Last week I stopped by a fast food restaurant during a slow period. While I was waiting for my order, I overheard the Assistant Manager tell a co-worker he was desperately looking for a new job. I politely interrupted and asked what type of job he was looking for. He replied, “anything, if it gets me out of here.”
To that I replied, “Be careful what you wish for, you could land a job that is worse than the one you’ve got.” In this economy I am hearing comments like these more and more. Desperation will not land you a job. And besides, you can’t be all things to all people. Passion, paired with focus of what you want will not only be far more beneficial, but you’ll be happier with the job you land.
Here are many things to consider as why the “I’ll take anything” job search will keep you unemployed for a whole lot longer.
1. Chances are your resume is too generic. The hiring manager can’t clearly understand what you do and what you have to offer. And they don’t want the responsibility of choosing for you. That’s your job.
2. When you say you’ll take anything, you are actually confusing God. God wants you to be happy and find your dream job. But he can’t help you if you keep changing your mind from baker, to cashier, to typist, or animal trainer. See the picture? Choose something you really love to do and focus on that.
3. Complaining about the job search tells others you are buying into the negativity. Employers don’t need that right now, no matter how good you are. Plus, God is always listening. Do you want prayers of complaints and worries to be answered, or the prayers that outline your dreams and greatest desires?
4. Those who specialize are more likely to land a job than those who generalize. You’d think the opposite would be true, but given the number of positions that remain unfilled for a long time; if you look closely, the company is looking for very specific skills or talent.
5. Hiring managers don’t want someone who will take any job. They know that once something better crosses your path, you’ll be out of there in a flash. They want to make the right hire, the first time, and they want someone who will stick around once they paid to get you up to speed.
6. Taking on a full-time crap job will distract you and lengthen your job search. It will also sour you. Enough said.
Focusing on your goal, writing it down, and giving thanks in advance is one of the best ways to find a job. You’ll be amazed at the number of opportunities that gravitate your way. Be patient. It won’t happen overnight.
Someone once told me, “if you lose money you lose nothing. If you lose your health, you lose something. If you lose faith, you lose everything.” That quote has different variations, but this one is very applicable. Don’t lose faith.
And I believe it was Oprah who once said, “if you’re thankful for what you’ve got, you’ll always get more, but if you think you don’t have enough, you never will.” When things get rough, take a few minutes to stop and give thanks for what you have right here, right now.
The book “What Color is Your Parachute?” is a great way to help you discover your hidden talents and passions and get you back to work faster. Once you establish what it is you want, your higher power can help you get it.