While you were working with a company, you are sure to hear about and get to know about other companies operating in the same industry. This information will serve you very well if you are now looking for employment in the same market but can no longer work for your previous employer.

Approaching Old Competition

As someone who used to work in a competing company, you might even be acquainted with people from rival firms. These are the first people you should look up if you are now looking for a job in their companies. This is because you are likely to have built up a name or reputation for yourself while you were working in the industry, and in most industries, people are at least aware of the other professional working in the same markets. If you are able to leverage on respect that you might have earned as a worthwhile competitor, then you might be able to secure a job with ease. If not, then you will still have to go through the regular job application process.

Do not be discouraged however, if you find that you have to send in your resume like any other regular job applicant. As long as you have listed your previous firm under your prior employment, you are sure to be granted an interview almost immediately. This is because employees who are familiar with the business and do not require the same amounts of training as brand new employees do, are considered extremely valuable to a business.

At your interview, you should emphasize the fact that you know the ins and outs of the business and the markets in which it operates. Your interviewer is sure to appreciate the fact that you know what you are talking about and that you can be a valuable asset to the company.

You also need to make sure that you are clear about why you left your previous employer. If it was not by choice, then you can downplay it by saying that you had a falling out with your previous employer or something along those lines. If it was because you had a problem with the organization or with your fellow employees, then make sure you are explicit with the details. The one drawback of coming from a competing firm is that prospective employers will be wary about whether you are honestly applying for a job or are a corporate spy tasked to find out more about the inner workings of a rival company.

All in all, applying for a job at a previous employer’s competitor is a great way to get yourself into a relatively high-paying position without having to start at the bottom rung and work your way up the corporate ladder.

More Jobseeker Advice from CareerRush.com

Here is the truth: all employers are hiring employees to fit and meet a specific need at their place of business. They need to find a person who will act as a solution in filling this position and carrying out its responsibilities in a professional and effective manner. Regardless of your skill set and previous experience, all you need to do is prove to any potential employer that you are the solution to their problems. If you can prove yourself to be a solution then you will be able to acquire the position that you desire over your competition with very little effort.

How can I Make Myself Appear to be the Solution?

The first thing you should consider is “first contact.” Your first contact will most likely be in the form of your personal resume. The first thing you should do is learn everything you can about the position you are applying for. You should consider the responsibilities that are involved in this position. Then, look back at your work history and determine which are the other positions you have held that match up with or feature the same type of responsibilities as this new position you are applying for.

From there you should compose a very strategic cover letter that states that you have read the responsibilities of the position for which you are applying and that you already have the skills necessary in order to fill this position and to carry it out without concern. You should shortly cover these past experiences in order to truly show a potential employer in your resume that you have the training and skills necessary to fill this position and that you are eager to get involved.

Never hesitate to add in this personal aspect. Feel free to tell a potential employer that you hope to excel at their company and in their position. You need to immediately show them that you are the solution to their vacancy and that you are more than trained and eager to get started in the position.  You don’t need to be robotic in your resume. Add a degree of personality to show them how you truly feel about the position you are applying for.

Try to be a solution for your target employer to show them why they should choose you. Try to be a solution for your target employer so that you can show them why you should be considered above your competition. The quicker that you become a solution and prove to a potential employer that you are the solution to their needs, the quicker you will able to acquire the position you desire.

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