Step into the shoes of your hiring manager. Hiring managers are given a job description with the roles & requirements for the role and they are tasked to do one thing: Look for the candidate that is a perfect match for the role description. 

So how do you build trust with your hiring manager? Don’t tell them you can do the job, SHOW them you can do the job. If your pre-existing hard skills, experience and qualifications are an exact match to the specific role you are applying for, you’re golden. 

In the quest for a fulfilling and successful career, Cal Newport's "So Good They Can't Ignore You" Newport challenges conventional advice about passion being the most important factor for career success. Instead, he argues that there are several factors that are more important than passion:

1. Don't Follow Your Passion 

Newport argues that the advice to "follow your passion" is flawed. Many people don’t have pre-existing passions that map onto career choices. Instead, he suggests focusing on becoming exceptional at something valuable. Passion, he asserts, often follows from mastery and the satisfaction derived from being great at what you do.

2. Be So Good They Can’t Ignore You 

To achieve career success, Newport emphasizes the importance of developing rare and valuable skills. By focusing on deliberate practice and continuous improvement, you can become so proficient that your work stands out. This principle is about investing time and effort into honing your craft, which, in turn, leads to better career opportunities and recognition.

3. Adopt the Craftsman Mindset 

Newport contrasts the craftsman mindset with the passion mindset. The craftsman mindset focuses on what you can offer to the world, not what the world can offer you. This approach encourages you to dedicate yourself to improving your skills and producing high-quality work, which ultimately makes you indispensable.

4. Control and Autonomy 

Once you have developed your skills and established yourself as a valuable asset, Newport highlights the importance of gaining control over your career. Having autonomy and control over your work leads to greater job satisfaction and creativity. However, he warns that control must be earned through demonstrated competence.

5. The Importance of Mission 

Newport advises building a mission into your career. A mission gives your work a sense of purpose and direction, guiding your efforts and providing motivation. He suggests that a compelling mission often emerges at the intersection of your skills and the needs of the world.

By applying these principles, you can build a career that is not only successful but also deeply fulfilling. Newport's insights encourage a shift from seeking immediate passion to cultivating excellence, ultimately leading to a more satisfying professional life.