What do you do if your communication style doesn't resonate with different job search audiences?

One of the best tools I’ve discovered to help us understand and adapt to different communication styles is DiSC. A key skill in job search is shaping your STAR stories to the interview (I call that “remixing”). The basic story (melody) stays the same but we remix it to the preferred style of the interviewer ( direct, inclusive, complete, persuasive). This allows the story to be best understood and appreciated by the listener. Otherwise, our responses can fall flat and we wonder why the interviewer didn’t value our answers as much as they might have.

To further refine your communication style, actively seek out opportunities for practice. This could involve participating in speaking clubs like Toastmasters, where you can receive constructive feedback in a supportive environment. Also, consider the cultural context of your communication; different cultures have varying expectations regarding communication styles. Watching and analyzing effective communicators can also provide valuable insights into successful techniques that you can adopt. Additionally, using tools such as video recordings to review your own communication can highlight areas for improvement and help you see how others might perceive your style.

Understand: Take the time to research and understand the preferences, needs, and communication styles of different job search audiences, such as entry-level candidates, mid-career professionals, executives or individuals from diverse backgrounds. Your Tone and Language: Adjust your tone and language to align with the preferences of your target audience. Tailor your messaging to resonate with their level of experience, industry knowledge, and professional background. Customize Your Content: Customize your communication content to address the specific interests, concerns, and priorities of different job search audiences. Highlight relevant benefits, opportunities, and value propositions that resonate with their career goals and aspirations.

Recognizing that effective communication requires adaptability, I strive to tailor my approach to resonate with diverse job search audiences. By actively listening and understanding their preferences, I aim to foster meaningful connections and ensure clarity in conveying information. Embracing versatility in communication enables me to engage with candidates from various backgrounds, ultimately enhancing the candidate experience and facilitating mutual understanding.

"Unmasking Your Communication ?? Blind Spots" In today's diverse job market, a one-size-fits-all communication style won't cut it. Take a deep dive into your communication DNA. Are you a direct communicator, known for clear and concise messages? Or perhaps you're an indirect communicator, weaving context into your narrative. Understanding your natural tendencies is key to identifying areas for growth. Has interview feedback hinted at a disconnect? Maybe your emails could be more concise, or your interview style needs a touch more directness. By recognizing your blind spots, you can tailor your approach to resonate with different audiences.

Avoid asking your friends for advice. Yes, I said what I said. If you are looking for feedback on why your message isn't resonating with the intended audience- your friends/family are unlikely to give solid advice. Talk to professionals or your professional mentors in your industry to ask them how to tweak and what you are missing.

Just as a scientist uses instruments to get precise readings, employ AI tools like sentiment analysis software to gauge the emotional tone of your written communications. After making adjustments based on AI insights, share your documents with mentors or peers for additional feedback. This dual-layer approach ensures your revisions are well-rounded and effective.

If your communication style seems to be missing the mark with your target audience, then it may be time to consider making an adjustment. Here are a few things I’ve found to be helpful when speaking to different audiences. Get to know your audience to genuinely understand their preferences. Once you have identified your audience’s preference you are then able to adapt your communication style to better suit their needs and preferences.

Imagine you’re a DJ adjusting tunes to match the vibe of the crowd. Once you've assessed your style and gathered feedback, start tailoring your communication to fit the expectations of each employer. For instance, if a company values innovation and creativity, inject your communications with dynamic and forward-thinking language.

Consider communication as part of your wardrobe—you choose your outfit based on the occasion. Research the cultural norms of the industry or company you're targeting. If it’s more traditional, lean towards a formal tone. For a startup, a conversational style might be better received. Understanding these nuances can prevent missteps and enhance your rapport with the audience.

Your digital presence, including LinkedIn, personal website, and online portfolios, reflects your communication style. Ensure the language aligns with your audience's expectations—sleek and straightforward for conservative fields, showcasing personality while maintaining professionalism for creative industries.

Managing your digital presence is like tending a garden visible to passersby. Regularly update your LinkedIn profile, Twitter, and professional blog to reflect a communication style that resonates with your industry. Use SEO tools to optimize your content so that it not only appeals to human readers but also ranks well in search results, increasing your visibility.

Being flexible with your communication style is like being a chameleon, adapting colors to blend into various environments. Practice shifting your style based on the platform, purpose, and people you are engaging with. This ability to switch gears can help you connect more effectively with diverse audiences, increasing your chances of job search success.

A couple of things I do when I have to engage with different audience segments are: I identify the needs, & expectations of each audience segment you're targeting (e.g. recruiters, hiring managers, HR professionals). This will help you tailor your messaging and delivery. Adjust your tone & language. Use vocabulary, examples, & a level of formality that resonates with the specific audience. Avoid jargon or casual language that may be off-putting. Vary your communication channels. Some may prefer more formal written materials, while others respond better to video introductions. If your background doesn't perfectly align with a role, emphasize how your skills & experience can translate to meet the needs of that particular audience.

The ATS, recruiters, HR representatives, and hiring decision-makers have very different communication styles, requirements, and priorities. However, you usually only need the decisionmaker's vote. Since the hiring decisionmaker is in your field, it is probably the person you are going to have the best communication with so avoid the gatekeepers altogether. By networking to get referrals and direct access to the hiring decision-makers, you can bypass all the gatekeepers that you have a hard time talking with and hone in on your communication and connection with the decisionmaker AKA your potential new boss.