Many unemployed folks usually don’t understand why they’ve been out of work for so long. Their obvious scape goat is the economy and the other billion job seekers that are their competition. This excuse is completely warranted, but I can’t let them off the hook so easy. It’s just not happening.
Here are 6 reasons why you most likely haven’t found a job yet:
You Don’t Know What You Want
This is brutal. It’s just absolutely brutal. If you aren’t clear on the specific opportunity, company, or industry you’re targeting, then you’re setting yourself up for disaster. A job search without purpose and passion is one that will only lead you on a wild goose hunt. Without purpose and passion, your education, business degree, and even certifications may mean nothing.
Imagine being on a job search site, going through hundreds, if not thousands of postings. If you don’t know EXACTLY what you want, then you’ll open up most postings, and find yourself unsatisfied with ALL of them. What also happens is that you may just apply to EVERYTHING, which more so than not means your resume and cover letter are not set up for that specific position. It’s a poopy sandwich.And you’ll never find your goose.
What to do: Come up with a list of 50 things you want from a job. Write down characteristics about the industry, benefits, supervisor, salary, skills needed, and many others. Write down the things that you NEED from a job. This will help you clear up where you should spend your time looking and how to change up your resume/cover letter to suit that specific type of job.
You Really Don’t Want A Job
Honestly, I’ve been there. When I was unemployed for 17 months, there was a time when I just didn’t want a job. Corn on the Job was still growing and I was happy with unemployment and the promise of growing my new blog. I was lucky, and I’m not proud that I slacked off for a longer period than I should have.
Many people pretend to be looking for work, when really they just feel it’s necessary to half ass and just look casually. Certain financial situations can call for more laziness in the job search than needed. No matter how much work they put into their search, if a person doesn’t want a job, then they won’t get one. Even if they pass an interview, their lack of enthusiasm will halt them at the interview stage.
What to do: Go take a walk downtown and check out the homeless folks. Not saying this will happen to you, but you’re still employable and they’re not. Don’t take it for granted.
You Only Use Big Name Job Boards
Using a big name job board is OK, and many people find work from them. The problem here is that EVERYONE is using them. Employers are bombarded with resumes from a single posting and you may never be found. If your only source of searching for a job is one of the more well known sites, then you’re in trouble.
What to do: Start using a niche website for your industry. Try out the Linkedin job boards. Network. Make personal business cards and drop them in random places. Just add more strategies to your search. It’s more work, but it’s needed.
You Have a Poor Resume/Cover Letter
The format sucks. It’s tough to read. Grammar is disgusting. Too much color. No clear purpose.
Readers of your job search communications can’t identify what you’re looking to do, what makes you the shiznit, and most importantly, why they should hire you.
What to do: Hire me! I’ll take your existing resume/cover letter and totally make it what they WANT to read!
You Don’t Interview Well
Whether it’s the phone screen or in person interview, many job seekers don’t live up to their full potential when it comes to an interview. Whether it’s just nerves, not being able to sell oneself, or something else, it’s very common that the most skilled person for the job doesn’t always land the job. If you happen to be the most skilled person for the job, you should damn well be hired for it. If you feel this is happening often, then you might need to look into developing your interviewing skills.
What to do: Hey there, you can hire me! I’ll set up a mock phone interview with you so that we can practice interviewing together. I’ll act as the company you want to work for, and I’ll ask questions that I think they’ll be targeting. When we’re done, you and I will talk about what you did good and bad, then look for ways to improve.
You Don’t Know Anyone
It really is like you’ve heard. It’s not what you know, it’s who you know. Shit, I hate writing that just about as much as I hate hearing it, but it’s true.
In our world today, you should make networking a constant part of your job search. Too many people are out of work, and unless you’re an employee referral, a recruiter might not even give you a 5 second phone call.
What to do: Whether it’s online through Linkedin, Twitter, Facebook, or other social networking sites, or through live networking, spend a few hours a week simply networking and getting the word out about your unemployment.
{ 103 comments… read them below or add one }
I don’t know very many people in my social circle who have successfully found a job from a big-name like CareerBuilder (though I know it happens).
And it’s true, you get lazy when you’re unemployed. A job hunt should be treated as if it’s your full-time job, according to Jim Durbin: http://staffingtalk.com/socialmediaheadhunter-delete-resume-documents/
Hey Regan – Thanks for the comment. It definitely happens, but not often like you said. Jim Durbin knows what he’s talking about! It should be a full-time job, but if done smartly, I believe someone can spend 10-15 hours a week instead of 40 on their job search.
One big commercial for yourself. Really? Two thirds of the advice you gave here (if you can call it that) was to give you money. In the future just make every post, “Pay me” in about a 76 point font. Say nothing else. It will at least be more honest and accurate that way.
Hey Orchote – Thanks for the comment. I apologize if I offended you in anyway, but this is my blog and it IS my job to offer up help to folks. Some people want to know that there is someone out there who can go one step further than to offer advice. Should I have offered advice besides advertise myself? Sure, of course, but it’s hard to offer someone Resume or Interviewing advice without actually working with them. There’s no way to tell what area they suffer in without actually talking to them.
With all that said, if you’re interested in any of my services, just shout and I’ll give you 50% off.
Well played Rich….well played
Orchote,
You bring up one of the toughest points of working with job seekers. Those of us who do it for pay know how much we have to offer. It kills us to see people go unemployed longer than necessary. However, when we try to convey our value, we sometimes get responses like yours.
Yes, pay Rich. Pay me. It’s what we do. Working with a job search consultant will likely give you a bigger percentage return than most investments you make in life.
For instance, let’s say that you earn $100,000 per year when you’re working. That’s about $500 per day. If you spend $1,000 on a great resume that puts you to work even days faster (I even tax effected it!), you break even. Each day you’re back at work beyond that you’re $500 ahead pre-tax.
Rich gives plenty of free advice, more than enough, on his blog and via his regular facilitation of #JobHuntChat.
There was nothing dishonest about Rich’s post and his advice was spot on.
That’s how I really feel.
Kind regards,
Donna Svei
http://www.AvidCareerist.com
@AvidCareerist
Oops, that should be “even 3 days faster” — lost the 3 while editing!
D.
I was referred to this post by someone I know who is working on an article about unemployment.
I have to say that some of the views here are sound, (particularly the interview and resume parts) but like so much “get a job” advice out there it really is a tad simplistic. (Not to mention rather self serving on your part. In that I have to agree somewhat with the frustrated poster above me. “Hire me” is not the most creative or universal advice you could have given with your popular platform here.)
Most of the advice here is predicated on what I think by now is a rather outmoded view point: “That if you are talented and really want a job, you will find one, guaranteed.” Maybe people like yourself with an, I imagine, famous website can say that.
The reality of many people’s lives just don’t bear that out, though. It would be wonderful if it were that easy, because then we could simply remove all sympathy for the unemployed. Who needs to spend time worrying about lazy people who got themselves into their own mess, right?
There is also a bit of an unsettling arrogance in your advice to “go look at homeless people” because it is too late for them to get a job, but not “you”. First of all, did it ever occur to you or anybody else that the homeless person may be in some way employable? Did you ever stop to think that perhaps you, or someone in your vast and important network you love so much might be able to offer them some kind of employment to support themselves? Or does the wonderful world of networking suddenly lose its luster when we are asked to meet people below a certain standing? Is not networking, “helping others, not yourself?” Or is it just easier to stand there and look at them in order to further a point made on this website?
Not to mention the fact that the line between “you” and “homeless person” is often simply a matter of a few “no thank yous” in the job search. But then again you probably think homeless people are that way because they too were unmotivated in life.
And “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know” is beyond the dead horse level by now anyway. Simply pontificating, “sad but true” changes nothing. I won’t deny that knowing the right person can help. But it can just as easily turn against you. Networking is basically a crap shoot which, of course, you sometimes win. But often the gambler’s fallacy keeps people networking way passed the point of it being effective for their search. Especially if they are not in a particularly diversified area geographically, and cannot afford to pull up stakes and move to one. (Or does not going into debt in order to move to Manhattan from working class Sioux City, Iowa also count as lazy/unmotivated?)
Obviously you make quite a bit of money with this little set up you have going here. Good on you, especially if money is your number one motivation. If however, you also are concerned with esteem and respect for your professional sensitivity to multiple life conditions…I think perhaps you are the one that could use some extra motivation.
Hey Ty – Thanks for proving your thoughts and comments. I appreciate it and I apologize if I offended you in any way.
I was unemployed for 17 months. I’ve been through it, so I’m speaking here from experience. I know how hard it is, and people need to realize that about me. I’ve spoke about unemployment here on the blog many times, and what THIS post may lack, my other articles make up for.
And I don’t make that much money off of career coaching. It’s far from consistent, and it’s on the affordable end. Other career coaches charge 3 to 4 times more than what I charge. I try to keep it affordable so that I can work with folks who can not spend much on services like these.
Rich…rough crowd so far that have read your post. I enjoyed the post, but then again I am easily amused. “It’s a poopy sandwich.” I’ll have to used that sometime. I disagree with Ty that somehow your advice is based off of an “old fashioned view point”. If anything, like many similar blogs/articles, I took away that just being talented and really wanting to work is not enough. Job seekers need to focus their efforts and you have provided several suggestions for them to be successful. As for you promoting your services…it’s your blog! More power to you! It would have been nice to give the reader other suggestions to help them if they could not/did not want to hire anyone (which they could find online if they really wanted…it’s called Google)
Now, the homeless person comment, I agree a bit harsh. You and I don’t know everyone’s situation. There could be quality people that bad things have happened to that have lead them to end up in their situation. I hope that if they are willing and able to work that local communities could help them get back on the right track.
Again, I enjoy reading your posts. The tips you gave are similar to other posts/articles but there is always a bit of information the reader can take away to help prepare themselves to find a job.
Hey Derrick – Thanks for the support and for reading my posts. Didn’t mean for the homeless comment to come off as it did. I apologize for that.
Man…people are flakes, aren’t they? You should have added some points on taking initiative, thinking out of the box, getting over one’s self. I am not rich-but hey, I’ll give the wealthy a nod…many of them worked their butts off for it! Do you know what is unfair? What is unfair is that the rich have to pay so much back in taxes just to support a bunch of lazy, good for nothings with no intitiative that feel like society is obligated to get them out of the hole that they put themselves in, in the first place. Nine times out of ten, IT IS THE HOMELESS PERSON’S FAULT THAT THEY ARE HOMELESS. There are many resources out there for people to improve themselves yet, many refuse to utilize these resources. There is no excuse for lacking when it comes to the able-mind and able-body. A friend of mine lost a leg in Afghanistan and he is more able than 70% percent of the population here and he proves it everyday. It is all about the mindset, folks!
If any of the “offended” people have ever been homeless they wouldn’t be offended. During the first Bush recession I was laid off. My UI benefits barely covered the rent and after my savings ran out I had to give up my apartment, put my stuff in storage and do the couch tour. Being young, many people in my social network weren’t in a position to help me get a job and so many had roommates that they couldn’t even offer me a couch to sleep on. It set me on a negative spiral that took me years to recover from.
Beyond the daily stress of having no real personal space and feeling like an imposition on everyone you know, there is the stress of where I’m going to sleep and how I’m going to eat tonight/tomorrow/this weekend, etc. There’s the stress of personal safety and feeling so vulnerable and exposed or utterly irrelevant on every level of your being. Yes, homelessness creates a certain mindset and some people slide down into it and just stay there.
Sleeping rough is only an option if you find a place outside where you feel safe enough to actually sleep. Being up all night wandering around and pretending to be a sunbather sleeping at the beach or park during the day is only really an option on sunny summer days. Since laptops back then were rare, expensive and bulky by today’s standards, I didn’t have a computer of my own to use. I was forced to use the computers at the Library which, in a big city like San Francisco means waiting in line sometimes up to two hours for a limited time online. With only half hour or 45 minutes in a session you really have to target your efforts. Back then there was no web, just Internet so no facebook, no craigslist or monster – it was BBS and IRC. The librarians would bring out a phone book and try to help but they were obviously using 20-year old methods – these days there are more computers and more stations to bring your own computer but there are still long lines and time limits.
All of the issues you deal with while unemployed are magnified by homelessness. If you’re feeling depressed, unloved, unworthy, alienated from the normal work-a-day world – these feelings are so much more intense and overwhelming when you have no where to go and you’re always on the move to get there. Because for me at least, being homeless was always about shuffling around. I did what I could to look as normal as possible. If you look like you have somewhere to go, people don’t mess with you, especially after dark.
I hope you never know the sheer exhilaration and joy that comes from being homeless and having some street urchin ask you for spare change because by the time your first thought is, “Yay! I still look like someone who might have extra money!” things are pretty desperate.
I was lucky to be young and scrappy and intelligent enough to figure out a healthy and pro-active way of dealing with my situation. I realize many people who find themselves in similar circumstances aren’t so lucky and succumb to the few options they have for coping like drugs or alcohol. Many times I gave in to the temptation to just give up – feeling so overwhelmed, helpless and hopeless. Because I’m generally an optimistic person I think I was able to talk myself out of it and eventually turn things around. For me, staying in a shelter wasn’t really an option. I heard so many stories of guys getting robbed or beaten up in fights – it was just too scary. When I was desperate enough to overcome my fear and stand in line for four hours to try to get a bed (It was first come, first served and the line starts forming quite early at the best shelters) I was told I was too young to stay there. They did give me referrals to non-profit agencies that helped kids like me. I had to wait two weeks and I hope the waiting lists aren’t as long these days. My youth eventually provided a path out of homelessness – I don’t really have that any more. Any type of special affinity group could provide a path off the streets like being a veteran, an ethnic minority, LGBT or female – there are special services at least in SF because they’re seen as especially vulnerable populations. I don’t know how many services are still available for someone like me and I hope I never have to find out.
What most people don’t know is that the worst thing about being homeless is that there’s so much more time to think – that’s why so many people on the streets have mental health issues. When you see the sun rise into another day of no possibility beyond more fear, stress, hunger, violence or uncertainty it can really skew the way you’re oriented into the world and creates a cage stronger than any metal ever made.
I was lucky enough to have a storage unit to keep my mementos safe along with clean clothes for a job interview. My UI benefits covered the rent on it and I could do laundry about once a month but that was it. I had lost so much but I could cling to photos and things with personal significance and use them to keep me motivated to get off the streets. Having a tangible longer-term goal helped me stay on track and focused, especially when I had to use a sink at a gas station to take a bird bath and shave my face while the attendant pounded on the door to get me to move on.
Reminding myself that it’s “Just for now – not for always” helped me get through the day-to-day indignities of life on the streets. I’ve seen lots of people who have completely lost that – please don’t blame them. If you understood how easy it is to have the last threads of hope ripped away from you when you’re living on an emotional precipice, you’d know it’s not just the homeless person’s fault that they are homeless. Each path is unique and we create our opportunities and lack of them but so many of them are created out of luck or ignorance that it is all too easy to find oneself at a dead end. Back-tracking to a new path is way easier said than done.
I think Rich’s advice was spot on – you should think about being homeless and see all the ways people try to survive on the streets. Doing so should motivate you to do everything you can think of to change/improve your situation. And if doing your best isn’t working, it’s OK to ask for help. Being homeless at 22 was really hard but the threat of being homeless at 42 can really light a fire under you.
blog/blôg/
Verb: Add new material to or regularly update a blog.
Noun: A Web site on which an individual or group of users record opinions, information, etc. on a regular basis.
(Don’t you hate it when people lead with definitions? )
Your opinions are your own, and if the reader doesn’t agree they can stop reading or leave you a comment to sway your views. But it is a blog.
There is some good information (interviewing, resume format, time spent looking for a job) but it was a bit harsh to lump ll homeless into hopelessness, but hey it’s not my blog and this is just my opinion.
I would wager that most readers are focusing on the information they can use and writing off the other comments as humor to keep other readers interested enough to make it to the bottom of the page! Keep writing and keep people entertained!
Thanks!
Arron
PS A friend of mine bought a chicken suit and wore it to work… PRICELESS
Hey Aaron – Thanks for the comment and support. I think I was wrong to mention homeless people where I did. It wasn’t meant to offend, but I think I did that.
Wish your friend had a picture of that!
Do you have any idea how many bright, talented, experienced people have lost everything in this economy? Do you have ANY clue about how many people have become homeless due to NO fault of their own? Lack of jobs. Simple math. I am one of those “unemployable” homeless people you speak so ill of, and I take huge offense at what you wrote. But you’re young, cocky and ignorant, so I will forgive you. Just this once. Please take a step back and really think about what you are writing next time. Ask yourself if you are going off of stereotypes or actual facts?
Wow, homeless people have PC and internet connections, you got it pretty good in the land of the free.
Yes, this week I do “have it pretty good”. This week I have an actual bed to sleep in, a place to shower and some food. Next week I’ll be back in my car. I will have to worry about where I can safely park to get sleep. Will I be harassed by the police for sleeping in my car? Will a man break in and rape me? Can I afford the $10 for a truck stop shower? Will I be able to get presentable if I get an interview? Mock me all you want, as you appear to have a great deal of fun at my expense, but I am just trying to survive. Two years ago before being laid-off I had a middle class life. Several weeks ago after going through the last of the savings, I lost my home. If you think this only happens to “other people” or that this could not happen to you, think again.
I am still employable!!! – Sorry if I offended you. I think you’re taking my comments wrong and it wasn’t meant to be how it’s been received.
Thanks for the comment.
“homeless” isn’t what you might think of it to be in your stereotyping. There are many faces of a homeless person and in this tough economy, the middle class is becoming the “new poor”. The gap from rich to poor becoming wider. I’m now an expat in Asia but I lived a very nomadic and yes, homeless life. Instead of getting a job, I’m making my own. In tough times, I draw on my creativity for resilience.
Janet – my ONE mention of homeless wasn’t meant to be taken like that. Many people have taken this post the wrong way and I’ve apologized. This was supposed to be a kick in the pants to job seekers who aren’t giving it their all. The truth hurts sometimes, and many job seekers are half assing their job search.
My job is to provide information, advice, and support. If people can not support tough love, then they have bigger issues.
Thanks for your comment.
You’ve just highlighted why poverty will never be eliminated…because it is useful to the powerful as a motivator for the powerless.
Go live in a homeless shelter and then tell me how good it is! People like you are totally clueless! I pray you never lose your job and have to live through this nightmare. Once you are doomed to a homeless shelter, you are labeled for life and rarely can dig your way out! Get the facts buddy!
GotItPrettyGood – I apologize if you’ve been offended here. Mike is simply stating that people have taken my comments the wrong way. Thanks.
Hey I am Still Employable – I apologize, but I wasn’t trying to speak ILL of you. I was trying to make a point to folks who aren’t doing enough in their job search and are taking it for granted. Good luck and let me know if you’d like any help.
Ouch. You’ve got some rough responses here. On one hand, I can see their point. You are, um…brutally direct. In a lot of ways, I think these 6 reasons are right on-target, but maybe the detail around them is a little abrasive if not offensive (homelessness, really)?
I think it’s important to be honest, but also sensitive. Sometimes as recruiters we’re working with a lot of candidates on a lot of open positions all at once and the scale of work minimizes how difficult it can be for one person, hoping to get one job – while they’re concurrently managing (or drowning in) other stressful and emotional situations. Connecting with a talented, dear friend going through a tough job search usually gets me in the right mindset.
I think there are a lot of fantastic jobseekers out there who might be a little off on just one or two small things in their searches that if tweaked could result in a dramatic difference in their results. The idea of role-playing an interview and then getting honest feedback and coaching isn’t really any different than anyone else suggests on their blogs, but you’re much more well-qualified to identify problem areas and suggest practical changes to get better results. I think the service offering is solid, but maybe this particular message is a bit too abrasive for the folks who would gain the most from that service?
However, PHOOEY on the commenters who are saying this is all about selling your service. If you navigate around some of the landmines, there is some great FREE advice, like using niche job sites, customized resumes, objective interview feedback, building new genuine connections, etc.
But you said you were tired of making excuses, so I’d say this gets you right to the point.
Hey Jessica – thanks for the comment. I didn’t realize that referencing someone homeless would create quite a stir. I really think people took that the wrong way. Didn’t mean to bash anyone, and I feel awful about that.
Rich, spot on with this post. It’s a shame a bunch of babies are complaining because they’re unemployed.
A few things I think need mentioning. There are a lot of people who aren’t trying as hard as they think they are trying. Or aren’t willing to try other things or are aiming for things they can’t/won’t be able to get because they are unwilling to humble themselves and take a lesser position.
Here’s another HUGE problem in America and why foreigners have more success than us. Most people aren’t willing to relocate or go somewhere else for work.
Most people looking for work right now, probably won’t even consider working in another city nearby let alone moving to another state our country. I’ve meet many a Europeans who have moved from their home country to find better opportunities for income and lifestyle.
In America, we don’t want to do that. We think we should have it right where we are.
Another problem, maybe you should consider NOT being an employee. Being an employee really is income for dummies. Most people aren’t willing to change careers, reinvent themselves or go out on a limb take some risk and start their own business.
I recently watched two unemployed friends go thru some hard times. My smarter friend took a couple odd jobs even a job at home depot and never missed a bill, all the while pursuing a job in his original field. He found one after 14 months and moved one state over.
My other, dumb lazy and wanting a hand out friend, well he collected employment and mailed out resumes and continues to complain about how their are no jobs and how broke and behind he is. He claims it’s not even worth his time getting a job that pays less because “He’s worth 62K a year”
Entitlement is the down fall of many a people.
You’re going to ruffle a lot of feathers when you expose the truth people don’t want to hear.
Hey Mike – Thanks for the support and thought into your comment.
I agree, many people don’t try as hard as they think they are. It’s huge problem. Good for your hard working friend who did what he needed to do. It seems your other friend is just making excuses.
Another Great Response!! Thanks Mike this is great stuff and more to the point of what I think Rich was getting at in this post. The world changed to a global workforce and many refuse to acknowledge that the world has changed. Mobility is the key and you must be flexible.
Love this line: “Being an employee really is income for dummies”… Now nothing wrong with a job, but that captures the entitlement that most feel in the USA around employment.
Thanks for the follow-up comment, Marty!
How great for your friend but I’ve found that too much time in a “survival job” can be a double edged sword. I did what your smart friend did – I got two part-time jobs to make ends meet and kept looking for something full-time.
I’m still looking and I had a recruiter tell me last week that she wouldn’t consider me for a position because I didn’t have that job title for the past three years. They were looking for someone with five years experience and even though you can see I have fifteen years experience in that position doing all the work outlined in her posting – it was so long ago that she wouldn’t even consider me.
The week before I had a recruiter look at the same resume and almost wet herself because I organized an office move 12 years ago with a similar budget – the intervening years seemed irrelevant during the first three interviews. My fourth interview seemed to go quite well, especially with the founders – we had good rapport and they complimented me on my questions and understanding of their business model but in the end they went with another candidate. The employee who gave me the initial referral said the person they hired had a college degree and I do not. The founders of the company don’t have college degrees and it was never mentioned as a requirement at any time during the whole process.
It all seems so random and arbitrary. Things are so crazy and uncertain right now – I don’t think anything has settled into something even close to a “new normal” yet. I’ve humbled myself – took a 20k pay cut just to have something coming in, cut everything back to the bone and I’ll get through this – but I always thought that was a plus and to hear it was such a minus really shook up. Apparently work ethic doesn’t count for much anymore and if I didn’t drop out of college to work I could still have debt in my 40′s and a little piece of paper to prove that I can follow directions.
Even without a sense of entitlement finding a job in another city/area/state is easier said than done. I don’t have any super specialized or in-demand skills – there’s no scarcity of qualified people in my field. I know there are ways to address the issue – maybe Rich can write a post about them at some point – the feedback I’ve gotten has ranged from complete silence to “are you here now?” which usually leads to “you should probably move to town before beginning your job search”
I’ve been casting the widest net possible – applying to jobs in every city/state where I have a friend with a couch to sleep on. Often times relocation assistance isn’t part of the employment package and I don’t know many out of work or under-employed people who can go out of pocket to fly out of state just because a 30 minute phone interview went really well.
I’m sure its different for workers with in demand skills – especially tech – and as soon as I find a training program and a way to pay for it, that might be an option for me. Until then, I’ll keep working 12 to 15 hour days at two dead-end jobs and reading blogs like this for inspiration, motivation and new strategies to turn things around.
Hmpf. I love the way that we as adults and professional, when we disagree it ultimately gets down to name calling..”bunch of babies”
Nice.
Hey Chris – I agree. Didn’t expect anything like this to develop from my post.
You’re right, probably shouldn’t of sad that. I apologize. But I said that, because it gets me worked up. We all know people and have meet people who rather do about an ounce of work, and then complain and take the easy route of blame.
I know there are a lot of people trying really hard who can’t find work, but for every one who is honestly trying, there are about 3 more who are sitting back, blaming someone else, not trying and complaining. Basically like a baby.
There are people who simply want to be coddled in this world. It’s a shame, because their are millions of people starving who would fight for what we have.
When you’ve traveled to other impoverished countries like I have, you kind of develop more of an intolerance for people here at home complaining. Visit Haiti for example.
American isn’t anything like Haiti or some African nations where if even people wanted to try there is simply NO OPPORTUNITY.
The facts are there, yet completely ignored as usual. If there are 3 million jobs available for more than 15 million unemployed (30 million + if you include underemployed and those who have exhausted benefits and are still unable to find work) How can you honestly say it is the fault of the unemployed? I know, its hard to take in and its quite frightening, which is often the reason for denial.
You are stigmatizing the unemployed. If this was about 10 yrs ago and things weren’t so bad, I would agree with you. You are basically saying that 30 million people aren’t capable of finding a good job and are just lazy? Really? It couldn’t be the fact that there are, in most cases, more than 100 applicants for one job opening or the fact that I listed above? Don’t forget about the constant discrimination.
People like you, who spread misinformation and stereotype with out bothering to look at the facts are a big part of what is wrong with this country.
Here are some facts for you, feel free to do some research yourself:
UNEMPLOYMENT FACTS: URGENT MESSAGE TO ALL MEMBERS OF CONGRESS
http://t.co/uNwKbVi
Letter from 99ers (there are more than 8 million 99ers now, by the way)
http://t.co/YWS1IUc
As an advocate for the unemployed, I hear countless stories from the unemployed/long term unemployed every day. They are stories of hard working, productive members of society, most of which hold multiple college degrees and are now in great despair. Most held a good job for more than 15 yrs. Some I have met along the way have even resorted to suicide.
This is a huge problem and if continued to be ignored will be devastating not only to the unemployed, but the rest of society as well. I am heartbroken to see that working people still don’t get it. Unemployment doesn’t discriminate, it could happen to anyone in this job climate.
Stop judging and start helping!! Do your research and offer advice based on facts, not assumption. Do you honestly think that more than 30 million people are just lazy and not marketable enough??? Come on, you can do better than that.
Hey Concerned Citizen – Thanks for your comments and thoughts. I did say that the excuse of the economy was completely warranted. For many people though, it’s just an excuse. Many folks aren’t doing enough about it and they know it. This isn’t everyone, but it’s many people.
I was unemployed for 17 months. I’ve been there and know what it’s like.
haha, I like when Concerned Citizen tells Rich he’s what’s wrong with America (pretty absolute) and proceeds to tell him to stop judging 5 or 6 angry paragraphs latter.
Rich, this is sound advice for this economy. It appears some have fallen into the “you calling my baby ugly?” mentality — which is unfortunate. For the rest of those reading, please take an objective look at each of these six points. If you fall into ANY one of the six, there is more than enough help out there to get the issue fixed — and you’ll be on your way to being that much more employable.
Thanks for the comment, Mark. I never expected this to blow up into such a big deal. There is advice here and I offer help. What more can I do?
Appreciate your comment.
Yea, It’s great being unemployed!
I got a check for about a 1/4 of my previous salary (a 99er now so that’s over) and I pay over 1K a month for health insurance.
I’ve applied for many job’s in my field (Electrical Engineering) and down to a $10 per hour cable TV Tech. Guess what I have had a total of ZERO face to face interviews in almost 3 years!
Yea, a few years ago all of us lazy butt’s got together and decided we were not working anymore! It’s Fantastic being broke and feeling worthless.
FYI, I’m 58 and my wife is 51 she works PT, and has tried to find a full time job since my lay-off, she has had a grand total of 1 interview!
Hey Fred – Thanks for the comment.
I was unemployed for 17 months. I’ve been there. I know it’s tough. I know the longer it goes, the harder it is to find work. I’ve been there.
This post is supposed to be tough love. I’m finding out people can not accept these hard truths.
Thanks.
Hard truths? Really? Yea, you know it all, NOT. It’s just your opinion/perception.
You Don’t Know What You Want (WRONG)
You Really Don’t Want A Job. (WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
You Only Use Big Name Job Boards. (WRONG)
You Have a Poor Resume/Cover Letter. (WRONG)
You Don’t Interview Well. (WRONG) Can’t even get an interview.
You Don’t Know Anyone. (WRONG)
Very few jobs, and virtually no one want’s to hire 50+! There is massive age discrimination.
As I mentioned in the post, these are JUST 6 reasons. There are plenty of other reasons why someone may not have a job. These are 6 of the biggest, if not THE biggest reasons. Yes, the economy is an excuse and warranted, but for many people, it’s just an excuse.
Just to be clear, It is appreciated that you are trying to help by offering advice. I was not trying to insult you or demean what you are doing. Please understand that most people I know in this situation have been through hell. Its extremely frustrating that people just don’t seem to understand. The media under reports on the issue which doesn’t help matters at all. All I ask, is that you tailor your recommendations to fit the current situation. Research all of the facts. We are the unemployed, who better to ask about the situation than us? Reach out and ask questions we will gladly answer them.
If you truly want to help you will heed the advice given here. I don’t understand how people can be so judgmental especially when they have no clue of what we go through on a daily basis.
I truly wish you well
Concerned Citizen – So you know, I did go through 17 months of unemployment myself. My unemployment and hard work led to this blog that DOES help people. I’ve also invented the first online Twitter chat for the job search, where we have up to or over 300 people every Monday night help out or come for job search advice.
I know what it’s like to go through unemployment. I’ve laid out some truths here in this post, and I didn’t claim these are the ONLY 6 reasons. There are countless others why people may be unemployed. Honestly though, most people do fall in these 6 reasons. I can not comment on the other reasons, and have many blog posts that will help out for the 6 reasons I’ve outlined. People can go through and search those topics if interested.
Thanks for your comments.
Good idea. Bad execution. I can see why this post is creating so much controversy. And there is nothing like a controversial post to get you more comments/readers/clickthroughs, etc. — so to that end, well done. If you just skim the green headlines in this post, you wouldn’t take offense to them — I would say most of the points you made are true and helpful to one extent or the other. It was the beef of this so-called “poopy sandwich” that readers took, maybe a little too seriously, to heart. Whether people liked it or didn’t, you’ve made your bed…you know the rest.
Hey Bridget – Thanks for the comment. As always, you give me good ideas and I respect your opinions here. It may be controversial, but I have left helpful tips. Maybe 2 out of the 6 are self serving, but unless I want to write a book on interviewing and resume writing, then I really can’t help people in a short blog post. Those two things need more of one on one guidance.
Thanks!
Wow!! Compelling article with even more compelling comments. Unemployment is a HOT topic right now and a really big issue. It’s a problem too many are facing. I feel invested in this current trend because I sympathize with the people out of work… I have been unemployed myself since November 2009, though for me, it was more of a conscious choice or dare you call it a “luxury” (though my current life is not at all luxurious, I live in the third world slums).
I found your article to be a bit generic, shallow and not sensitive to the times. I agree with most of the constructive criticism thrown around that seems to be causing a stir. Not having a job goes MUCH much deeper than the points you’ve laid out.
What I feel your article lacks is an analysis on society and what can be done for those misplaced and out of work, because the regular tactics (interviews, resumes) are NOT working as the market is so so saturated. It’s becoming increasingly more important to use critical/creative thinking to stand out from the crowd. What I feel the US is facing is a shift in economy/market systems that is not going to go away, because we are in a transitional era in a post-industrial age. The only way out is through!
More useful advice would be how to use creativity to find jobs or MAKE your own. IMO, the trend is–whether you agree with it or not–to outsource to developing countries which also exasperates the unemployment problem. Skilled workers are losing their jobs to people who will do it for 1/3 of the price. This means that the evolved citizen needs to be one step ahead of the game.. I feel the future will breed more and more expats and I also think that entrepreneurial thinking is the best if not only way to combat joblessness… coupled with leveraging technology.. as you so demonstrate running a popular blog!
As I mentioned in a previous comment, I am currently an expat. I was mutually fired/quit from a day job but I had one-way tickets to India and Philippines already set. No plans and less than $1,000 to my name. I lived off my retirement funds for the whole year, took a career sabbatical and lived on the cheap through slow travel and joining monasteries. You could classify me as one of those pseudo-entrepreneurs trying to become location independent. I am combating joblessness by using my creative skills to become self-employed and hustling. I was homeless and now I live in the slums. I do not live in poverty and I am not hopeless. And if you think homeless people are unemployable, check out this amazing story http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rPFvLUWkzs&feature=related & don’t be so quick to judge the 21st century “new poor”.. We’re not hopeless. We just need to reframe our thinking, and start making lemonade!!
Hey Janet – Thanks for your thoughts and comments. I’ve made it clear that blaming the economy is warranted and that these 6 reasons are not the only reasons. These are just 6 reasons that you are out of work. People need to realize that this is a kick in the pants and if they fall into one of these 6 categories, then it’s time to work on changing things.
I believe the post is great as it is. It leaves helpful tips on each, and it also points credit to me, which it should. I’ve helped many people prepare for interviews and tidy up their resumes. There’s no way I can discuss what someone needs to do on both of these without working with them 1 on 1.
Also, I know of that story. That’s a one in a million story. He also lost the job he got and is now in rehab for his drug use. Not everyone has a golden voice or an opportunity like that. He was very lucky. But blew his opportunity.
I do definitely agree that lots of people take on the victim role and start to feel ‘helpless’ which makes them unemployed longer, and your hardhitting advice to basically just work harder is correct. What’s especially important in that regard is not so much tidying up your resume but NETWORKING. Insider leads are tons more effective than outsider.. My main point to help the ‘helpless’ was to open up creative/’outside the box’ ways it could be easier for them to get a job which means the idea of relocating, and leveraging technology which your article didn’t cover. In any event, I think this is enough fodder/inspiration for me to start my own article. Thank you!!
Whatever, I don’t even have time to read all this whining. I can’t disagree with anything that Rich wrote in this post. Sometimes the truth is just a hard pill to swallow. I’ve been both homeless and unemployed neither ever for long because I get off my butt and do something about the situation. Take a job anywhere making anything. At least you can honestly say you tried. Sitting on your computer and attacking people who are actually doing something, just makes you look like a jerk.
Essentially, if you are not where you want to be, then it is because you haven’t gotten yourself there. I am so sick of everyone blaming the economy for everything. Its an easy scapegoat I suppose, but if you sit back and think about it, it all can’t be due to the economy.
Hey Janet – Thanks for your thoughts and comments. I’ve made it clear that blaming the economy is warranted and that these 6 reasons are not the only reasons. These are just 6 reasons that you are out of work. People need to realize that this is a kick in the pants and if they fall into one of these 6 categories, then it’s time to work on changing things.
I believe the post is great as it is. It leaves helpful tips on each, and it also points credit to me, which it should. I’ve helped many people prepare for interviews and tidy up their resumes. There’s no way I can discuss what someone needs to do on both of these without working with them 1 on 1.
Also, I know of that story. That’s a one in a million story. He also lost the job he got and is now in rehab for his drug use. Not everyone has a golden voice or an opportunity like that. He was very lucky. But blew his opportunity.
Hey Jen – Thanks for your comments. I appreciate your thoughts, support, and attitude here. I wanted more people to look at it like you, but I understand that’s not realistic. I can’t please everyone, and I knew that when I wrote this piece.
Many people fall into these 6 categories, but many do not. The people that do fall into these categories need to work a bit harder and look for new ways to reach out to employers.
Thanks.
I think a lot of people are taking your remarks too seriously. That tends to happen when someone hits close to home. I know what it is like to put my foot in my mouth. I’m pretty sure most people do, so let’s hope everyone can be forgiving and more understanding of what your true intentions were with your message.
Hi Benjamin – Thanks for your thoughts. Yes, my true intentions were to be helpful with tough love. That hasn’t been received well, and that’s OK. It was sort of expected.
Thanks!
Wow. Stirred up a hornet’s nest, Cornz. Think about it this way.
Everybody fundamentally wants to be recognized as productive and useful despite any and all circumstances.
If you can help people realize their potential and point them in a better direction, you are performing a great service.
Never apologize for reimbursement for your time and never apologize for trying to help.
I’ve been doing it for 23 years. You’ll never make everyone happy, but you’ll remember the victories and you will be remembered.
Hey Pat – thanks for the comment. I can’t please everyone, and my time is worth something. I apologize if I’ve offended anyone, but I won’t apologize for offering my help and time, which is worth something.
Thanks!
Rich, I felt the post was good. You even acknowledged there might be a couple of hard-edges around the homeless part but the point in context of “don’t think this can’t happen to you” is all relative to how bad it can get for some people. Below is an article from a career coach in Tulsa of which I felt it was worth sharing.. http://ow.ly/5pNCN
In the article Teri makes mention of issues with substance abuse in her conversation which is a big factor with a large population of those battling homelessness right along with mental illness, that is probably the only unfair comparative relative to a career move and employability.
Moving on…one of the biggest “excuses” I see quite frequently from people who say they’re stuck in their situation is they won’t change the situation. This could be as simple as sucking it up and starting at entry-level to learn new skills, knowledge, etc. all the way to an unwillingness to relocate to a place that has more opportunities. Really, the conversation around this subject went like this: “Been out of work for 8 months, no jobs… ~Why don’t you move to the southern part of the state, new plant opening they can’t find enough people. ~I can’t move…. ~Why “can’t” you? ~My family are here. ~Ok, is your family can visit and you can visit them. ~No, I can’t…. ~Actually, no you “won’t”……”
Reality is that many people fall into the victim role and confuse “I can’t” not realizing it’s more accurately “I won’t”. We all have our “I wont’s” I just make sure they’re less and less versus the “I can”, “I will” and “I did”! Again, great thought provoking article that I wouldn’t change a word of it….! Hope you’re doing great…
Hey Bryan – Thanks for your comment and passing along Teri’s article.
I agree completely. People seem to be unwilling to do what’s needed. SOMETIMES I feel there is a sense of entitlement from folks.
Thanks!
Interesting post to say the least. Looks like you really shook the beehive Rich. As someone who was unemployed for 16 months myself I felt it necessary to postin your defense.
When I was un-employed, I learned some things. Things like, living outside of means. I feel that a lot of your reader-base falls into this category. The tradition of having a mortgage on a house is nothing new, but it’s wrong. Just because you can borrow money from someone doesn’t mean you can afford x. I’d bet money that most of the people posting here have mortgages and savings that could only sustain them 6 months leaving them in the situations they arrive. Most americans are 10-15k in debt excluding their mortgage. The key is to not live outside your means EVEN IF you are employed and to diversify your sources of income if married. (don’t work at the same place, don’t invest in one stock, learn a skill that you can apply if in a difficult situation)
Oh and one more thing, your not too good to do any job when you have no money. Just because you are MBA from X doesn’t mean you should overlook something you might feel is beneath you. Cobra only lasts so long and most employers will discriminate based on whether or not your currently employed. Don’t give them a reason to.
This is a well thought out response and is the truth of why not finding a job is so painful for people. The world changed and most Americans couldn’t take their eyes off American Idol for 5 minutes to realize it and adapt.
Nick many people are learning these hard lessons…the hard way unfortunately and it is tough out there no doubt, but too many blame others before looking at themselves and the decisions that they made over the years. Great response Nick.
Rich- keep up the good work
Thanks for the follow-up here, Marty. And thanks for the encouragement. All this post asks folks to do is to take a look at themselves. If they fall in one of these 6 reasons, then they can change and improve. That’s all I tried to do here.
Thanks!
Thanks for the comment, Nick. Your point at the bottom really hits home for me. Honestly, doing something “below” ones skill set, could open up a ton of doors and even show someone something they had no idea existed.
Thanks!
The one question I guess I have is how Behavioral Interview questions determine how you can do the job you are applying for. I went to one yesterday and the girl, who can be as old as my daughter with a streak of orange in her hair, asked me a half dozen behavioral question for an assembly job. Nothing about how good are you with your hands, can you assemble, what tools do you use, but something like what would you want to do if you had a choice of any job in the world or what are your short term and long term goals. So the question I have is this: how will these question make the company know how I can do the job? Some one may ace the behavioral Interview but may be terrible at assembly as opposed to someone who does not do good on the questions may be the best assembler in the world. I think that is why there are so many jobs going unfilled because we have kids asking stupid questions and making determinations on the question that have nothing to do with the job that is available.
Hey Gary – thanks for the comment and question.
If you email me, I can help you out more. My email is CornOnTheJob @ gmail DOT com
Here’s my response…
Behavioral Interview Questions are the best predictor of future performance on the job. That’s why we interview right? To figure out how someone will perform on the job. How does BI work?
BI questions ask you to talk about specific examples from previous work situations. Rather than asking you, “Can you do this?” (which is open to lying, short answers, and little detail), the interviewer asks, “Tell me about a time when this happened. What did you do?” (which opens it up, and gives you a clear path to talk about how you reacted in that situation.
Behavioral Interviewing is not stupid, but there must also be a technical interview. Typically on a longer phone screen or another part of the in-person interview. There has to be a section where the candidate is screened on their technical ability, to go along with their behavioral interview.
And, asking you about your short and long term goals really isn’t behavioral interviewing. Neither is asking about which job you could have if you could choose it. Those are just questions to assess your focus and goals.
If you need more help, just email me.
Thanks
Rich-
Wow. I absolutely don’t understand how someone thinks it’s okay to go on this site that supports your business, that features content that is created by your love, sweat, expert knowledge and tears, and attack you for featuring services that cost money. Flabbergasted. Why shouldn’t you get paid for your time and expertise? I know you want to be responsive to your readers, but please don’t be defensive about it. People should be grateful that you give any advice free- because it’s good and if they sat down with a notebook, made this a checklist, and wrote down notes on what they could do better on each item, they’d be so much closer to a job.
People don’t feel comfortable talking about money and selling- it’s become taboo because of people throwing around phrases like “adding value.” Those people who created those phrases are making millions because they don’t give their stuff away for free and don’t pretend they do. No one should expect altruism when it comes to their professional life. That mindset change is critical.
As for the homeless thing, I understand exactly what you meant. I’ve been honest with you via email and my guest blog post for Job Hunt Chat about what a struggle it was to launch my business and about 4 months ago, I was at my financial wits end because of some work that had fallen through. For the first time of 15 years of being on my own, I didn’t know how I was going to pay my rent (thankfully that didn’t happen because I focused on your #6). I found myself crying on the couch of a good friend and she helped me realize there is a big difference from being short a few months cash/rent and being on the street with no one in your life to help, no possessions, and no idea of how to navigate government services. Really knowing how far away you are from permanent homelessness can help you focus on the assets you do have (knowledge, skills, experience) and focus on using them to get where you want. It’s not something to take for granted.
Reading the comments, I think you should add another reason, which is applying for the wrong jobs. When the economy tanked, the types of jobs created changed but not all job seekers changed their strategy.
Keep doing your thing!
Hey Tracey, thanks for the comment and encouragement! I felt exactly like you, there are tons of tidbits here for free. They are easy to find, and in the time it took people to piss and moan about my choice of words, they could have found free help.
Thanks for being honest about your situation. I too went through a time of unemployment and it was hard. I also went through most of the reasons I outlined. I’ve been there and I know how it feels to be stuck in that net.
you have obviously read my cover letter ….
Hey Izzy – I actually have not yet. I suck.
You got that right. lol
Wowie! What a conversation you have going here.
Related to your first point – it’s just as important to know what you DON’T want in a job. If you don’t know what you DO want, make a list of what you DON’T want – that will at the very least help steer clear of what won’t make you happy at work.
Second point – there are a lot of people in the world who are not trying hard enough to get work. A lot of people do try hard – and succeed in creating their own success by finding a company to work for, or invoking their entrepreneurial spirit – I had a friend who was out of work, but crocheted hats and scarves and gloves, and napkin holders, to sell at a market when times got tough. When I was out of work I flipped burgers at a BBQ restaurant, and sold candles at a flea market – whatever I could do to make a dime to get back home. I know other people who try to get laid off in the cooler months so they can collect unemployment while they go skiing. It’s subjective, and up to the reader to look deep into their own hearts and ask the question “am I doing everything I can to find a job?” You can’t answer that for them, you can only lead them to the question itself.
I remember a wise person once shared a quote with me – it goes something like this:
‘When there are sufficient resources to meet our “wants”, we re-define our “wants” as “needs” and in some cases “entitlements”. When this happens we keep raising the bar as to what we are entitled to.’
Hopefully some of your readers will find value in this.
Keep it up, Rich. Your blogs are always thought provoking and in my opinion, valuable.
Hey Laura – Thanks for the comment here! Good point about knowing what you Don’t want. I agree.
Thanks for sharing the quote and your story of what you did when you were out of work yourself!
Thanks for your encouragement as well!
Fantastic post Rich. A successful job search will have a multi-pronged approach and you give wise advice. Simply sending resumes will not optimize your chances of securing an interview. Networking, by itself, will not optimize your chances of securing an interview. Many, many job seekers do not realize this and you do everyone a service by outlining this in a bold and easy-to-read post.
I work with the unemployed and underemployed on a daily basis and while I can certainly say that many are victims of circumstance there are certainly more than enough people that have remained unemployed for long periods that make little effort and expect big results.
Many newly unemployed do not understand how to work a job search. I find this especially true in the older age groups who (at least in our area) were the hardest hit with layoffs. The art of the job search has changed tremendously in the past few years with the onset of social media. Rich offers fantastic and relevant advice for the 21st century job seeker.
Rich – stop apologizing.
I wish there was a like function to these comments – well said Meli!
Thanks Laura!
Yep! I really need to add a like function!
Thanks for this Melissa! Your comment about the newly unemployed are having a tough time in the new job search. I agree completely. I would think that maybe a little research would help them, but more focused counseling is probably what they need.
So, for offering my help, which I should be paid for, I will certainly stop apologizing!
Thanks for the support!
Thoroughly enjoyed the post and concur with your “takes.” I would add “You Don’t Ask For Help.” This falls into your thought on – ‘You Don’t Know Anyone’ but for jobseekers they have to go mix it up with people. If they show up, they will get help without having to ask for it.
Thanks AG – agree on the “not asking for help” addition. That’s huge, and while many people think they know everything, simply asking a few questions will show them it’s not so.
Think homelessness only happens to OTHER people? You may be next! http://www.ledger-dispatch.com/2011/06/17/shelter-head-says-homelessness-strikes-all-walks-of-life/
Once again, wasn’t meant to offend, and we all know it can happen to anyone. I do believe MOST people have made decisions in their life (either many years before or recently) that have led to them being unemployed and eventually homeless. It can happen to anyone, but people should always be prepared for the worst and look for ways to combat the worst scenario if it should happen.
I wish you the best and I offer my help if you need it. Just ask if you need any counseling.
“I do believe MOST people have made decisions in their life (either many years before or recently) that have led to them being unemployed.”
MOST PEOPLE? Really? I guess the bad decision I made was living too damn long.
Love the direct approach. I’ve been unemployed for extended periods of time before and it was really easy to feel sorry for myself. That’s the victim that we all like to play when things are tough and that’s really what separates the people who took offense at this post from those who took it for what it is. The truth cuts sometimes, but only enough to remove the infection.
Your recommendations are sound. Anyone who can’t accept them just doesn’t want it bad enough.
Here’s a great article we put up about overcoming those mental roadblocks: http://www.yellowbrickroad.com/follow/4-ways-to-overcome-obstacles/
Hey Marcus – Thanks for the comment. I’m glad you took it that I was trying to help in this post, because that is ALWAYS my intention. I like how you worded it, “The truth cuts sometimes, but only enough to remove the infection.” Rather brilliant!
Rich
As a recruiter I see many unemployed people commit these mistakes especially the last 3. There are things as job seekers that I think you are unaware of and Rich was just trying to make sure you knew. 1 – Your resume and cover letter should be customized for each job you apply to. Do all job seekers take the time to do that? If not then you aren’t doing everything you can do to help yourself. 2 – Do you take time to practice interviewing? Do you research the company? Do you write down questions to ask the person who interviews you? Do you write down your answers to practice questions so that you will be prepared. Most people probably do not. 3 – Do you network as much as you can. Everyone should be on linkedin. You should attend networking groups. It may even be a good idea to take a position making less than what you think you should just to meet and network with other people to hopefully find a job within your field.
These are the things that I think Rich is trying to say. If you are doing all of these then great job!!! This article isn’t for you so don’t take it so personally. If you are not doing these things then do some research on what Rich is saying. He’s just trying to help. I think we are all being a little hard on Rich.
Hey Holley – Thanks for the comment and support. Maybe people were a bit hard, but I really pushed the boundaries here. I did expect some harsh comments back, but I think people took it harder than I thought they would.
Glad as a recruiter you see what I’m trying to get at! Thanks again!
Guess what happened when I created a younger less skilled version of me who has only been out of work for 3 months instead of almost 3 years?
Fred – did you get a job? Did you lie on your resume? What happened?
Rich,
I was pointed to your blog from LinkedIn. The things you covered is spot on. I just finished a military career. I have a MA in HR. I am currently in Professional Development to assess my strengths and skills. I did see anything wrong with your post. Job well done!!!! The truth hurts..
Hey Rod – Thanks for your comment. I’m happy you felt everything here was spot on, and I’m also glad to see you’re currently assessing your skills. Let me know how it goes and what ends up happening please!
These are perfect reasons why one does not get a job. Very good article. Would love to hear more from you.
Thanks, Leadership Development!
Okay so how do you “network” when you’ve moved to a new city and know absolutely no one? What are some smaller job sites to look on? I’ve tried to use Craigslist but I feel all I find is work at home gigs or internet scams
I’ve tried LinkEd but all those jobs aren’t in my area
Hey Beth Anne – When you move to a new city, you can use Linkedin or find live networking groups. You can use Twitter to search out recruiters from that area that work at staffing firms. It’s very simple, just takes some brainstorming and elbow grease.
Let me know how it goes.
Job. Job. Job. Job…I sent my resume and filled applications for a combined total of 547 times. I am was done with it. I tried offering my services 6 weeks, no pay-just to prove myself. I am a licensed electrician, an engineering student, I have a IQ 162. Truth is, there is nothing out there that I can not learn fluently, in an expediant manner. That’s my problem? Too smart to work for someone else? I’ve been told that but hey-I have offered my services for 6 weeks free of charge. I have an uncanny ability to learn very quickly. I have had people tell me that to some, because of this ability, I am a threat. HELL, I have applied to flip burgers and clean tables at McDonalds and Dairy Queen. The manager at McDonalds took a look at my application and I qoute, “Oh, gosh no”. I am not an criminal, I have never been convicted, I have been fired from one job because I absolutely refused to endanger my life by standing on top of a 30ft. scizzor lift above solid concrete without a safety harness ( I would refuse today). Under the reason for termination, it stated that I refused to perform routine functions of the job. Fortunately, I am blessed with an above average brain. But, it’s really not my brain is above average-I just cannot stand to NOT to know how to do something, or NOT know something, what ever something may be. I refuse to keep ignorance as an option. If I don’t know it now, I will know it soon. We all have a degree of ignorance regarding something, or in some subject(s). The definition of ignorance means nothing more than to be lacking in knowledge. The ONLY path to independence and sustainability is knowledge and the experiences that one has while in the pursuit of knowledge instills wisdom. I began designing-then I later started building-and now, I have business. If it were not for all of my experiences and my unrelenting pursuit of knowing and understanding, I would be still be hunting for a job. TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR OWN DESTINY.
Hey Kenneth – Thanks for the lengthy comment and story. Wow, you certainly have gone through an interesting search. 547 times is exhausting and I’m glad you have persisted.
Congratulations on your business!
At first glance, one can nod and agree with all these. But I have to say I disagree with the “You Really Don’t Want A Job” argument in the case of a few people I know who have excellent resumes, good interviews, and solid professional backgrounds who simply can’t get hired. I do get that you’re not saying all of these six reasons apply to everyone who’s unemployed, however.
Hey Susan – Thanks for the comment! Well, yes, what I meant from this post is that ONE of these reasons may apply to someone. If someone fits in ONE of these reasons, then that is why they aren’t getting a job. If ANY ONE of these exist, then t hey probably will have trouble finding work.
Rich, bold and daring statements of the unemployed. Most of it is nail on the head. People are generally so laid back when they don’t have a job. Getting into the proactive habit of finding a job is a lot of hard work, physically and mentally.
I think you should add that in your live networking you should volunteer. I’ve decided to volunteer at my daughter’s school because I figure that at some point if there isn’t a position that opens up at the school then someone will know someone who’s hiring and can pass that on to me. Plus, it’s more experience to add to my resume…or is that not ok to add volunteer experience on a resume?
I wholeheartedly agree with all that you’ve said here, but there’s one thing that’s left out – or perhaps is an offshoot of the “you really don’t want one” syndrome. It may sound harsh, but some people are just too lazy or at best too much of a procrastinator to respond to a job opportunity in the timely manner it takes to get a jump on the other candidates. I can’t tell you how many times friends or associates have come to me with help getting started as freelance writers or just job hunting and know I have been in the world of recruitment for a long time. I’ve given them advice about social networking as part of a job hunt, about showcasing their expertise with a blog or LinkedIN profile, about smaller more nichy job search sites, and about the various sources for unpublished writers to get their start. In two cases I asked two of my good professional friends – one a career counselor, the other a long time call center executive – to help these people by phone. Both of these nice professional friends immediately said sure they’d help. Neither of the candidates followed through: The old “yeah, I really should do that” syndrome. You can hear the “but.” In one case, the candidate came back to me three weeks later, said “I haven’t had a chance to call her yet. Would you mind letting her know I will soon?” I told him yes, I would mind. He never contacted her. In about 90% of the cases in which someone asked for my help and got it, she or he never followed through on the advice and the resources I gave. I know, not everyone is that way, but I’ve seen it so often that I can’t help but think that some people just don’t have the ambition to go the extra mile it takes to make themselves stand out as a candidate.
Additionally, I think job seekers MUST realize that most jobs are not posted, and some are even created for the right candidate. My last two jobs were created for me, because I was able to convince them not only that I was right for the company but that I wanted to work for their company first and foremost. Job seekers MUST determine for whom they want to work, and what they want to do, and not be deterred by the fact that the company is not stated publicly that it is hiring. They MUST use the social network tools for recruiting, such as LinkedIN, Facebook / Monster’s BeKnown Facebook app, and sites such as Jobfox, JobVite, TwitJobSearch, Indeed.com, SimplyHired and others that allow them to synch their social presence and find out which of their social friends is connected to the company for whom they want to work. They must determine what their dream job is, who it is with, and put their best foot forward in front of that company long before any job goes up online. Without doing that – with just going through the apply for the jobs that are posted process – they might eventually find some job somewhere, but they probably won’t find what they want, what they’ll excel at and what they’ll stay with long enough to provide a satisying career and lucrative retirement.
Hi Sharon – thanks so much for the comment! I think you are right in your addition and I hope people read your comment to gain the insight!
{ 7 trackbacks }