Have you wondered what the "It" factor really is? If you are like most job hunters out there you have heard hiring managers are looking for the "It" factor. Well what exactly is the "It" they are referring to? It may be best defined by a famous quote from Benjamin Franklin & later Coach John Wooden, "Failing to prepare is preparing to fail." If you are not ready for the opportunity when it presents itself, the presenter of the opportunity will not be convinced you have "It".

See those individuals with the "It" factor are ready for the opportunities when they are presented. How? They plan for them. Plain and simple they see the moves ahead of time, like a great chess player. They know what is coming by understanding where they are at, and what opportunities to look for.

Another separator for the "It" factor is understanding more often then not, real opportunities are disguised as hard work and the "It" crowd are ready to take it on. They are the ones who are willing to learn, work, and test new skills while others wait for the someone to give them incentive to take action. The individuals with the "It" factor often act on opportunities before they have fully analyzed the outcomes because they know the ultimate outcome is the acquisition of applied knowledge. Failure is merely an experience of one way to avoid in the future, rather then a stopping point.

So if you are looking to get to the "It" factor in your job search, be willing to do those things others are not.

1. Be sure to set goals and a destination. Goals will help you to acquire new skills and knowledge, but having a destination in mind will give you the map to get through the woods.
2. Take action, being open to opportunities is not enough these days. Most everyone is open to opportunities. Take actions that will create new opportunities to add value rather then waiting for someone to give you incentive to move.
3. Be adaptable in your approach, but not your goal. There are many ways to get to a destination, so if a different path can lead you to your goal be open to it. But if it is not a path that leads you in the direction of your goal then say no.
4. Know the problem your are trying to solve. Then be sure to understand how you could be the solution!
5. Alter your resume to fit the job you are applying to, not the one you already have.

Best of luck and here's to watching you strengthen your "It" factor.