Show Up - The First Step to Landing That Job
Jantzen Raymond is the embodiment of persistence.
With nothing more than a last-minute ticket to Oregon, he set out to meet with over 10 people at Nike. Not for an interview, but to learn from them and understand what they did and why.
A few months later, he took another bold step by booking a one-way ticket to Nike’s headquarters to chase his dream job.
Fast forward three years at Nike and over two years with the NCAA, Jantzen has proven that with grit, determination, and the support of friends and family, you can turn your aspirations into reality.
Hear more of his story and how he’s approached each job search in the full article here.
What’s your advice for job seekers?
Figure out your niche. Where can you add value?
This will look different for everyone, but it starts by asking these questions:
What am I good at?
What do I feel called to do?
Where can I highlight those strengths?
Once you’ve figured that out, it’s time to focus on making connections. Whether it’s a simple LinkedIn message or attending in-person events, showing up consistently is key. Show up, over and over, and be clear about how you can add value to others, their teams, or their organizations.
You might ask, “So, how do I know where to show up? Start by identifying who’s in the role you want to grow into. Who’s the hiring manager for that role? Do you know anyone who works there or can you connect with someone who does?
For me, I wanted to work at Nike, so I bought a one-way ticket to their headquarters. I didn’t have an interview lined up. I just showed up and started conversations with anyone available. That’s how I ended up working there for over three years.
What are some qualities of an A-player?
Talent is something that you have naturally. Skill is something that you can learn. The most talented people aren’t always the best team players. It’s the people who take pride in their skills and who constantly strive to improve who make A-players. A coachable mindset, a hunger to learn, and humility are key traits of an A-player.
I remember my first public speaking event with the NCAA. Afterward, I asked my boss, “Give me a grade. Where did I mess up? Where could I've gotten better?” He gave me a D-minus. He pointed out areas like my intro, eye contact, and other details. That feedback helped me grow and prepare for future opportunities.
As for what makes a great leader, it’s someone who treats everyone with respect and as equals, regardless of their role. A great leader embodies the principle: “Make it hard to spot the general by working like a soldier.” The best leaders don’t speak down to you. They roll up their sleeves and work alongside you.
What would you tell someone 5 minutes before an interview?
If you're speaking with multiple people, don’t feel like you need to win everyone over. Focus on one or two people you’ve researched and feel you can connect with. When I interviewed with the NCAA, there were 10 people at the table. I had done my homework on all of them, but I zeroed in on two that I felt I could relate to based on shared experiences.
Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, and Result) to structure your answers. Be ready to tell the story behind your responses.
With just 5 minutes left before your interview, remember to be authentic. The last thing you want is to be hired for something you're not prepared for or passionate about.
What’s one skill or trait that you think will be essential for success in the workforce moving forward?
One skill I believe will always be essential is the ability to tell a compelling story. Look at any successful brand, whether it’s Nike or another company, what makes them resonate with audiences is how they tell their story. For example, Nike has been incredibly successful at telling a story that connects with a wide range of people.
Great companies don’t just sell a product; they tell a story about why their product matters and why it’s relevant now. The most successful brands are those that can capture attention through a well-told story. It could be a commercial, a social media post, or in how they engage with their audience.
As we move forward, especially with the rise of AI and changes in industries like professional athletics, storytelling will still be a key differentiator. It’s a skill that’s been valuable for decades, and companies that can tell the best stories, build a following, and create authentic connections will continue to thrive, now and in the future.
To find out more about Jantzen check out his LinkedIn here and connect!