The best way to find a job

Jeff Altman, Big Game Hunter

If you are like most of my readers, you are actively looking for a job. In the language of social work, you are “in crisis” because you can only lose your job for a very limited period of time before terrible consequences occur.

And, in fact, you choose the worst time to find a job, not because of the economy, but because of the bias of “active job seekers” in the recruitment industry and companies.

The prejudice exists that people looking for jobs are not the “best” people – a company chooses to lay off employees and sticks to “high achievers”, their better talent, “stars.”

Given what you know about yourself, it’s ridiculous, isn’t it?

But it’s not just “organizational nonsense”, it’s part of the beliefs people have in HR.

I regret to say that at a time when I can’t afford the advertising budget, I am part of the “passive candidate myth” around thirty and need to separate myself from the large institutions that spend tens of thousands of dollars a week.

I would sell myself to the company and say, “I’m not only trying to find the best candidates to read the New York Times on Sunday to look for jobs. I’m trying to find the best candidates.”

This distinction has done miracles for me, and when I teach others about their power, it becomes part of the agency culture, even as times change and businesses have been unleashing great talents.

What can you do?

Not many.

But after finding a job, I hope you change your mindset.

You will see that most people who find jobs think they don’t need help.

“I have a job that I’m very happy about. Don’t worry about me. I have a job to do.”

Some respond to recruiters with emails that appear to be yelling.

“How did you get my email address, spammer (well, you left your resume on the work board. I found you use Google or a research-oriented website)!

Then, the next crisis hits, and these people contact the same recruiter they yell and expect them to forget about rudeness (you don’t think we’re going to document this behavior in the applicant tracking system).

I hope all you have to do in the future is to think about yourself looking for a job.

When President Clinton was president, his employees used the term “sequential campaign” to describe them always running for office and being unable to become “fat, stupid and happy.” They need to always sell voters.

I’m not suggesting that you keep your resume on Monsters and other working committees. Actually, put them down immediately!

I tell you, LinkedIn, X, Xing (if you are outside the US), and Facebook is the fence for companies and recruiters looking for “passive job seekers.”

Update your profile regularly and treat it as a resume, combined with quality keywords that accurately describe your professional activities.

If you receive an email or phone call from a recruiter, or an email from a recruiter from a company, respect them and listen to what they provide.

Evaluate the services offered by recruiters. Ask a question. Answer their questions. Remember that they may record your experiences about you in the tracking system, so sell them. Leave a deep impression.

Then decide whether to continue the discussion.

Don’t close the door without listening!

If you know someone who may be eligible and you are not interested, please provide a recommendation.

Whatever you do, remember that the possibility of a job continues until retirement is small, and it is best to find a job when you have a job.

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