Tag: job search help

Job Seeker: How to Apply (or Not) Apply for a Job

Applying for a Job


It’s very easy as a job seeker to earn a reputation that you are not even aware of and is actively subverting your chances of getting a job. That reputation can take many forms, but there are a couple common types that stand out. One is of the person that applies to every job no matter if they’re qualified or not, and the other is the person who applies to jobs and then never returns calls or messages. Another common job seeker is the “always keeping my feelers out there” who is not quite committed to any job they are in. I think I can explain and address each candidate in this short article and provide some insight so you can avoid getting mislabeled.

Job Searching Online: 8 Best Practices You Need to Know | FlexJobs


Types of Job Seekers


Recruiters and HR managers who have been working in their market for over a year start to see the same candidates coming up in job board searches and as job applicants. When you are a candidate who applies to all jobs no matter what, this is not being perceived the way that you think it is, and will likely result in you being seen as an unserious job seeker. There is a pervasive idea that job descriptions are written as a list of “nice to have’s” instead of mandatory, and or can be negotiated during the interview process. So, you should apply even if you don’t have some of the so-called mandatory qualifications for the role. This method may have worked a couple times for some outliers in the industry, but it is not a recommended practice as it does harm your online reputation.

The other confusing tactic is applying for a job and then not responding to calls and messages about the job. In a way, as a recruiter, you are calling their bluff by saying “okay if you think you’re qualified, let’s have a conversation” and then that’s where the candidate ghosts you. In my career, I’ve always mentally red-flagged people that do that in case their name pops up again.

job search

There is also that unfortunate job seeker who is unaware that the Apply Now or Easy Apply button has the older version of your resume, which signals to anyone viewing it that you are bad at managing small details. This may or may not disqualify you right away, but we must avoid it right out of the gate.
Likewise, the candidate that is always keeping his “feelers out” is not somebody that a company wants to hire because their perception is “This guy will jump as soon as something pays him a little more.”

How to Write a Cover Letter for a Job Application | WordStream
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Start your Job Search


The absolute first step in the job search process is locking down your resume. Then you work on locking down your references and then doing a mock interview where you go through questions and responses.
Before you start your job search, make sure all your ducks are in a row. You are seeing a trend here with my advice over the past few articles which is, BE HONEST. Make it an honest and transparent job search. Don’t portray you or your skills as something they aren’t.

To message me directly, find me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-arrigo/

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Why Certain Personalities Should Start Their Own Business

Source: https://www.truity.com/

According to the book Type Talk At Work and the over 10,000 individuals the folks at OKA have interviewed over the last couple decades, over 60% of managers in corporate America are of the Thinking-Judging preference. As you climb the corporate ladder into the C-suite, this consolidates even further to about 90%. And of course this makes sense as you want to surround yourself with those who are most like you.

The issue with this is quite obvious. A whole ton of people aren’t of the T/J persuasion and fall into the Feeling-Perceiver preference. The major conflict comes with the J vs P function and the (J) manager’s inability to be flexible to the (P) employee’s agile work mindset and methodology. As a (J) Judger, deadlines are met, tasks are checked off in a linear manner, and projects plow full steam ahead with little room to change direction. And for the corporate leader, this is a very desirable trait to have. As a (P) Perceiver, flexibility is a must. There needs to be room to adjust schedules and deadlines as things come up as they are guaranteed to do. The ability to be successful comes down to having room to fly by the seat of our collective pants.

In addition, having a preference for (F) Feeling over (T) thinking will cause strife when it comes to conflict resolution and interpersonal communication. (F)’s make considerations based on the group and who it will effect. They want to make sure there is a consensus and that the group comes away harmonious after a decision is made. The (T) wants to take an objective stance and be pragmatic. What is best for the business, despite the feelings of the group? What makes the most sense? So, the conflict is awfully apparent and is one of the harder workplace conflicts to reconcile in the short term.

MBTI T vs. F. I'm an INFP but must be close to 50-50 because I ...

My advice to those who consistently find themselves in this predicament is to consider starting your own business. Or, at the very least, finding an outlet where you can put your own schedule, talent, and creativity to the test. Most recently, I have spoken to a number of F/P types who are starting an Etsy page to sell their art or pursuing other creative avenues where their flexibility won’t be challenged, their timelines can be in flux, and not everything comes down to what is most pragmatic.

There is no better time than now to start pushing for the things you want out of life. The first step is to know yourself. Once you do that, consider if you are utilizing your strengths to their absolute max, or if you are being held back.

To message me directly, find me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-arrigo/

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Job Market Then and Now: Candidate’s Market vs Employer’s Market

From the end of 2018 until February 2020, we were in a “candidate’s market.” This means that there were many job openings, yet the candidate pool was very shallow. What this meant for the candidate was they were highly prized possessions in their respective fields, and thus could negotiate for a higher salary knowing they were greatly sought-after. From a recruiting point of view, this is a tough process to negotiate. Your client’s are not budging on their salary range, and the candidates are fielding many offers. Candidate’s in this market generally have little loyalty to anything other than who will pay them more. This irrational exuberance has been seen many times before (e.g. Dot-com bubble, 2008 Financial Crisis.) The good times will never end! I’ll never die!

Now – during COVID-19 – we are seeing what happens when its an “employer’s market.” This means we have a small amount of job openings, with a deep reservoir of candidates available. This is great for employers as the leverage and power has completely shifted. You can now “low-ball” the salary with confidence that they aren’t going to be getting a counter-offer from other employers. Often heard during these interviews is, “At this point, I just need a job.” This is music to a company’s ears; and an awful sales pitch for yourself.

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Adjusting to this shift is abrupt for those who were riding the candidate market wave through ’18 and ’19. The grim reality is you can’t make $75/hr anymore–you have to take a pay cut. A Utopian career trajectory is one where you are always getting a better position with better pay. In reality, there comes a point where you can’t make what you made previously. This can be a harsh, ego-smashing moment for job seekers.

Unfortunately, what needs to be done at this point, isn’t. The path taken is that of “holding out” for a job that pays the same or better, falsely believing that the same market exists back when you landed your last gig.

The solution is to take a step back in order to take a step forward. Consider that a slight decrease in pay for a job that starts Monday, is better than no job offer that starts never. Though, that is a popular employer for many. I assume ego and status get in the way, thus clouding their logic. I will expand on that thought in future articles.

Point is, you might just be able to squeak by in America at $70/hr. Those that thrive in either market understand this phenomenon and the future of their careers in a way that does not solely focus on title and income, but that of the proper job fit and job enthusiasm.

To message me directly, find me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-arrigo/

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