Too Cool To Work Here
{ Dear Cookbook, I’ve been unemployed for over a year now. Needless to say, I desperately need a job. How do I convey my desperation to potential employers so they hire me? Thanks, Tony }
Tony, I realize you’ve been unemployed for a while now, but appearing desperate will not help you get a new job. Especially if potential employers can hear the desperation in your voice. You may not realize this, but it’s a proven fact that if you seem to want something too much, you probably won’t get it. You may not believe me, but I am speaking from experience. Almost twenty years ago I set out to earn enough money to buy my very first car. Excited at the prospect of owning a car, I applied for countless jobs. After being rejected by all of them, I finally realized the reason I wasn’t getting hired – no one likes an eager beaver! So I scaled back my approach and haven’t had any problems since. Think back to high school, wasn’t the coolest person the one who was “too cool for school?” Continue reading
Only Suckers and Felons Volunteer
{ Dear Cookbook, I’m unemployed and can’t find a job. Should I think about doing some volunteer work in the meantime to add to my resume? Thank you, Stephen }
Honestly, Stephen? This is job seeker 101 stuff. If you don’t know the answer to this question, it’s no wonder you can’t find a job. Will volunteer work help get you a paying job? Absolutely not! If you are prepared to work for free, why would anyone pay you to work for them! They will offer you other non-paying positions but they will not offer you anything with a salary! It’s kind of like that saying, “why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free.” Are you picking up what I’m putting down, or do I need to be clearer?
Since the question you asked was asinine to begin with, and I’m not sure you really understand what I’m saying, ask yourself these three questions before you commit to any volunteer type positions: Continue reading
Things Interviewers Look For
{ Dear Cookbook, I interview really well. I dress nicely, communicate effectively and am genuinely pleasing in appearance. So why in the world can I not find a job!!! Frustrated Frank from Freeport }
Dear Frustrated Frank from Freeport. . . . if that is your real name, which I find highly unlikely. Unless, of course, your parents were village idiots or you were named because of some whacked family tradition. Have you considered that your name might be the reason why you’re not finding work? Because I’m almost 100% sure that prospective employers are disqualifying you based solely on your terrible name.
Think I’m being more than a little harsh here? Well, perhaps you are not considering the bigger picture. Employers can choose from a smörgåsbord of applicants these days. In fact, most of the time they don’t even choose one based on their qualifications. Think I’m wrong? Well, think again! I’ve spent a ‘great deal of time’ researching why interviewers choose seemingly random individuals, instead of those who might actually be qualified for the position. Considering your personal experiences, I’m willing to bet that the results of my findings will surprise you. Continue reading
