Monday night I spoke to a large Career Transition group in Brentwood Tennessee. I met lots of people who are in the process of moving through unexpected transitions. Some have welcomed the opportunity to redirect and know they are moving to work that is more in alignment with their dreams. But I also talked to many who were discouraged, convinced the economy is bad and no one is hiring.
Here are 5 quick flaws I heard in my conversations with these folks – some having been “out of a job” now for 9-22 months. These flaws are killers for your job search.
- Unclear Focus – nothing will sabotage your job search more completely than being unclear about what the ideal job would be. If you expect a company to help you figure out your skills and talents you’ll be pushed down in position and compensation.
- Applying for only jobs posted – and then only for those with a clear fit. If you are looking only at jobs that are posted somewhere, you are seeing a very tiny percentage of what’s available. Make a list of 30-40 companies where you know there could be a match for your skills and contact them – before they “post” the position. You’
- Wanting to engage creative skills – writing, art, video production, animation, music – but with traditional “job” characteristics: salary, benefits, regular hours, etc. Be very aware that most jobs are not designed to embrace your creativity. They are structured to have you do set tasks repeatedly.
- Describing “Sales” as a competency but wanting a guaranteed salary. If you are really competent as a salesperson you will know your income is generated based on creating new revenue for the company. So if the commission rate is acceptable, you will not be deterred by having no base salary. Requiring a high base in a sales position tells the company you don’t really believe you can produce.
- Believing that having a degree – or even advanced degrees – will put you in the running for top jobs. In today’s workplace, proving competence can come in a variety of ways. Having a degree may do little to swing things in your favor.
I hear these a lot too…especially #2. Once people understand the hidden job market is between 50-75%, it’s statically unreasonable to just respond to job posting because most jobs aren’t posted.
BTW…#4 made me laugh out loud 🙂
Kent – wow you wouldn’t believe how touchy people are on that. They say they are in “sales” but don’t want to have to prove it. What’s up with that?
Absolutely. And what makes sales awesome is you can get paid by results. That’s why great sales people are great at serving and over-delivering.
#2 is a must in our day and age. I saw last year or this year, can’t remember. Delta was hiring for a certain number of jobs and thousands of people applied.
I was 55 and got the shock of my life, having been a stay at home mom and wife for many years I found myself homeless, panhandling and sleeping in my car or couch surfing at friends for 6 and half months, Trying to figure out what’s next. Found a live in job so my dog and I would have a roof over our heads, and went to school to become a hypnotherapist. Getting ready to launch my web page and open my business this summer.
Then last Sunday I ran across ( and devoured it) your PDF 48 Biz Ideas!
OMG .. totally rocked my world!! Many good ideas I know I could implement in a heartbeat .. I wish I had this back when I was living in my car!. One job idea I’d like to offer.. I’d like to share with you is to be a mobile notary service person. Classes were free here in OR. Only had to pay for a stamp and the record book. I took the class but right now as a 24 /7 live in caregiver, I didn’t have the opportunity to set up that business. I took the free class while I was going to school to become a hypnotherapist. Things changed here at work and I was needed full time soon after I graduated. However that is coming to a screeching halt soon ( May 9th ) and I’ll have at least 2 days a week for ME… Me time means building not only my hypnotherapy practice but also time to do the notary service as well as ( if needed) one or 2 of the other ideas from the PDF. Again, ty from the bottom of my heart. Pam (PS I’ll be 59 this May)
Sometimes NOT getting a job is the best blessing there is for the over 50 crowd.. We’ve amassed a wealth of knowledge and if structured right, can turn our skills into our own consulting business.
Yep – not getting job can open our eyes to better opportunities than sitting in a cubicle. Thanks for your comments.
A counseling partner and I were just talking today about #5 and then I read this post. We can gain plenty of certificates and degrees, which are all fine, but at the end of the day, do people WANT to work with you is what matters. I can honestly say, that my bachelors degree did not land me the jobs I have had in the past. It was that connection we created together that got me hired!
#3 really hit home with me. I can’t have it both – the ideal “free” work environment AND the structure of a steady income. That’s why I’m working towards being my own boss. On my way!