4 Ways to Use the Force in Your Job Search

Luuuuuke, I am your Faaather. And also, I need coffee.

Cisco employees are really excited about the upcoming Star Wars movie, The Force Awakens. Especially me. Opening night. I’m there.

Which got me thinking, maybe I could channel Yoda by imparting some “Do or do not, there is no try” wisdom about how to use the Force in a job search.

Express your interest.

Remember this famous The Empire Strikes Back scene?

Princess Lea: “I love you.”

Han Solo: “I know.”

Don’t be Han when you’re looking for a job. Say “I’m interested” if you’re interested in a position. You don’t want to pretend to be nonchalant. You want to make sure that the company knows you want to work for them. And why.

Make it a 2-sided process.

In The Phantom Menace there’s a scene about how the negotiations with the Trade Federation are one-sided. Basically, there is NO negotiation.

A job search shouldn’t be one-sided, either. You need to take control over your own destiny. Did you make sure the company is a good fit for YOU, as well as you being a good fit for the company? Did you get to meet the people or stakeholders you wanted to meet with during the interview?

Don’t play games.

In Return of the Jedi Luke tries to use Jedi Mind Tricks on Jabba the Hut. Jabba just laughs and says those tricks won’t work on him. It’s the same with recruiters and hiring managers. We’ve seen it all folks. We’ve learned to cut through the mind tricks. We’re not just looking for skills, but also for team fit. Playing games just makes us think you wouldn’t be a good co-worker.

Be you, and communicate who you are.

Sometimes, a role isn’t just what the job description is. Things can change. This opportunity may not be right, but there’s another coming along that is. Great companies can look at great people and evolve roles.

Sometimes, you’ve just got to be you. Just like when Luke turned off his targeting computer in his T65 X-Wing Starfighter, and relied on the Force within himself to know how to hit his target. You’ve got to be true to your inner self.

We have some of the best people in the business working at Cisco. If you use these tips, and visit our careers site, you could be one of them.

May the Force be with you.