There is hardly a job seeker that can’t give you a really “good” reason why their situation is worse than most and they can’t get a job because of it. Certainly there are challenges that many people face that may make it more difficult, but most people over estimate how large those challenges are. Also, there is almost no challenge that can’t be overcome with the right attitude, approach, and determination.
I regularly hear people tell me that they can’t get a job because:
- I’m too old and face age discrimination.
- I’m too young and companies are hiring older more experienced people.
- I don’t have a degree.
- I’m over qualified with my graduate degree.
- They are only hiring men.
- They are only hiring women.
- I have physical restrictions.
- Companies want more experience with a particular skill.
- Companies don’t want much experience these days.
- I have too many jobs on my resume.
- I’ve been at one company too long.
- Companies are only hiring consultants.
- Companies are focused on diversity, and I’m not “diverse”.
- I’m a minority and face discrimination.
- It’s a “Good Old Boys” network, and I’m not a “Good Old Boy”.
- …and many, many more.
The reality is, depending on the company, each of those things may be true. AND depending on the company, none of those things are true.
After 23 years in the executive search business, I can honestly tell you that many of the traditional barriers that used to be common, are all but gone. “Conventional Wisdom” about age, or race, disability, or sex discrimination just don’t exist anywhere near where they used to even 10 or 20 years ago. Certainly there are instances where it occurs, however, they are isolated and rare. Most people that are convinced that they are being singled out though, “find” discrimination, or negative business reasons everywhere.
In fact, for almost any person that gives a reason why they cannot get hired, you can find another person with the same circumstances that got a job. It may take more effort. It may take a different approach. However, the biggest stumbling block to getting a job is often the mindset of the seeker.
As in anyone’s job search, they can benefit by some good search tips:
- Call company contacts instead of applying online and waiting.
- Network, Network, Network!
- Follow up regularly – persistence pays.
- Pursue all leads, you don’t know where the right job will come from.
- Put in enough daily time and effort – treat your search like a full-time job.
- Be prepared – in introductions, interviews, phone calls, follow ups, etc.
- Keep a positive attitude!
Most people don’t treat their job hunt like a full-time job, and so their search drags on much longer than necessary. When the job doesn’t come in the timeframe they’d like, it’s easier to blame it on other circumstances.
Plan your work, and work your plan and the right situation will come!
Footnote:
Thank you for visiting The Wise Job Search. I truly appreciate your interest. If you like the material here and would like to help keep it viable, please peruse and visit book recommendations, and other resources posted throughout the site. Best wishes on your continued search, and feedback is always welcome!
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3 comments:
Great reminder for me! I hear these "reasons" every day from job seekers and maybe I am getting soft in my insistance in a positive attitude and aggressive job search strategies. Thanks.
Kris Plantrich
ResumeWonders
Many job seekers even phrase their frustration as "Why won't anyone GIVE me a job?!?" I think that says a lot in itself.
But part of the reason so many people are making (usually incorrect) assumptions about why they were not hired is because employers/hiring managers don't provide any feedback. I'm not saying they SHOULD (although that would be very helpful!). I realize it's impractical to do this for every candidate. But job seekers are people, and like you said, Harry, most people prefer to find fault in their "circumstances" rather than themselves.
It's difficult to help them when we don't know the exact problem... (but you're doing a great job! :-)
In my coaching practice I hear many of the same refrains. When I ask people how they know these are the factors, they rarely have an answer.
It is human nature to look for reasons we can't accomplish, but with out independent confirmation, they are excuses. To combat the frustration and anger, take action.
Regardless of the reasons, and trust me, you will not get the reason by asking the interviewer or recruiter, the changes are the same.
Record a mock interview and review it with a critical eye/friend. Read a comprehensive job search book that all aspects of job search.
Make the appropriate changes.
Watch how you dress, make all your emails and writing the best it can be and refine your elevator pitch to reflect what distinguishes you from others who do what you do.
Once you have made these changes, your job search may just become a lot easier.
Rita Ashley, Career Coach
Author:Job Search Debugged
Author: Networking Debugged
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