Someone I know told me she had been looking for a long time and said, I need a job ASAP! I thought I would share my reply so others could benefit.
This article is among the most popular on the site. Whenever the economy turns downward, with fewer opportunities, and living costs are much higher.
Well, before we talk about what you should do, we need to diffuse a bomb before it goes off. You will need to deal with the desperate state overflowing from your veins. It will scare everyone you approach. No one likes to talk to an irrational person. When you say, “desperate,” that is what people think. Your reality is you are in a difficult situation where time is of the essence.
The phrase, “I need a job ASAP” is scary. Think before putting it out there.
Companies will not give jobs or even listen to a desperate person. It frightens them and rightfully should. It’s likely you’re overwhelmed but now is the time to overcome it with rationalization. This is a good time to start doing several things to help you focus and conduct a search to achieve quicker results. Unfortunately, most employers are not rushing to hire people.
Write down and carefully consider the following:
Are you clear on the job you want and the company you want to work for? That is the first major obstacle for most job seekers.
Is there a skill you can leverage as an independent contractor?
Is there a job opportunity you passed on applying to because it didn’t seem right? Depending on what “right” is, it may deserve a second look.
Are you signed up with temporary agencies? You should sign up with several. Most pay weekly once you start. Although they will still put you through their hiring process, it is a short term fix.
Do you know any friends who are business owners who can use your skill set?
Have you told most (or all) of your friends and family of your unemployment status? As funny as it seems, people will tell strangers before family. I understand why. If you’re running out of time, then this might be the best rational option.
If you haven’t already, you should be having conversations with people you know who might be in position to refer you or hire you at least temporarily. The caution again is people will bail at the sign of desperation. You can communicate urgency without seemingly irrational.
Dress
Consider dressing business casual wherever you go. This will likely disarm those who don’t usually help anyone. It’s not comfortable during the summer months, but human nature says people are likely to trust someone who looks ready to work. Casual business is much more pleasant than always dress for the interview. The worse is looking like you just got out of bed and saying, I need a job ASAP. The latter is repulsive at best.
Do the basics
- Here are some quick suggestions, but for more details, you can find articles all over the web for help. I’ll include a few references
- If you don’t have a LinkedIn profile, it’s time to complete one. If you’ve completed one, now it’s time to participate in conversations taking place in groups. Spend extra time writing a strategic headline with appropriate keywords.
- Contact companies directly. Meet recruiters and ask questions about positioning yourself better than if they can find you a job (which isn’t their job). There are many articles on the web to help you strategize and execute.
- Set up informational interviews, and shed the desperation in your voice and actions. Go to be informed, not to be picked.
- Ask for introductions to people in the companies you’d like to work for. Offer them value, and likely, they will offer it back in some way. It likely won’t be a referral to their company, but to others who can lead you to good people ready to assist.
- Create opportunities for great conversations everywhere you go without asking for referrals. Relationships get you introductions, information, and keys to successful next steps.
- Look for internship opportunities if you’re graduating soon. It’s not a bad idea to find one for a year. Look for volunteer opportunities to help you hone untested skills and abilities
- Are you a member of professional organizations? If not, are there any you can contact to see if they have any special discounted membership prices? If you’re a recent college graduate, many will give a very low discount or be free for the first year. Join the committees. It’s the way to connect with others who’ve successfully navigated the industry.
- Check locally for businesses looking for someone with your skill set. It’s possible they haven’t posted a position yet, but are willing to hire the right person with a unique skill.
- Try small businesses where the ceiling to learning is greater (especially if they are tech-centered), the relationships are more accessible, and there is a greater chance to build a network with coworkers.
These are a few things you can do. If you have additional questions, let me know.
About Mark Anthony Dyson
I am the "The Voice of Job Seekers!" I offer compassionate career and job search advice as I hack and re-imagine the job search process. You need to be "the prescription to an employer's job description." You must be solution-oriented and work in positions in companies where you are the remedy. Your job search must be a lifestyle, and your career must be in front of you constantly. You can no longer shed your aspirations at the change seasons. There are strengths you have that need constant use and development. Be sure you sign up to download my E-Book, "421 Modern Job Search Tips 2021!" You can find my career advice and work in media outlets such as Forbes, Inc., Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, Glassdoor, and many other outlets.
