Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Frustrated? Its not you, believe me!

Don't let it get you down! It's not you. It's the economy.

Remember, that what's happening in commerce and the world of employment in general, is a reflection of the overall slow economy and the safe measures being taken to reduce economic exposure and commercial risk. It's not a criticism or a commentary on you and your specific qualifications. You cannot stop the world going around each day, even if sometimes we get a bit dizzy from it. Don't take it personally.

Lots of highly qualified people are available on the job market and aren't getting responses to their résumés or callbacks for interviews, let alone job offers. It's not because you lack experience, good sense and credentials. It's not because you're doing something intrinsically wrong. It's the economy, so beating yourself up over the lack of progress you're making in your job search, is not going to help. In fact it will erode your confidence further.

Revitalize, don't reinvent. Job seekers may not need to "reinvent" themselves for today's job market. They may only need to "repackage" themself. A much more agreeable and achievable task.

Forget about the instant makeovers. These are for people who have something to hide. Companies need the experience and accomplishments you have earned over time. Leverage what you already have and focus on it, instead of what you fear you may lack.

This will go a long way toward helping you feel more confident about your experience, rather than makimg you feel old, tired and out-of-touch. (passed it and passed over)

Beware of getting suckered in by personality tuners and career coaches. When times get tough, the tough can be assailed by hype. There are good consultants out there that can offer to revise your résumé', put you in touch with the 'hidden job market' or coach you to become a newer, more marketable you but be cautious and keep your wallet closed.

Not all career coaches as snake-oil salesmen. They provide a worthwhile service, especially to people who have not been in the market for some time and need help with their communication and marketing skills. Good consultants' customers will vouch for them.

There is an old adage that says; Seduction trumps selling. The tight job market has made some job seekers overly aggressive. They think they need to hunt down and beat prospective employers over the head with their qualifications, and can resort to telling hiring managers that they are the "perfect candidate" rather than letting their experience speak for itself.

In business as in love, infatuation rarely develops into a long lasting relationship from being pushy or gushing out a soft schmoo routine. By all means explain and align, but resist the urge to exclaim and alarm. Let people reach their own conclusions about whether you are a potential world class employee or not, they will whether you like it or not.

Yes, by all means be different from the crowd. Stand out at the selection process but remember there is a narrow line between; very attentive and stalking, great enthusiasm and desperation, highly confidence and arrogance. As with meeting new friends and potential mates, do not be afraid to show some aspect of your vulnerable side and I don't mean walk with a limp.

Another big dilemma the job seeker faces is whether to take a lesser job that's a temporary fix, a stopgap. Some wil urge you to choose your next job wisely and not take stop-gap measures. In the real world, life and bills go on. People need to pay their mortgages and feed their families. I will cover some of this discussion in my next blog.

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