Articles - Page 236 of 258 - The Voice of Job Seekers

Are You Chasing Away Future Employers?

Job seekers must practices awareness of what they say about current or future employers while searching. Anyone despite looks, wardrobe, or how casual anyone can have a major influence in your career. Let me tell you two stories illustrating this point.

My theatre professor was quite eccentric. He was very much into taking risks, and liked students to call him “Marvin.” I liked him, and gave me opportunity to do my thing in class, although I was the least talented actor. His introduction to us was acting like us, while sitting among us while the rest of speculated.

“He’s fifteen minutes late!”

“Who is this guy?”

“What does he look like?”

One person was more concern about the waste of money he was paying for the class (after all, the semester was only 16 weeks long).

Fortunately, none of us slandered him or said anything inappropriate but to think that the opportunity was there. Marvin bearded, long thin build, and looked like Kenny Loggins (add round spectacles and 20 pounds less).

And although I was the least talented in the class, he offered me a semester scholarship 100% fully paid!

The next story demonstrates what could happen if he or she is publicly negative about an employer. Below is a story as it was told to me by a friend who is a CEO of a successful small business:

“…talking about your old boss especially with people you don’t know will kill your job chances. Went out with friends, woman joined us and talked trash about her current boss. That trash talker had filled out an application for an opening we currently have at our company. Her application was great. Had planned to meet with her to actually offer her the job today! Emailed her last night and canceled the interview. She still doesn’t know I was in that group of ladies at the lunch.”

The lessons are obvious, but just so that you have perspective:

If research was done by soon-to-be jilted job seeker, she would have found a Linked In profile picture and a profile.
Self-control is the best control of your career chances. Know your role, shut your mouth (shout out to The Rock!).
You gain nothing by publicly trash talking any employer. You don’t know who is listening.

Did you ever experience or know someone who experienced a smack down as a result of bad mouthing an employer? If you have, please share.

by Mark Anthony Dyson

What Young Job Seekers Can Learn From Mature Adults

There are job lessons job seekers have learned from being “caught” and not “taught.” Job search strategy comes from experience or from those who are experienced. To watch and learn is one thing, but “think and listen” is harder. It’s tough. But when it gets tougher you listen to anyone.

My dad is 91. He is clueless about the job search of 2012. But he knows the nature of people, and understands that never changes. I need that perspective, and you do too:

1. Patience and steadfastness

Mature people come from generations that taught “good things come to those who wait.” This remains true in today’s job market. Hiring processes are longer than ever, so any job seeker must be prepared to wait patiently without quitting.

2. Understand the big story

The kid that always asks “why” in class is usually the smartest kid in the class. He or she wants to understand the big picture. It just seems annoying to the people who don’t care to know. That is why mature people ask young people a lot of annoying questions. That’s why toddlers ask grown ups many questions.

3. Mature people are witnesses

Although the job market has changed, and the workplace has evolved, the nature of people remain the same. Mature people have seen the world change, and understand how we got to this stage in our culture, environment, and economy.

4. Mature people value time and timeliness

Being on time means as much now than it did 30 years ago. But mature people also understand that everything good comes in time. Timeliness is making sure that you have facts and presenting it when it’s asked for or needed. They won’t waste your time, nor like their time wasted.

5. Respect is offered to everyone as earned by anyone

Job seekers who treat everyone with respect despite mistreatment will stand out. Most mature adults will tell you that is the biggest difference between young adults of yesterday and today’s young job seekers in general. Respect is still the attribute that everyone desires. Why not be the first to give it.

We didn’t talk about how mature adults are better judges of character. Their advice can only help your job search. Give them a listen.

What advice has helped you from those older than you? Let me know in the comments.

by Mark Anthony Dyson

Do You Understand Prospective Employers?

Familiarity with employers in your industry is essential in today’s job market. It is not good enough to have a friend who works for the company to get you the interview. The same interest in knowing who your blind date is the way to approach employers. You should understand them.

I wrote an article “Do Employers Understand You?” earlier this year, and people are struggling with what employers want. A better perspective comes with reading the initial job description:

Many employer pretenders exist but…

We can explore this dynamic but the burden of proof is the job seeker’s. You, the job seeker must prove worthiness of permanent employment. It doesn’t matter that the employer is tricking you that it has a hot tub, generous benefits, and overtime. No one can guarantee illusions don’t exist. With research, you can discern the movers and shakers from the big-time fakers.

How direct are you answering questions?

How much mumbling should an employer accept when a job candidate unclearly answers “What skills do you bring to our company?” Frankly, little to none. If you are networking using informational interviews, this question dances around your brain frequently. What solutions do you offer?

Do you follow instructions?

If you are infatuated with the employer who asks to send a cover letter with your résumé faxed, and you just mailed a résumé , this will end in unrequited love. Are you sending a curriculum vitae instead of a résumé ? You know employers are testing you, right?

Who are you when its tough?

It is rare when someone overcomes difficulty alone. Employers want to know if you contribute significantly when challenged. It might be tempting to showcase your ego instead of skill as flawed strategy.

Do you ask employers direct questions?

Many job seekers still struggle with asking thoughtful and engaging questions. The reason is the lack of planning of the need-to-know to do the job. The research on target jobs should drive your interest and intrigue.

Can you offer quantitative and qualitative measures of past job performances?

Not every job is measured by $ and %, but the operative word is value. That is what you must sell in hopes for an employer to buy.

These are just a few points that job seekers are challenged with conveying to employers. What are challenges understanding what employers want? Please share in the comments.

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