51: Get into the mind of a hiring manager

Let's face it, career changers aren't typical job candidates. You've got the extra hurdle of having to convince a hiring manager that you can do the job you're applying for in a new field.

To better understand what a hiring manager is thinking—and feeling—I’m speaking with Dawn Graham, PhD, a licensed psychologist and author of Switchers: How Smart Professionals Change Careers and Seize Success.

Dawn is a leading career switch coach, TEDx speaker, LinkedIn Learning instructor and the former host of the popular show, Dr. Dawn on Careers, on SiriusXM Radio.

In this episode, Dawn takes us on a psychological deep dive into what’s really going on when a hiring manager evaluates a career changer. She reveals which pain points you need to address, the mistakes you could be making without even realizing it, and how to reframe your approach to win over the person who'll likely be your boss.  

Episode Highlights:
• The psychology aspect of a job search
• Loss aversion and red flags
• Incorporating emotion in hiring
• Elimination vs Selection
• How to counter bias with networking
• Closing the gap as a career changer
• Pros and cons of cover letters
• Identifying a hiring manager's pain points
• How a hiring manager is likely feeling
• Addressing concerns a hiring manager has about career changers 
• How to show that you are serious about your career switch
• Deciding if you need to go back to school
• Mistakes you could be making when applying for a job in a new field
• Match first, stand out second
• The benefits of a stepping stone switch

Find Dawn Graham, PhD, at:

Website: https://execpsyc.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdawngraham/

Book: Switchers: How Smart Professionals Change Careers and Seize Success

LinkedIn Learning Courses: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/instructors/dawn-graham

TEDx Talk: Your Next Job is One Conversation Away

SiriusXM Radio show: Dr. Dawn on Careers

Music credit: TimMoor from Pixabay

Podcast info:
What's your career switch? What do you think about this episode and the show? Tell us at careerswitchpod.com. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.