An Alternate Approach to Finding a Job

Here’s an alternate approach to finding a job. You’re unemployed and diligently looking for a position. You’ve updated your resume, searched the interwebs, and even knocked on a few doors, but after asking friends and acquaintances for referrals, attending networking events, and taking every interview you can — you’re still out of work. It’s a vicious cycle; the longer you’re unemployed, the more unemployable you look. The truth is that there’s a stigma attached to unemployment. Employers wonder why you’re not working, why you’ve been off so long, and why others haven’t offered you a job?

An Alternate Approach to Finding a JobWhy Not Try Something Different?

This will seem counterintuitive, but quit pitching yourself so much. It may be the more you “pitch” how valuable of an employee you are — the more desperate you seem. That’s probably not the best strategy for finding employment, is it? Instead of pitching what you can do, why not ask how you can help? Instead of going in with a resume showing your last position was three months ago, why not show the volunteer work, internship, or short-term contract work you’ve been doing for those months. This will wipe out the “unemployed must mean unemployable” stigma. But how will it help you find a job? Several ways — first of all, by connecting you to new opportunities. I was recently asked to consider a board membership for a NFP (not-for-profit).

I said Yes

They asked for a resume. I don’t have one. I’ve never had one, and have never been out of a job for longer than I wanted to be. How’s this possible? Is it sheer luck? I don’t think so. It’s because I stay connected, I volunteer, I help, and I’ve taken short-term consultant positions. I was introduced to my last full time employer as a consultant in 2008, which led to employment from 2010 to 2021.

For me staying busy usually means staying upbeat and positive. Can your attitude have an effect on your job search? Does a negative, defeatist, or desperate attitude show through? Yes. Ask any recruiter how much of their decision is based on any candidate’s attitude. Staying active and helping others improves your chances for employment.

Here’s How Connecting you to new people and opportunitiesKeeping your resume current and upbeatHelping you maintain a positive outlook and to feel good about yourselfTeaching you new skills

Yes, this is all easy for me to say. I’m self-employed. But try this: instead of telling everyone how valuable an asset you would be, show them by helping. Keep an open mind to short-term possibilities, temporary positions, or helping someone for the sake of helping, and you may be surprised where it leads.

How Can I Help You?

I like to help people and organizations, but I consider three criteria before taking an assignment: I believe in what the organization stands for, I know I can help, and it looks like fun. If you have any questions, contact me. 

Does your business have a management training plan? Many organizations, large and small, use my book, The New Manager’s Workbook a crash course in effective management, as the basis for their leadership development program. Check it out.

Image by kalhh from Pixabay

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