Articles - The Voice of Job Seekers

Don’t Let Negative Feedback Derail Your Job Search

Editors note: Ivy Exec partners with The Voice of Job Seekers in exchanging monthly content. Look for the interview with a member of the executive team in the next two weeks.

We all love to get positive feedback when we do something well. It makes us feel great about ourselves. But when it comes to looking for a job, you sometimes get more than your fair share of negative feedback. And that can be hard to deal with. We often tend to hone in on the criticisms others offer. These criticisms can seem to outweigh and overshadow the many positive things people have said with virtually the same breath.

At Ivy Exec we bring resources and talent to help individuals with their job searches. While you’re searching for a job you receive feedback on your resume, interviews, and/or your overall job search. We have definitely noticed that if you’re in a prolonged job search, the negative feedback can add up and weigh you down. It can make you lose that spring in your step, procrastinate over applying for positions, hesitate to work your network, and overthink your next interview so much that it goes flat.

While the details vary for each job seeker, we’ve found a number of overarching themes that will help you process and overcome negative feedback. Here are some specific ways to deal with feedback during your search so you can fully focus on getting that dream job without breaking your stride:

WHO gives the feedback matters!- If a hiring manager or recruiter is giving you advice, their comments carry extra weight with regard to a particular position and your overall job search. However, if the person giving the feedback does not know your industry, or hasn’t searched for a job for a long time, then be cautious about implementing their advice. It just might not be as relevant for you.
Do not take feedback personally… – If you do get “constructive” feedback on your search, do not let it affect you negatively and burst your bubble. Searching for a job is only one aspect of your life. It does not define the whole YOU. In these times it is the norm, rather than the exception, for people to go through multiple job searches over the course of their careers. The important takeaway is to discard the unhelpful feedback, absorb the useful input, try to implement it, and keep moving forward.
Ask questions…many questions! – This will help you obtain more specifics on areas that need work, clarify any input that is “murky,” and will clearly demonstrate that you are interested in improving. Actively asking questions will also help you probe and assess the validity of any criticisms. When you actively engage in questioning, the person giving you feedback may be more willing to work with you to implement the feedback, and to provide more input in the future. By questioning, you may well add a fan to your following, if not a mentor.
Counter the negative feedback with positive action… – You can prevent negative feedback from overwhelming you by focusing on things that are going well –either in your job search or in other parts of your life. Make sure that your job search doesn’t define your life and YOU. Keep it in perspective and make sure it isn’t the only thing you do, but just one of many. A great addition to your schedule would be adding regular exercise to your routine. Or, take that photography class you’ve always wanted to take, but couldn’t find time for. Invest some time and effort in your outward appearance to give yourself a boost of confidence. A haircut, a new suit, or even focusing on your posture will help you feel more confident when facing any negative feedback that may come your way.

Every one of us has had to face negative feedback in our lives. If it is merited, use it as a springboard to become even better at your job search. The next time you receive negative feedback, if it’s valid, meet it head on and make the most of it. Remember, it’s not what was said that matters in the long run. It’s what you did with it.

by Mark Anthony Dyson

7 Ways You Under-Value Your Career

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Two years ago, my parents had worked hard to obtain a quarter (the new quarters) from each state to give to my sons. They spent time reviewing quarters to ensure accuracy and asked their friends to trade the old quarters for the new. Then they asked if they could give it to the boys.

I told mom and dad to keep the quarters. As generous as it was for my parents diligently save the way they did , I told them the boys won’t appreciate it as much. Well, at least they wouldn’t value the quarters as I do and keep them until they increase in value over the years. I can see the boys spending them as they see it as casual money, or losing them, but the value of them is beyond the gratification of saving money. It would be wasted.

To put it simply, the boys weren’t ready to appreciate the time spent to get a new quarter representing each state. They see the value entirely differently. You know, splurge! The grandparents, of course, would be visibly disappointed.

Well, many job seekers don’t measure his or her career value. It’s the wall that separates you and the potential employer as a candidate that does not stand out. Employers are unlikely to spend any time to a job candidate who misunderstands his or her career worth.

That is how you should feel about your skills, experiences, and the knowledge you share anywhere. The following is showing you are selling yourself short:

No plan to be hired. Well it doesn’t look like you’ll be getting hired soon. Does anyone know you are looking for work? Can’t tell by your online profiles, nor your conversations. Frankly, you are not selling yourself at all. What a shame. You want a job but you give a quarter’s worth of professional value. C’mon now!
Not learning from one interview to the next. Or from one hiring process to the next. Think back through the interviews that you had and see if you communicated the extent of your personal menu. If not, the interviewer may not know you offer dinner, drink, and dessert.
No third-party validation. Have you received a quarter and given back change? Everyone needs third-party validation through letters of recommendation, through a mentor, or professionals telling you why he or she appreciates your work. Are you who do people say you are? Enlist people who can speak to your strengths and accomplishments.
No preparation. No research. Not researching what the trend in your career holds. There isn’t a career bible scripture that says that this is a sin, but there is this wall between you and a desired career because you don’t investigate position nor its qualifications. Find out exactly how much that quarter is worth. Maybe the value has changed.
Unused skills during unemployment. Volunteer. Help people. Look for opportunities to contribute by volunteering. The word “internship” is not a bad word either.
Your skills have never passed the stress test. Do you back down during great challenges? Do you rise to the challenges? Have you communicated that to potential employers? Share this as you put your super hero cape on when it’s time to sell yourself to people you network and others that can lead you to an interview.
Your bottom-line is salary. The way you negotiate also says something about you as an employee, and lose a job if only money matters. You miss opportunities to sell yourself based on skill set and capability because you offer yourself as a product rather than a service.

The ideal employer would understand that you would need a mutually gratifying opportunity. Not one that wouldn’t grow in value. Nor not one you would splurge or waste. Your value is not something you can attach a salary to it at the bottom line. Look at yourself and ask, “Do I offer value that employers expect to see?”

Do you understand the value you offer employers? I’d like to hear your thoughts. Please share in the comments section.

by Mark Anthony Dyson

12 Most Positive Ways to Help Your Teen Find a Job

Editors Note: This is my guest post originally published at 12Most.com, and republished with their permission.

My oldest is a high school graduate (by the time) with two years of work experience. Not just summer experience, he worked throughout his junior and senior years of high school while maintaining a 3.0 g.p.a, playing sports, and participating in clubs.

As a father, seeing him grow in character was just as important as his high school diploma. Our children become more resilient if we allow discipline to prepare them for life after high school including college.

Teens should work. They will find time for video games or hanging out with their friends. When teens turn 16, they are job seekers, as defined by their parents, and when possible the fathers.

These are my suggestions in creating teen job seekers:

1. Employ them early

Give your three and four year old a job, pay them, and watch them work. Notice and remember his or her enthusiasm and zeal. Think about how you can build on their willingness. Oh yeah, did I say pay them?

2. Teach them how to work

If you don’t work with them and teach them, he or she may never work. The younger the easier, the older the harder —then you’re on your own.

3. Don’t make them fill out 100 applications

Instead, dress them up and take them around to small businesses to talk to adults. If they do not like adults during the teen years, they will with pay.

4. Coach your children in their relationships with adults

Yes, they need coaching and monitoring by YOU the parent. Everything un-taught will appear ugly, so prepare them now. Networking 101 starts with conversations, shaking hands, eye contact, and the parent starring as the loving weirdo. Take a bow. You’re welcome.

5. Explain to them what you do

Show them how you do it and make sure they can explain your career to peers and teachers with clarity. Even if you’re unemployed, provide examples of your work and your career.

6. Be honest about your career struggles

You will connect with them in positively profound ways. I did this with my oldest son. At 18, he has more working experience than his under 30 cousins with two years at the same job.

7. Make it clear that at 16, they are job seekers

No matter what your economic status, your teen should work at a minimum during the summer. They can buy their own school clothes and treat the family to lunch or dinner. The pride he or she displays is priceless. I promise.

8. Show them your accomplishments

Awards, prizes, accommodations, or certificates send a subtle message what you expect of them. If they are not proud of you, your work has just begun.

9. Inspire them

Chastising, hazing, stalking, or harassing doesn’t work. Trust them to the seeds of knowledge and experience to grow over time.

10. Anticipate resistance

It is not a cakewalk for many teens as peers claim to lead the glamorous life on Facebook. Have them think about the job they want, and a target company. Is it that bad to work at The Gap because he or she loves clothes?

11. Allow working peers to influence them

There is nothing wrong with them wanting to work where peers already work, unless it is illegal or the friend is a bad influence.

12. Reveal to them that money is not the only incentive

Restrain your inner Warren Buffett and make experience attractive. Don’t be surprised that relationships sprout from working with people from different cultures, genders, and ages. She may be cute, sure he is charming, but work will cultivate character.

My son works out his budget, understands his financial obligations and responsibilities, and values time. Most of his friends still think money grows on trees and aggravate their parents to pay for everything. My son has imperfections and immaturity like many young adults, but he can experience making a few adult decisions as he treats for family dinner on payday.

Is it tough to get your teen to work? I think teens should work. Do you? Please share, I would love to hear.