The Pongo Blog
Job Searching is Not Fair, Dammit!
January 25, 2011 (12:43PM) by Julie O'Malley, CPRW
As I was dropping my niece off at the Boston airport yesterday, my son announced that he wants to be a baggage handler (or as he put it, “the guy who puts the suitcases under the plane.”) That would have to be his side job, however, since his real dream is to work in a laboratory like Bill Nye the Science Guy, doing important science things like mixing vinegar and baking soda to make volcanic eruptions.
Funny how we always ask kids what they want to be when they “grow up,” but we never explain the realities of how hard it can be to get that dream job (whatever it turns out to be) when they eventually do grow up. But as you know, it can be really, really hard. And really unfair.
In fact, here are 10 examples of job search unfairness:
- It’s not fair that there aren’t enough jobs for everyone who wants one.
- It’s not fair that younger candidates are often chosen over older, more experienced candidates.
- It’s not fair that so many jobs require a college degree for no apparent reason.
- It’s not fair that you can put your heart and soul into a job interview then never hear another word from the employer.
- It’s not fair that you can have an amazing track record in your profession and still not get hired.
- It’s not fair that it’s easier to land a new job when you’ve already got a job.
- It’s not fair that your resume can get lost among the hundreds of others, most of which aren’t even qualified.
- It’s not fair that confidence helps you ace interviews, but being unemployed erodes your confidence.
- It’s not fair that school teaches us how to write a haiku but not a great resume or cover letter.
- It’s not fair that networking is so important, yet it’s awkward and uncomfortable for most of us.
Sorry to be a downer today. Maybe it’s the snow and cold here in frigid New England. My colleague Rick just announced that the temperature has risen to a balmy 8 degrees. Boo! I promise to cheer up as soon as I warm up.
Meanwhile, if you want to jump on the negativity bandwagon and add more reasons why job search isn’t fair, please leave us a comment below!
RELATED LINKS
Over 40? Under 30? How to Fight Age Stereotypes
Interviewing Tips: What Hiring Managers Really Want From You
7 Resume Tips from 7 Resume Professionals
It's not fair that while in an interview employers will dwell on my choice of major rather than on how I am fit or qualified for the job.
I have a BA in dance with excellent computer skills. I did not know it took brains to be a receptionist. Maybe she was completely clueless about the unemployment rate in Las Vegas, of which I highly doubt.
Posted by: Ashley Oblad | January 25, 2011 at 2:23 PM | Quote This Comment
It's not fair that to get a job you need experience, yet no one will hire me and give me the experience I need.
Posted by: Lauren | January 25, 2011 at 2:56 PM | Quote This Comment
@Ashley Not fair! But it's probably that the employer is worried you'll leave in a month or two, if a dancing gig comes along.
If that happens again, try and redirect the conversation back to your qualifications and desire for the job. (e.g., "I do love dancing, but it's my excellent computer skills and friendly demeanor that will make me a great receptionist. Can you describe what a typical day might look like for me in this role?"
Good luck!
--Julie
Posted by: Julie O'Malley | January 25, 2011 at 3:24 PM | Quote This Comment
@Lauren Yup, that's the age-old dilemma for people trying to start a career. And it's definitely NOT FAIR!
When you apply for jobs, try hard to think about your best skills and traits, and how they will help the employer. If you've done any volunteer work, that counts as experience. If you held leadership roles in school or in sports, that counts as experience.
Most of all, if you present yourself as a positive, enthusiastic candidate who really wants the job, and will work hard to learn the ropes, there's an employer out there who will give you a break. Just keep trying, and keep learning from each experience!
Best of luck.
--Julie
Posted by: Julie O'Malley | January 25, 2011 at 3:30 PM | Quote This Comment
It's not fair that if you try to protect the weak from those that are stronger and you go to jail for it they hold it against you for the reast of your life even after it's been over ten years.
Posted by: Tim | January 27, 2011 at 12:52 PM | Quote This Comment
It's not fair that good jobs are posted that the employer already has someone picked out for, but they post the job anyway. Then you spend hours working on the application, tweaking your resume, etc. and are disappointed and feel like you failed when in reality, you never had a chance at the job.
Posted by: Kathy | January 28, 2011 at 10:12 PM | Quote This Comment