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 before.
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.
Hannah Morgan speaks and writes about job search and career strategies. She founded CareerSherpa.net to educate professionals on how to maneuver through today’s job search process. Hannah was nominated as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Job Search and Careers and is a regular contributor to US News & World Report. She has been quoted by media outlets, including Forbes, USA Today, Money Magazine, Huffington Post, as well as many other publications. She is also author of The Infographic Resume and co-author of Social Networking for Business Success.
