, did so because of this determination in his language."
3. He offered something different
James said before an interview, find your unique selling point and focus on it.
He said: "During an interview process employers and recruiters will be looking for the candidate to demonstrate their unique selling point.
"This is essentially what you believe sets you apart and makes you the best candidate for the role.
"Trump did this by offering dramatic change and continually reinforcing his position as an outsider in politics.
"This became his USP, and although under qualified in diplomacy and the day-to-day running of the White House, it contributed to him getting the job."
4. He appeared to really want the job
"When it comes down to it, more often than not, the candidate with the most energy and determination is going to be hired," said James.
"Throughout the campaign trails, Trump was incredibly vocal about his desire for the role of US President, even publicly acknowledging that he would refuse to take no for an answer.
"Although I would always urge candidates not to be overzealous in an interview, it’s clear that drive and determination are winning factors for successful job candidates."
5. He stood out from the crowd
Most employers will pick someone with the right mindset over someone with the right skills, says James.
He added: "When asked if they would choose someone with the right mindset who lacks all the skills desired for the position or someone who has all the skills but not the ideal mindset, an astonishing 97% of employers tell me that they would pick mindset ahead of skill set.
"During the campaign trail, Clinton regularly listed her array of credible and wide-ranging political accomplishments but this wasn’t enough to sway the popular vote.
"Instead, Trump, lacking in political and leadership skills managed to succeed, due to his mindset, in particular his grit."