I had a manager years ago who would tell our team, "Don't waste your energy on those who don't want to come along, focus on those who are buying in". Trying to get everyone to move can be very draining. This was hard to swallow, but very wise advice.
I say this because every week I come across job seekers who don't want to drink the Cool-Aide of today's job search. They refuse to accept advice, become defensive about what they are doing and/or argue that it won't work for them. Jeez, we're just trying to help, I think to myself.
Here are some of the anti Cool-Aide drinking statements I've heard:
- I don't need to assess myself. It is a waste of time.
- I can't network, I don't know anyone.
- It is going to take too much time to change my resume for every job I apply to.
- I'm naturally a good interviewer. I don't need to practice.
- I made over $100K, what help can you offer me?
- LinkedIn is a waste of time. So is Twitter.
- I tell them all that in my cover letter, why would I put it in my resume?
- I don't want to memorize my Elevator Speech, I don't want it to sound canned.
- What good is networking with a bunch of unemployed people.
- There aren't any jobs out there for my profession right now.
My wish for everyone is to be open to ideas, some may be new to you, others may not have worked in the past, but might be worth trying again. Don't knock it until you've tried it.
I won't be able to drag you all along, but for those who are drinking the Cool- Aide, CHEERS.
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.
