Superheroes on the job hunt - the application process

A University degree and several University diplomas in my pocket, 16 years of experience in global omnichannel customer experience, organizational development, digitalization and IT affinity. On top of that successful project matrix cross-functional international leadership.

You would think, that’s a pretty good profile for start-ups or companies in a transition, yes?

I am one of these people navigating my way through the job hunting market. Because in Switzerland, only 5% can actually live from their coaching job, also I need the main job bringing in the money. I love my current profession developing strategies and managing change. And I have a proven track record. Many companies assume, that people like me are too expensive or overqualified for them. Even before the crisis, cost-effectiveness was a topic. Absolutely ok, if the wage is fair. On top of that, the market right now wants Super-Experts with just one Super-Power and not Super-Heros.

But here’s the reality. Imagine you need that specific new SUV car for your upcoming summer holiday tour through Switzerland. You are willing to pay only half-price. Are you ok with a car without tires and an engine?

There seems something fundamentally wrong with the current very short-term-thinking job market on both sides of the table - companies and employees. Let’s first have a look at one (in my opinion) “ideal and human application” process.

The keyword for the whole process is empathy and personalization. That is for two reasons. First, you want motivated people working for you. Science has proven, that this increases employee loyalty, company output and profit.

Second, most companies invest in their customer loyalty and forget, that employees are also customers. Imagine, if you apply for a job at a company and never hear back. The sign you get is; we do not care for people. Now imagine this to be a health care company. Remember; in the end, our buying decisions are made emotionally!