Potential employers do not want your drama you bring during your job search. They want nothing to do with the stories, the characters, nor the ending. They want to know, are you an asset to the team.
Bringing drama does not add value, nor does it make anyone an attractive candidate. Nor does it make for an effective job search.
Your adventure in job search is compelling drama for all of the wrong reasons:
1. It’s like Law and Order
There is a story for everything. Instead of calling my boss to meet you, I want to call the police. The “my-brush-with-the-cop” stories are funny to your friends, not to potential employers. You do not have to mention “cop” or “police” in your little ditty for anyone to know that you were arrested a few times.
2. CSI (Can’t Stand Idiots) New York, Miami, or Where You Are
Mark was making small talk about exquisite dining and the research he conducted online about all of the restaurants he has visited. The interviewer asked, “So what did you find out about our company as a result of your research?” The morrow: Talking too much could be the beginning of an implosion. Oh yeah, the interview lasted 10 minutes.
3. The Mentalist
Don’t act like you know everything. Networking works when you are in learning mode. Button your expertise, but wear your perpetual learning suit in a job pursuit conversation.
4. Burn Notice
Telling stories of being treated unfairly, or how unrewarded you have been is career suicide. Nothing worse than burning yourself during the job hunt process.
5. Brothers and Sisters
Leave family drama out of any part of the job search process. It is never positive to talk about family problems at a networking event, interview, or just meeting a potential contact for the first time. Even if the story is funny, it could be perceived as negative.
The most engaging conversations anyone could have when the focus is on skill, contributions, and solutions. Familiarity and small talk is great if its your strength. Otherwise, leave the drama to television, movies, and your friends.
About Mark Anthony Dyson
My name is Mark Anthony Dyson, and I am the Founder of The Voice of Job Seekers. I am a career advice writer, but more importantly, I hack and re-imagine the job search process.. I've worked with hundreds of job seekers one-on-one helping them to construct a narrative and strategy that appeals to hiring managers and recruiters. I present at colleges and organizations, and facilitated many workshops including my volunteer effort through a Job Lab. I write and create useful job search content on this blog and write career and workplace advice for blogs such as Glassdoor, Payscale, Job-Hunt.org, Prezi and more. Media Feature highlights: Forbes, Business Insider, NBC News, Glassdoor, LinkedIn's #GetHired, and NPR Freelance writer and content contributor: Glassdoor, Payscale, job-hunt.org, The Financial Diet, RippleMatch.com and more. Contact me to contribute career, job search, or workplace advice for your site at markanthonydyson@gmail.com.