Job Seekers: What to do When You’re Desperate tagged: , , , , , ,

Job Seekers: What to do When You’re Desperate

Posted by in Ta - Talent Acquisition

The past four to five years have been tough from an employment standpoint for experienced and non-experienced job seekers.

I get it….companies are not hiring, you don’t have the experience they are looking for, the job doesn’t pay what you used to make or want, or you are over qualified. All valid points – heck, I have been there before. It can get frustrating and discouraging, leaving one in a desperate state to find anything.

However, it is this desperate state to find anything is where I have seen employers get frustrated. Frustrated? Yes, frustrated. Here is why.

Time and time again I see candidates say “yes” to jobs or expectations that are not aligned with their personal and professional expectations. For instance, the job requires 10 – 12 hours per day and the candidate says not problem to this in the interview. The candidate ends up getting hired and three to six weeks in, the candidate now employee, is griping about the hours. “I didn’t know it was going to be so many hours”.

The question I always have is:  was this information presented to you in the interview? Furthermore, I go on to ask:  what changed between when you interviewed and now?

What changed was that you needed a job and you would say whatever was necessary to get the job. I get that people need to work, but taking a job for the sake of getting a paycheck doesn’t always work out. Especially in situations where it doesn’t align for you personally and professionally. If you do not like working 10 – 12 hours per day, do not take a job that requires that much time at work. Instead, go find a part-time gig until you are able to find something full-time – this will at least bring in some income and provide you with potential opportunities to network.

So, if you find yourself in that stage of being desperate for a job, what should do?

  1. Be honest with yourself and the expectations you have for a job
  2. Don’t settle on something you think you can make yourself like for the sake of getting a paycheck
  3. Search for part-time opportunities in your field until you are able to find something full-time
  4. When a recruiter asks you if are “ok” with something, don’t lie if you are not; this just pisses people off if you get hired and you think you can get moved around once hired
  5. Network
  6. Understand you may have to start at the bottom (possibly again)
  7. Don’t sell yourself short – be sure to promote your knowledge, skills, and abilities
  8. Have a rockin’ resume (if you need some assistance in this department, check out Chris Fields)
  9. Reach out to people – social media today makes it easier to get connected with people that are hiring or can get you connected
  10. Don’t give up!

I know it is easy for someone who is employed to give you a “duh” list of things to do when you are desperately looking for a job, but again, I have been in your shoes. It isn’t fun, nor easy. If you need someone to talk to or want some guidance, feel free to reach out to me:  chris@xtremehr.com.

Photo Credit:

HireXA

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