It is easy to find
reasons to do nothing about virtually anything. Even when doom stares someone
in the face many will do nothing. But let’s not be overdramatic, my focus has
to do with advising people who seek new jobs, to provide more substantive
counsel beyond the lame and hollow mainstream advice that, in my opinion, suggests
little other than more internet-based activities. Or the pseudo-suggestion of
throwing even more of resumes to the four winds and then sitting on your hands,
fingers crossed, waiting for someone to call you. Sorry, but that sounds more like
waiting for a fish to bite an idle hook with old bait – but it surely is not
the best way to look for a job. Especially if there are many, many others
nearby doing the same thing, with more people fishing than there are fish.
Some people think
engaging in efforts to stand apart or to stand out is akin to grandstanding, or
they may tell themselves they are no better than anyone else. And logically
speaking, if you think you are no better than others, then, you aren’t. But I
am not suggesting anyone is better
than anyone else per se, just different, and therein lays the logic behind my
intent.
We’re not all the same
and so generic solutions and suggestions meant for the masses are of little use
to the individual. If you are a do-nothing kind of person, then actively
seeking opportunity that is not spoon fed to you, or is not laid at your feet
is probably a scary thing to consider. There are many people who, when
confronted with something that is not predictably scripted and not formulaic,
react by finding more reasons for why not to do something, than to do something. Too many are consumed
with playing it safe; avoiding risks and, most of all, avoid bringing
unnecessary attention upon themselves. It doesn’t make it any easier that we
are surrounded by others telling us to comply, to compromise our goals because
well, we just expect too much. They
speak of individuality as though it is an affliction rather than a character trait.
Here’s an example: tell someone that you are not happy about your current job
and their reflexive answer might be, “You’re lucky to have a job”. Furthermore,
there are many who think the world is against them, having convinced themselves
the proverbial they are erecting
obstacles to their pursuits and well-being, when in reality there is only one primary
culprit that holds them back – themselves. Often I speak with very capable
people who talk themselves out of doing what they originally claimed they wanted.
Guard
against cynicism
Even when conducting
one of the most basic of tasks reviewing job descriptions, many people find
ways of disqualify themselves, disregarding opportunities for the silliest of
reasons. I recently spoke to someone who considered applying for a staff-related
position I shared. At first they were interested, but it didn’t take long for
them to start picking it apart. For example: there was a list of 6
qualifications required to be considered and the person to whom I was speaking felt they were weak in one of the 6; not
lacking, but it was not an area in which they had strength. This, they
suggested, was a reason why they doubted they would be seriously considered and,
therefore, it would be a waste of time to pursue. Then, they expressed doubt
because the posting showed no information specifying work hours. Really, that’s a reason not to apply? They went
on to complain there was not enough information by which to make a decision. I said
job descriptions meant for the public are intentionally brief and generic, with
a bare minimum of information but, to no avail, they decided they would not
pursue a job for which they didn’t feel worthy. I could only conclude that this
person was either lazy, not in real need of a job or wanted to find an excuse
not to do anything. Glass half-full
cynicism comes to mind but the larger issue is the habit of finding it easier
to do nothing than to risk rejection. Worse yet, some people argue more
strenuously for why not to do something and how much sense does that make? So
if you’re serious, get serious; no one else can or should do it for you.
My advice to you is to
flip the equation and begin to find reasons why a company should consider you, rather than finding reasons why they shouldn’t
or won’t. Fight the urge to negatively pre-determine the outcome. If there is a
list of required qualifications and you possess most of them and lack one or
maybe two, but make up for it in other (listed) areas, check it out. Please do
not misunderstand, if you are not qualified don’t apply, thereby wasting both
someone else’s time and yours. But if you feel strongly about your abilities,
don’t let a generic list stop you. Pursue opportunities and, who knows, if you
may not be an exact fit for the job for which you applied, you might just
impress them so much that they might have another role in mind, which may or
may not yet be publicly known. Maybe they have someone currently in place
they’d replace if the right person came along, but how can you learn about it without
making the attempt. I don’t mean to offend anyone but, sadly, society has
produced a lot of cry babies who can’t handle a little rejection – get over it,
that’s life and we don’t always get what we want the first time or second, or
even third time, for that matter - yeah, and so what?
One never knows what is
around the next corner, but you can’t and won’t find out if you don’t make the
effort.
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