Too Picky

I had a client today that is looking for a low-skilled, 'get through school' type job. We looked at several dozen potential positions, many that looked quite promising--to me, at least. However, he easily found a disqualifying reason not to bother applying for any of them. Boring. I hate working with people. I don't like spreadsheets. I want to be paid more. I don't like the hours. . .

There are times where selectivity is important when looking for a position. To many people, it is important to find a job one can enjoy. And it is even more important to find a position that pays enough to support a living. We have been lucky the past few years, especially in Utah because there were many more positions than there were people to fill them. However, as the economy continues to take its toll, jobs are becoming harder to find. And competition makes it even harder to actually find a job. Sometimes looking for the perfect job is a great way to stay unemployed. Sometimes I think a job seeker is simply too picky.

Interestingly enough, I often find this dynamic especially true for clients with limited skills. It seems the least skilled clients want the most prestigious, highest paid, interesting or cushy jobs, yet they do not want to meet any of the requirements. Perhaps there is a connection between their attitudes, work ethic, and entitlement.

Don't be entitled. Understand what value you bring to a company and what expectations are realistic. Match your "need" for a job with your level of selectivity. And do not simply apply for one or two jobs here and there. A job search is, more often than not, a number's game.

It's hard for numbers to work for you if you don't have any numbers.