Sure you can do just about anything. The problem is, employers aren’t hiring for that ” just about anything job” right now? I haven’t seen that title come up in search recently have you? And to quote Dr. Phil, “How’s that working for you?” Are you getting some good leads and contacts for that just about anything job? I’ve written about why this doesn’t work here.
Really, what are you best at doing? Specifically, what problems are you super at solving?
It isn’t until to can put words around this that you’ll be able to find your focus. Without focus, job search can be an ominous trek or one that doesn’t move at all.
This is a major change in thinking for us all. In the past, when the United States was riding high, some employers were thinking we need good old work ethic. They were riding the wave of success and growth. We made a lot of stuff over here and we needed people to help make that happen, at all levels. Today, we don’t make as much here. Jobs and companies are outsourced to countries where labor is less expensive. Computers and automated systems have eliminated the need for many jobs. The jobs that remain require more. If you haven’t read “The World Is Flat” by Thomas Friedman, that might be helpful to further understand these major shifts. While you are reading, you might as well read “Drive” by Daniel Pink because this also provides insight and background to the changing landscape of today’s companies. “Drive” looks at the the real science behind what motivates humans.
This can make you mad or even irate, but that won’t change the situation. The key to your success moving forward is to seek to become the best you can be AND be able to talk about it.
Yes, you did your job, you were there every day and worked hard. It is going to take more than that to win an employer’s vote of confidence. Accepting this fact and developing accomplishment stories that represent your true talents are part of the secret to winning the employer’s heart.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Great post, Hannah, and right on point. It breaks my heart when I see job seekers stumbling around in the dark who need our help. They need a guide which you say so well and direction. Some get off and running shortly after job loss but others struggle and it becomes harder to look at the investment of working with a professional to fine-tune the accomplishments and sometimes to help the job seeker realize that they have accomplishments. Self esteem and self worth are battered in today’s market and it takes a lot of strength to sift through years of employment and find the accomplishments that the seeker once easily remembered.
Julie,
Nice to see another early bird!
If our car won’t start, we would bring it in to a mechanic, right? So if the job search won’t start, then specific help is required. It seems so obvious. Perhaps this is all so new to so many, they don’t know about the resources available. There are skilled professionals, such as yourself, who can truly help.
Thanks for the comment and here’s to the hope that more stalled searchers find the resources they need! Keep up your super work!
Wow this is a great resource.. I’m enjoying it.. good article