How To Land Your Dream Client/ Job ft. Sonal Bahl – Career Strategist | Pepper Spotlight Ep. 27

Here is How You Can Win a Dream Job or Client! 

Do you often sit back and think that you are good at what you do, but the dream client is still not in your field of view? That is often the unfortunate truth. Being good is not good enough. It’s redundant to have all the talent and not know how to sell yourself to the world. 

Well, we decided to take this problem head-on and talk to the person who has many answers. On this week’s Pepper Spotlight Podcast, we have Sonal Bahl. She is the host of the ‘How I Got Hired’ Podcast and a mastermind of recruitment. 

She shares incredible tips and tricks for professionals and freelancers to land their dream job. Also, learn how to get the price you want and the inside secrets to land high-paying clients.

Check out the whole episode here: 

Here are some of the key takeaways from this chat.   

The Bridge Between Organization And Candidate

Every business wants the best employees, and every candidate is looking for nothing less than the best. How is it that, while both are looking for the same thing — none of them can find it easily? 

Let’s look at this from the perspective of each of them: 

The Business 

“Every single thing we do or think is coming from a lens,” explains Sonal. It’s important to know that opinions and facts are often considered the same during recruiting.

For example: ‘Talent is short’ is an opinion, not a fact. According to Sonal, most recruiters believe in a ‘Purple Squirrel.’ Companies are on the lookout for the candidate so perfect that they do not exist. They want the person who has an unrealistic experience, all the degrees in the world, and a good work ethic. 

“It’s like trying to find your ideal person in dating,” Sonal explains. What you are looking for is a dream, but it’s essential to be realistic. Companies must understand the difference between “nice to have, and need to have.”

According to Sonal, there are two major mistakes that most companies make. The Alpha error is rejecting the right person. And the Beta error; saying yes to the wrong person. Both lead to awful mistakes at the workplace and build frustrations over time.  

The Candidate: 

The inability to understand goals is one of the most basic errors of job seekers. Having a clear and narrow plan is extremely helpful. Let’s consider the example of a person between jobs. 

Someone in a period of unemployment agrees to anything. It’s only human nature to seek stability. In such a case, you do not please the business. Instead, you present yourself as a lost soul. 

One hack for people seeking unique dream jobs is to imply “Informational interviews.” Here is what that is:

These are attempted to seek interviews outside of the recruitment routine. Ask a friend within the company for time with the person in charge. Use words like “I would love to speak with you for just twenty minutes about ABC.” Let ABC be a particular aspect of the business. 

During these conversations, do not sell yourself. Sell a solution. Bring something worthwhile to the table and do not take more than the promised time. “Informational interviews are a great weapon for something that starts at nothing,” says Sonal. 

Debunking Portfolios 

Remember, your recruitment does not merely need a resume. In today’s world, a wholesome understanding of your personality is critical.

So what is a portfolio? This file is a resource (or collection) of your work. While a resume simply highlights you in subheadings — a portfolio amplifies your existing talents and achievements. Rather than showing ranks, show progress. 

Your LinkedIn profile can work as your portfolio too. But, only if you spend time updating meaningful content. “Make your profile such that companies want to meet you!” said Sonal. LinkedIn is free and has more consumers than creators. Sharing your expertise on this platform can bring many eyeballs to your talent. 

If you give the Pepper Spotlight Episode a listen, Sonal shares some usable examples of showcasing your work (without it looking like bragging).  

Do not expect overnight results. Building a portfolio takes time and interest in the field. 

I’ve Zero Experience; how Do I Start?

We have all heard about the vicious cycle of experience. You need the expertise to get a job, but cannot get one without it. Sigh! We asked Sonal if there was a way out of this. And there is.  

“Volunteer and go where you can find a chance,” explains Sonal. If you do not have the experience but believe you have the skill, work to build strong testimonials. This free service is very critical for every newbie. This experience can lead to a permanent job or a recommendation to someone with an opening for your skillset. 

“And it’s a free training,” she adds. Learn on the job, get a deeper understanding of your skills and seek mentorship. This internship is also an excellent way to test the waters and understand what you genuinely enjoy. 

However, the big question is: “Why should you work for free?” The answer: What are you doing instead? If you want to make progress in a field, you will need these hours of work. It helps you obtain real-life feedback. The feedback you will not receive while working in your bubble. 

Check This Out: 

This conversion on the Pepper Spotlight Podcast is a goldmine of information for creators, freelancers, and job-seekers. There are two more significant uncertainties we must address. 

One, How should you negotiate a salary/price? And second, Do recruitment agencies really work?

If you wish to find out, you will have to check out the complete episode right now! Sonal Bahl has an incredible ability to explain all our grievances with anecdotes and insight. Take thirty minutes of your schedule and dive into this pool of wisdom.