Career - The Voice of Job Seekers

I Need a Job Right Now! I am Desperate! What Should I Do?

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.

by Mark Anthony Dyson

5 Ways Sentimentality Is Ruining Your Career Today

5 Ways Sentimentality Is Ruining Your Career (2) by Mark Anthony Dyson

I have a Spotify playlist called “Endorphins.” As of today, it contains more than 200 soft-rock love songs/somebody-done-somebody-wrong” songs. These songs take me somewhere pleasant and calming. I’m sure you have a playlist that does the same for you.

Similarly, you may also look back on a previous workplace the same way I look at my playlist. Perhaps you remember an office where you once felt wanted, needed, and even praised. There are good reasons to feel sentimental when someone or something makes you feel valued.

But unlike my playlist, which is harmless, sentimental feelings toward a workplace aren’t always good news for your career. Never should such feelings drive your job search or your career choices.

Many of us are sentimental about our ex-anythings — friends, loved ones, and yes, even jobs. For a period of time, these may have been the best things in our lives.

The company you used to work for might have been the place where you cut your teeth. It was good for you at the time. Maybe now your sentimental feelings have you wondering if you should return as a boomerang employee.

Read 10 Job Search Strategies Beyond The Resume

Has layoff announcement rumors and whisperings got you in your feelings? It’s time to formulate a new but healthier perspective on work.

I hate to tell you this, but the company was never family.
Even if you had a “work spouse,” um, no. Just no.

Companies don’t reward loyalty. It’s arguable if your hard work is acknowledged at your company.

What if your siblings or parents told you they appreciate you 2.5% more than they did last year? Imagine them saying their appreciation for any family member topped out at four percent.

Sobering? It should be. And if you were caught up in any of it, it’s affected your judgment and set your career light-years backward.

Need help determining if sentimentality has infected your career journey?
Consider the five ways it may be harming you:

5 Ways Sentimentality Is Ruining Your Career by Mark Anthony Dyson

1. Sentimentality Distorts Your Perception of Reality

Just because you received several promotions and did some memorable work doesn’t mean the company is still the right place for you. A lot can change.

Instead of relying on fond feelings, check in with your old employer. See what has changed about the organization overall and your former position in particular. Make career decisions based on what the company really is, not on what you remember it to be.

Read How to Create Realistic Expectations During Your Job Search

2. Sentimentality Makes You Confuse Relationships for Results

You’re friendly and hold great conversations. You built great friendships with the people you used to work with.

But did you really accomplish much in that role? Try to write out a clear list of concrete accomplishments to see if the job was really as good for your career as you think it was.

3. Sentimentality Comes and Goes

The feelings you have about that old job may not last, and you should never make career decisions based on what your mood is at a given moment.

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Step back and soberly dissect each aspect of that old job. Did you really love everything about it? Or are you letting sentimentality cloud your judgment again?

4. Sentimentality Doesn’t Account for How Much You’ve Grown

It took me years to swallow something one of my mentors taught me: “Never do your old job.” We’re supposed to outgrow our old positions as we progress. You can’t produce more value for employers if you never move beyond your old job.

Listen to Layoffs? Did Someone Say Layoffs?

5. Sentimentality Hinders Rational Judgment

When we’re facing challenges at work, we have a tendency to romanticize our old jobs — but we probably had problems there, too. Romanticizing rarely helps us understand the situation or address the issues at hand.

Your job search strategy must rely on facts as much as possible.

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I will admit that elements of emotion and faith may enter the equation, but a strategic approach requires a foundation of truth.

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Relying on the way it used to be is not good intel, and it could misguide you. Instead of letting sentimentality guide your career, try to put yourself in a clear, objective mindset. Make the choices that are best for your professional journey — not the choices that your fickle heart urges you to make.

About Mark Anthony Dyson

by Mark Anthony Dyson

No! Really Breathes Life Into Your Career And Reclaim Time

Saying “Yes” to every single suggestion in finding a career or handling conflict could drive you to failure. No one loves a people-pleaser, brown-noser, a suck-up, and just so darn dishonest. Being agreeable to everything does not add cash to your account, nor does it aggregate favors from everyone who has done right by you.

I understand that times seem stressful, and this is especially true if you’ve been unemployed for a long time. However, you don’t want to say yes to an unwanted opportunity if it makes your stomach turn or gives you a queasy feeling. For example, if your mom used to make you eat oatmeal and prune juice for breakfast.

Okay, I’m exaggerating a bit, but I’m sure there’s a way to sneak the food out without Mom looking. Or, not.

But, I digress.

The time you spend in a job you hate is the time you could have been looking for the right one.

Don’t pass go!

You do not need inspiration from “Yes” every day, any day, any minute, every hour, or from everybody.

“Yes” will not bring you eternal happiness, or bring you internal pleasure in its entirety. It will not bring you philanthropic opportunities, and it will not bring press when you engage in charity. Not letting the right hand know what the left is doing is a blessing, and it’s between you, your conscience, and God.

“Yes” doesn’t promise you happiness. “NO” could bring you fulfillment.

When saying NO makes sense

The one big mistake most job seekers make in their job search is applying and hoping to interview without researching the company. They expect you to create a PDF out of a Word document, but you only use WordPerfect.

Yes. WordPerfect. It’s still around. It’s like faxing. But, if you’re being tested on converting a Word document, is this the time to learn? This is when NO makes sense.

Failing works best when you’re ready.

Taking a job, you will fail at doing it, should be “NO!” Say it politely, tactfully, and respectfully, “No.”

If someone consistently gives poor advice, tell them “no” and explain why, so they can have a chance to change course. Maybe they will stop giving everyone else unwelcome advice. If that’s too much, then simply say “No.”

Lawd knows you will have to tell your spousal and parental units “no” if the advice is redundant. They do not realize the mouse on the treadmill is tired. Unless you love misery, do not say “NO” hastily or prematurely. Administering the “drive-by” look will not be enough. You have to say “no.”

“No” has to be a part of your job search lifestyle. Without it, soundness of mind is impossibly unobtainable. You’re not looking for the perfect job. But you can take each job as a step in the right direction.

“NO” is the tool you may need.

“Yes” will not revolutionize television, nor will the revolution be televised (shout to Gil Scott Herron). YouTube, Vimeo, and Facebook revolutionized everything. Social media has already bought “Yes!” to its needs, made it a slave, and become canonical. Check your email monthly, and you can make it your slave, too.

“Yes” is so good, it will make you slap your mama. Only “No” will make you think twice. Bad advice, bad opportunities, and offers too good to be true, life in the world of “Yes!” Sound judgment, preparedness, and discretion create a filter for stuff too good to be true.

“No” is a second consideration, part of the job search game, use it to launch a successful revolution. It’s one you’ll do repeatedly. Just don’t spend all of your NOs frivolously.