Interesting article I just read called Top fears of job seekers. I thought I’d mention my own experiences in relation to the list it discusses, and what I’ve learned from them.
I won’t be hired because I’m overqualified
This has happened to me, and is valid for many people. Most worthwhile managers will not hire someone who seems overqualified for a role, and justifiably so, in my opinion. As an example, hiring someone with management experience for a non-management role means they’re not going to be there for very long before they find another management role to move on to. That’s not what the business wants.
The trick to overcoming this is to apply for jobs that you’re qualified for, but which will provide you challenge and growth, so that the hiring manager knows you can not only do the job, but you’re likely to hang around for a while as you grow in it. This is of benefit to the business, and to you.
I’ll never find a job I really like
Paying the rent or the mortgage, and all the other bills in our lives, are often far more important than finding a job we really like. It’s easier to get any job than it is to get one you love, and when you’ve got bills piling up, any job will do. I think we’ve all been there, working in a job we don’t like – but at least it pays the bills.
One of the things I’ve learned is to make one of the ‘bills’ an emergency fund, equivalent to up to 6 months of your monthly expenses. This gives the ‘freedom’ to be specific about the kind of work you want to do and that you apply for, so that the job you end up with is the job that you’ll actually like.
My spouse will leave me if I’m unemployed
I’m sorry, but I think this is a good thing! I’ve had partners in the past who’ve left me because I was unemployed. What you need to ask yourself is, why would you want to be with someone that only cares about the money you bring in? You want someone who will be with you through thick or thin.
So I’ve been thankful when this has happened, because it’s allowed me to move on to find someone who is less materialistic. Of course, if you have children, this seriously complicates things. You have responsibilities you need to deal with.
That’s another reason why having the ’emergency fund’ to cover expenses for 6 months is a good thing, because you’re dealing with your responsibilities. Spouses appreciate this. 🙂
My kids will think I’m a failure
Your kids will reflect the attitude you have about yourself. This is more about what you think than what they think. You’re the one who will think you’re a failure, and this will be expressed to those around you in some way – so they’ll just reflect back to you what you send out.
You’re not a failure. You’re simply in between jobs. As one door closes, another opens, and you use what you’ve learned in the past to improve things for yourself in the future. Always move up, getting bigger and better jobs, higher income, greater job satisfaction. Every time you go for a new job, you’re increasing your skills and experience. This makes you worth more than you were worth previously.
So if you have the right attitude, and believe that your next job will be better than the last, and every job before it has been preparing for your climb upwards, then this will be reflected back to you by the people around you. They’ll be proud of your ambition and excited at the challenges and reward you’re seeking for yourself.
Others will think less of me
Again, this is about your own attitude towards yourself. Read my comments just above, and apply it to everyone, not just your kids. People around you will be happy if you’re happy. If you’re excited, they will be too. If you’re down in the dumps, they will be too.
Look at how your attitude is being reflected back at you by those around you, and seek to change your attitude. That’s how you change everyone else’s.
All I’ll get is rejection for my efforts
That’s not ALL you’ll get, but yes, rejection happens. You’ll also get acceptances!
Look, it’s really simple. You’ve had a job before – you’ve probably had a few jobs before. Wow, you ARE employable! You ARE worth some business’s time and money to have you working for them! You will be accepted, but along the way, you will be rejected. That’s ok!
Many years ago I used to work in sales, selling Kirby vacuum cleaners door to door for 2 years. It was a fantastic growth experience for me, and I learnt some very important facts.
People will say no, but only because they don’t understand the value in it for them. It’s your job to find out what they value, and give them more information so that what you’re presenting is in line with their values. Then you’ll be on their wavelength, giving them information that they can relate to.
They’re far more likely to say yes then.
I dread getting a job offer and starting over
Again, it’s not starting over – it’s moving forward! So many people get tied into thinking that a job is a job… It’s not, it’s an opportunity to move forward, expand your skills, broaden your horizons, bring increased income and rewards into your life!
I can’t imagine getting another job that’s exactly the same as the one I’ve had… especially if I’ve found it boring or soul-destroying.
Think back on what I’ve said about your attitude being reflected back to you by those around you – this includes the jobs you choose. If you don’t think you’re worth much, then you’re not going to apply for jobs outside of your comfort zone, and they will reflect back to you what you’re giving out.
In order to find a rewarding and fulfilling job, it always has to be something more than what you’ve been working at before. You have to learn new things, gain new challenges, achieve new goals, earn new rewards.
It’s not starting over when you follow this process. Instead, it’s moving on. It’s like you’re promoting yourself by going for jobs that give you more responsibilities and rewards. Start promoting yourself with every job you go for.
I’m going to retire old, homeless and poor
If you think you will, then you’re probably right. But you can also think that you’ll retire young, with a beautiful home and very wealthy! It’s all up to you.
What you want in life starts with deciding you want it. This will lead you to working out how to get it, which will be followed with actions that make it happen.
I won’t be able to sell myself
I’ve talked about this before. Find out what a potential employer is looking for, ask questions to learn their values, and then aim your ‘sales pitch’ at what they’re looking for and the values they have. Speak their language, and they’ll listen.
When you try to sell yourself without knowing what they’re really looking for, or what they hold dear, then you can often be speaking to deaf ears.
You’re allowed to ask questions in an interview, so ask what they’re looking for. Listen to what they say. Ask what’s important to them. Again, listen. And then talk to them about how you can fulfil their needs, using similar language to what they’ve been saying.
Doing this puts you above the rest of the applicants, who just try to sell themselves without knowing what it is the employer is after.
My skills are outdated
And they might be. So start updating them! Improve your own chances of getting better jobs by improving your skills.
This is your responsibility, and it’s up to you to do whatever you can to ensure the best possibilities for you.
I’ve been working as a contractor for the past year and a half, on different contracts. It’s my responsibility to ensure I have the skills required for the roles I’m applying for, and if not, to learn them as quickly as I possibly can. This is excellent for my own development and growth, and helps to ensure I’m constantly learning new things.
You can get a good job without the worries, and I hope this article has been helpful in showing you how.
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