Crazy Things Job Seekers Say

Yes, I'm talking to you six-page resume guy...

If you have read this blog, then you know I strive to be helpful. But in this week's blog, I am going to call out some of the most outrageous things my clients have said in the past three years. And what they should have said/asked instead.

"I'm just not into social media."

I have heard this from every possible type of job seeker: from the seasoned, especially, but also from Milennials and GenXer's. I am always floored by this comment, as it usually follows my inquiry “do you use Linked In?” I am a huge proponent of using Linked In, whether you are looking for a new job or not. There is no place else on the Internet that offers so much for free. I also think you should be using Twitter and Facebook. All three are the new ways to connect with recruiters, hiring managers and companies.

What you should say: "How can I take advantage of Linked In and other Social Media to boost my career and opportunities?"

"You think my six-page resume isn't going to work?"

DUDE, WHAT ARE YOU THINKING? Really...unless you are in medicine, who is going to read a 6-pager even in good times? Keep in mind that millions of people in the US are looking for work. The global unemployment number is 30 million, and non-US citizens can and do apply to jobs in the United States, and get hired. That adds up to some serious competition for the few jobs out there.

What you should say: "How can I tell a compelling career story in two pages?"

"I don't really like cold calling people.” 

Who does? But I'll bet a weeks' beer budget that if you start cold calling targeted individuals regarding your career, and how you can be a benefit to them, it will pay off 10 times faster than applying to a 100 jobs online everyday for a week.

What you should say: "How can I get to the right hiring authority and tell my story in under 30 seconds?"

"I don't like to talk about myself." 

Not everyone enjoys talking about themselves, although some people really LOVE to, but that's another blog. When you are looking for job, you must market your talents and achievements, and do so in a way that highlights what you bring to the table, and not so much boasting about yourself. 

What you should say: 'How can I become more comfortable with talking about myself and my career achievements?”

"I don't really have any accomplishments."

Even if your only work experience is internships, you have some accomplishments. If you are just a “cog in the wheel”, doing a great job reliably with few errors is an accomplishment. You need to frame your work experience in terms of situation, action and result.

What you should say: “How can I identify, quantify, and present my career accomplishments?

"Networking is just talking to a bunch of strangers."

Job seekers, do not underestimate the power of professional networking. It does require “talking to strangers” but with the mindset of making mutually beneficial connections that can help you move forward in your career. But it is not just about you: networking is a two-way street of mutual reciprocity. Having the right attitude and mindset is critical to your networking efforts. Building a foundation of colleagues and contacts that know, like, and trust you, and vice-versa, is hard work.

What you should say: “What groups, associations or events should I join/attend and how can I help them?”

"I won't have any problems getting a job. "

I hope that you do not have any problems getting a job. But do not assume that it is easy out there. Millions of incredibly talented job seekers are on the market, and have been for a while. If you have been working steady through the Great Recession and now find yourself on the unemployment line, beware: it is not like it was five ago. In fact, it is not even like it was a few months ago. Job searching has changed, companies' hiring practices have changed, the economy has changed, and the jobs themselves have changed.

What you should be saying: “What new techniques and strategies do I need to add to my career management tool box?”

If you are stuck in your job search, make sure that you are addressing the real issues, and not just clinging to old habits and out-of-date methods. Stay current on employment news, follow career blogs, and take job searching webinars. The Internet is a wonderful, free asset in your search. 

If you need help with anything in your career search, send me an email with your question. Resume reviews are always gratis. 

"Ask" the Author: Kristi Enigl is a Global Career and Job Search Consultant who brings over 20 years of Hiring, HR Management and Executive Recruiting across a broad spectrum of industries to her professional practice. She helps professionals identify, create, and market their career brand so they reach their career goals – FAST. She is an expert resume writer, interview coach, and speaker. Info at http://www.kristienigl.com/.