Are You a Hunter or a Farmer

Are You a Hunter or a FarmerAre You a Hunter or a FarmerThere are two types of job seekers. In a market that relies on survival of the fittest, one is more likely to outlast the other. Which type are you?In sale, talent is often labeled as coming in two varieties hunters and farmers.Hunters are known forpursuing new businessseeking out leadsbeing aggressive finding potential new customersbreaking new accountsexpanding existing footprintsthwarting defectionskeeping clients loyalgenerating additional revenuesproducing new profitsIn short, they go after wins. On the other hand, farmers usuallymaintain the status quoare content to harvest existing customer businessare often in maintenance modeOne role may be a better fit depending on the market conditions. However, todays highly competitive job market demands that candidates adopt the hunter approach.Those who create positions for themselves are labeled opportunists. The opposite are applicants. There are too many other qualified individ uals wooing employers for the standard applicants to win.The farmers are often left waiting in the dust while their proactive, persistent hunter competitors land new jobs. Farmers dont do anything wrong or bad, but neither do they do anything innovative. Farming only works if business is already in hand and the competition is asleep at the wheel. Yet this is not the case with the current market. Positions are not abundant it takes some hunting to scope out potential openings.A buyers market Employers today do not have to pursue candidates they are in the drivers seat. That means candidates have to jump start the sales process.Today, all job seekers are in sales. They are marketing themselves to employers who have lots of choices. With stiff competition for openings, candidates cannot get a job just because they are talented. To get a foot in the door, job seekers need to assert themselves and appeal to employers interests. Insist that a new job could be created just to meet a specif ic challenge.These hunters dont wait for a recruiter to track them down they pursue what they want. You wont see them submiting an application and waiting for an interview appointment. More likely, theyll connect with the hiring decision-maker and position themselves as the preferred solution.Are you going to be a hunter/shopper/opportunist and land a new exciting career challenge as quickly as possible? Choose to network purposefully and connect with insiders who know about potential openings before they are advertised. Show employers that you are a hunter who will deliver for them.