Hiring in Times Of Anger And Fear

　　The job-hunting scene is pretty depressing these days. I know because I just completed a rather lengthy stint of unemployment myself. Between the war, the dot-com collapse, loss of faith in corporate leadership, and a limp economy, if you’re unemployed right now, you may wonder if you’ll ever work again. Unemployment is steady or increasing, depending on whom you believe. Federal, state, and local governments are cutting programs and raising taxes. It feels as though we’re spiraling downward toward an unknown bottom. It’s no wonder that anger and fear among job seekers is palpable.

　　The hiring scene, I’m learning, isn’t so great either. I’m looking for a mid-level manager, and this anxiety and anger is evident in the people I’m interviewing. What seems strangest is that candidates for the job seem to have adapted to these strange times by moving to polar extremes. They’re either totally obsequious doormats who are essentially offering to work for food ("but that’s negotiable," they explain) or are completely arrogant and believe they deserve a circa-1999 dot-com salary, work environment and perks. There isn’t much in between. Where are the people who are reasonably self-confident?

　　Having just conducted my own job search, I understand how easy it is to think that you must be doing something wrong if you aren’t getting interviews, callbacks, or offers. The advice from book authors and career counselors -- who often suggest that there are "right" ways land a job -- can amplify that anxiety.

　　I remember reading various bits of job-seeking advice and wondering if these experts could possibly be talking about me. Was I not eager enough, or too eager? Was my eye contact strong, too weak, or hostile? Was my resume just right? If you’re not getting results, it’s easy to think you need a makeover.

　　So where am I going with this? I want to share two points that I hope will be helpful. First, relax and realize that you may not be doing anything wrong in your job search. It may be just that it’s harder to get a job now. Try to be who you were before you got scared and angry, because that’s who you really are. And I know you’re scared. I know you’re angry and depressed. But don’t lose your cool or your self-respect.

　　It’s easy to let cumulative rejections wear you down to the point where you’ll take almost any job at any salary. Remember that I have not seen you before; I don’t know about these rejections, and I’m not judging you because of them. The rejections you’ve faced are cumulative in your mind only. Decent employers don’t want to hire you at a salary you can’t live on, so don’t give yourself away.

　　And you don’t have to be ashamed or apologetic if you’re a Ph.D. and working at Target. I’ll respect you for it. A potential employer who doesn’t understand that you’re doing the best you can is a jerk and won’t be a decent boss.

　　Second, individuals seeking work sometimes do strange things that don’t help them get the job. Perhaps the advice books are talking to these people when they offer tips on how to present yourself. So, it’s with love and compassion (plus a bit of annoyance) that I relate some of these incidents to you.

　　One resume I received included a complete copyright statement on each page. Displayed in 12-point type, it was the resume’s most prominent feature. What meaning does a copyright have in the context of a resume? Who would copyright a resume? This is just plain weird. Obviously, this person doesn’t understand the purpose of a copyright. Can I see past that and give him a shot? Maybe, when I’m feeling particularly compassionate, but why would I want to when I can choose among 80 other people with similar qualifications? If you don’t understand something you’re putting on your resume, leave it off. Perhaps that’s petty, but we have to weed people out somehow and first impressions really do matter卾ery much.

　　One applicant forgot to attach a resume to his e-mail. I wrote him back, saying I’d love to consider him and asking him to send me a resume. He e-mailed again, this time with a resume attached. But then he went on in the e-mail to talk about how it was my e-mail system that must have removed the attachment. Hmmm卼hat’s odd, because I’ve received dozens of other attachments in the same format from other applicants. Why even suggest that I screwed up somehow? This doesn’t help, not because I’m defensive about my e-mail system, but because an applicant gains nothing by blaming me for anything. Let it go, or take the blame yourself. That’s a basic customer-service principle.

　　How about spelling? Now, more than ever, you should check your resume and your cover letters. But I see plenty of mistakes, and because the people I’m interviewing are well-educated, I have to assume they’re sloppy -- which is worse than being a bad speller. Yes, you’re sending out dozens of cover letters, but remember you’re sending only one to me. I’m judging you by that one letter.

　　Follow up. I’m surprised by the number of people who say they’re going to send me some work samples and then don’t send anything. If it’s because you don’t want the job, it’s still bad form. But if you do want the job and don’t follow through, how can I conclude you’ll follow through with anything? If I don’t hear back, you won’t hear from me.

　　Address the qualifications in my ad. You wouldn’t believe how many applicants don’t have any of the three or four specific requirements I list in my ad. If you don’t have the skills, tell me why you think you’re the right candidate nevertheless. But don’t just ignore the issue. I’ll read your resume, and I’ll actually spend a good bit of time on it because I’ll be trying to figure out why you applied. Then I’ll shake my head, and move your e-mail into the "reject" folder.

　　Arrive on time for the interview. Basic, right? I send directions with a map to people I invite for an interview, and they still show up late, saying they got lost. These are college graduates; many even have advanced degrees. If you really want the job, leave your house two hours early, or drive to the interview location the day before so you know how to find it.

　　Be yourself. Times will get better. Your unemployment won’t last forever. So be yourself. But be your best self. Now go get ’em!

　　-- Jack Thomas is the pen name of a 40-something C-level executive. In his column, "From the Other Side of the Desk," he’ll share his musings about workplace issues and life.