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.
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.
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.”
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/