A lot of people could be in this position.


Limited Places

Yes there may be limited opportunities and a lot of competition, but you're practically born to do this role aren't you?  There could be plenty of people (your competitors) who stumbled in to this role and aren't ideal for it, but who just knew the right people at the right times.

You could get well ahead of these people.

You're High Value

The fact is, you're high value in this field - you're damn good by default in this area ( a 'hero' remember?) so you'll have to find a way to get this noticed by the people hiring.


Outsmart Your Competition

You're going to have to outflank them.

A smart strategy is to find an entry point to your career where the competition is much lower. Just as a means to get your foot in the door. Do not compete with the masses in the same way they're all doing it. You'll be banging your head against the wall. Find the weak point and attack there.

Be smart and strategic. Network, talk and read up to find the weak point. DO NOT guess it. It might be another role where you can work for a few weeks or months and network internally then step sideways into the ideal one.


How I Did This

I did exactly this after leaving University years ago to get on to a graduate scheme in a large company. I got rejected through the main recruitment process (too many CV's being fired at the employer). So I outflanked the competition. I signed up to 5 recruitment agencies and said, 'get me in to that company via any temp role, and don't contact me with any other positions'.

My directive approach must have stood out to them and they knew and remembered to call me when temp roles came available. They desperately want to fill their roles asap of course so they appreciated the clarity I gave them. Clear and simple instructions.

I got in via the finance department in an admin role, then started networking to meet the graduate scheme decision maker. I just kept asking 'who's the man?' I ended up having lunch with him in the canteen on a number of occasions, got friendly, and told him how keen I was to get on the scheme and why I was right for it. The interview he gave me then was just a formality - I was in.


Or Go Higher Up the Ranks

Another way is to aim at a higher level position than the ideal one you were going for. There's usually less competition and you're more likely to get noticed amongst other applicants. Get noticed, get asked in for interview and THEN you can request the exact role and deal you want, once you've showcased your talents, skills and passions.

Just compete in the higher league where there's less noise.


Consider Upping Your Credibility and Perceived Value

If you think it will work you could always tell them that you've been through a 'find your ideal career' process and this was the outcome. That it's aligned your strengths, talents, passions, drive, etc. Point them to the site if you want. When they see you're that serious and have spent a long time planning and working this one out your credibility for the role increases.


Suggested Steps:

Avoid the traditional job application process when competition is so high and put your time and efforts elsewhere.

1. Track down the decision makers for the specific role as fast as possible

2. Track down an influential person connected to them

3. Get proof of your talents (results/value you can provide) in front of their eyes preferably via the influential connection. You'll have pre-planned how you'll do this effectively

4. Get connected to them via the influential person

5. Connect and propose your deal (demo what you'll give them and the value of it to them in return for paying you)

I'll show you how to do these in detail once you've posted in this forum to celebrate your success of finding your ideal career.

As soon as you have, I'll be in touch and help you further. Keep moving on it if you're serious about making it happen.

Mark