It’s been 60 days since our last post and I have come to the conclusion that there are two types of job-seekers:
— those that really want to land a new job
— those that don’t really want to land a job but want others to think they do
Those that really want work get addicted to networking – they make phone calls, set up networking meetings, and are active in professional associations and on professional networking sites to support their habit. Additionally, they seek out opportunities to hone their skills, really try to learn from others who have been successful, and look on online job-boards as an after thought.
The key to their success is they realize the job-search is THEIR project, not anyone elses.
On the other side of the coin are the job-seekers who really don’t want to find work but want others to think they do. They spend all of their time searching job boards and have excuse after excuse as to why they are not putting in time on the phone to start or continue the networking process. Additionally, they claim that there are no networking groups for them, they have no idea how to use new technologies, and when they contact anyone about their search, their first question is, “Can you find me a job?”
The key to their failure is they hope someone or something else (a person, the internet, etc) will find them a job.
I would encourage you to watch the video below and pay particular attention to the chorus:
How bad do you want a job?
Are you hungry?
Are you thirsty?
Is it a fire that burns you up inside?
How bad do you want it?
How bad do you need it?
Are you eating, sleeping, dreaming
With that one thing on your mind?
How bad do you want it?
How bad do you need it?
Cause if you want it all
You’ve got to lay it all out on the line
If you are ready to lay it out on the line there are some additional posts below that can help you get started.
Tracking your job-search activity
Keeping yourself grounded in your search
Until next time – good hunting and good luck!
A Recruiters Guide to the Universe 
Well said. I too have noticed a trend in the job seeker. As a contincey fee paid executive recruiter, my job is to introduce passive candidates who are looking around and keeping their options open. I sell them on the idea of changing employers and the benefits there-in be it financial, geographic etc. Some candiates “take the bull by the horns.” They follow instruction and take the coaching we offer the candidate. This information can be invaluable and was gathered as a result of our experience in knowing what thw client truly needs. Other candidates know it all and don’t need coaching. I’m sure you can guess their success rate. I will end on this, I was recruiting for a client who was paying considerably more than than industry standard and a candidate told me that they would rather stay on unemployment and wait for the “perfect” sales job. Does that job even exist? Go Figure.
If you are looking and you are in the Education Industry CALL ME! 214-736-1550 (HOW’S THAT FOR HUNGRY?)
Rodney –
That is very hungry (and very well said)!
I will copycat you – if you are looking for employees OR career opps in the technology field CALL ME! 615 309 0870 x 115
Matt,
Thank you for the guidance as always. This causes me to give pause and really look at my job search approach. The information included in this blog is very comprehensive. I realize my search is my responsibility and it is up to me to bring this this home with a successful result. This will help me organize my approach and allow me to hone in on my target companies.
One question though: Vanderbilt is one of my target companies and I have applied for many positions with the same title but in different departments. I have really focused on three main titles Administrative Officer, Grant Manager, and Program Coordinator because these match my skill set and experience. Have you heard that they “black list” people? Health Stream is another employer that I have followed the same approach. I feel that I may be overlooked if I fail to apply for the specific position posted.
Thanks again for your guidance and for sharing your wisdom with all of us out here.
David,
In regards to your target company, Vanderbilt and blacklist. Do you know why someone would be on the blacklist?
I would suggest, as Matt mentioned to network, establish a contact, inquire and follow up. It could be the positions you are applying for are being filled internally. Maybe the positions you are applying for your not meeting the qualifications or your resume does not tell the hiring team that your the one. Are you sure you are on the right career path. Also, consider other similiar positions, it may just be Vanderbilt. So many factors to consider, stay onboard and continue to always assess your skillset, career path and job search strategy.
Consider a behavioral assessment to identify and assess your personal attributes, skills and interest.
Let us know if we can be of assistance.
Teauna Upshaw
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Great kick in the pants! Think there could/should be one category added:
GETTING FIT, healthy, losing weight – is there NO BETTER IDEAL time to get to the Y (who has financial assistance programs for job seekers) and FIGHT to get in shape and lose that weight? Almost EVERY one in the working world “laments” : “I just don’t have time to get to the gym” – work out, network, AND you can network while working out!!!!! HUGE networking opportunity! ~ CBS