Comments on: Attention Job Seekers: It’s Not All About You http://www.lifewithoutpants.com/career-search/attention-job-seekers-its-not-all-about-you/ Perspective on life less restricted Sat, 11 Feb 2012 02:39:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Matthttp://www.lifewithoutpants.com/career-search/attention-job-seekers-its-not-all-about-you/#comment-9004 Matt Fri, 07 Aug 2009 10:26:24 +0000 http://www.lifewithoutpants.com/?p=3068#comment-9004 I agree Elisa - and honestly - the most important thing (which I did during every single interview) is to be yourself. Don't fake your personality, don't pretend to be interested in things that you aren't - be the best version of YOURSELF. You may not be handed a job offer from everyone, but you will have an opportunity with the RIGHT ones - the companies that like you for you from the get-go. I agree Elisa – and honestly – the most important thing (which I did during every single interview) is to be yourself. Don’t fake your personality, don’t pretend to be interested in things that you aren’t – be the best version of YOURSELF. You may not be handed a job offer from everyone, but you will have an opportunity with the RIGHT ones – the companies that like you for you from the get-go.

]]> By: Matthttp://www.lifewithoutpants.com/career-search/attention-job-seekers-its-not-all-about-you/#comment-30920 Matt Fri, 07 Aug 2009 10:26:00 +0000 http://www.lifewithoutpants.com/?p=3068#comment-30920 I agree Elisa - and honestly - the most important thing (which I did during every single interview) is to be yourself. Don't fake your personality, don't pretend to be interested in things that you aren't - be the best version of YOURSELF. You may not be handed a job offer from everyone, but you will have an opportunity with the RIGHT ones - the companies that like you for you from the get-go. I agree Elisa – and honestly – the most important thing (which I did during every single interview) is to be yourself. Don’t fake your personality, don’t pretend to be interested in things that you aren’t – be the best version of YOURSELF. You may not be handed a job offer from everyone, but you will have an opportunity with the RIGHT ones – the companies that like you for you from the get-go.

]]> By: Elisahttp://www.lifewithoutpants.com/career-search/attention-job-seekers-its-not-all-about-you/#comment-8795 Elisa Sun, 02 Aug 2009 18:53:52 +0000 http://www.lifewithoutpants.com/?p=3068#comment-8795 I agree, to a degree. I think it is an unfortunate fallacy that we believe at a young age, that dammit we are fantastic and because of this people should just be beating down the door to acquire us into their organization or company.While all of this is probably true ( :) ) there are a lot of us and, as the current unemployment rate would indicate, fewer of them (jobs.) If this is the case and the market is flooded with awesome and wonderful job seekers, what is going to make a company already leery in the the downturned economy, want to bring you on board? Sure, they might like your personality and previous accomplishments and style, but a profitable business did not get there by making poor decisions or functioning on blind charity. They tune in to the important radio station for all business, WII-FM...What's In It For Me?If you want to set yourself apart in the interview and hiring process, you've gotta figure out how to blend all those great things that make you YOU and then present that package in relation to how it will benefit the company. Cause there are millions of objects in this universe spinning around one central object, and that object is most always not you. I agree, to a degree. I think it is an unfortunate fallacy that we believe at a young age, that dammit we are fantastic and because of this people should just be beating down the door to acquire us into their organization or company.

While all of this is probably true ( :) ) there are a lot of us and, as the current unemployment rate would indicate, fewer of them (jobs.) If this is the case and the market is flooded with awesome and wonderful job seekers, what is going to make a company already leery in the the downturned economy, want to bring you on board? Sure, they might like your personality and previous accomplishments and style, but a profitable business did not get there by making poor decisions or functioning on blind charity. They tune in to the important radio station for all business, WII-FM…What’s In It For Me?

If you want to set yourself apart in the interview and hiring process, you’ve gotta figure out how to blend all those great things that make you YOU and then present that package in relation to how it will benefit the company. Cause there are millions of objects in this universe spinning around one central object, and that object is most always not you.

]]> By: Elisahttp://www.lifewithoutpants.com/career-search/attention-job-seekers-its-not-all-about-you/#comment-30919 Elisa Sun, 02 Aug 2009 18:53:00 +0000 http://www.lifewithoutpants.com/?p=3068#comment-30919 I agree, to a degree. I think it is an unfortunate fallacy that we believe at a young age, that dammit we are fantastic and because of this people should just be beating down the door to acquire us into their organization or company.While all of this is probably true ( :) ) there are a lot of us and, as the current unemployment rate would indicate, fewer of them (jobs.) If this is the case and the market is flooded with awesome and wonderful job seekers, what is going to make a company already leery in the the downturned economy, want to bring you on board? Sure, they might like your personality and previous accomplishments and style, but a profitable business did not get there by making poor decisions or functioning on blind charity. They tune in to the important radio station for all business, WII-FM...What's In It For Me?If you want to set yourself apart in the interview and hiring process, you've gotta figure out how to blend all those great things that make you YOU and then present that package in relation to how it will benefit the company. Cause there are millions of objects in this universe spinning around one central object, and that object is most always not you. I agree, to a degree. I think it is an unfortunate fallacy that we believe at a young age, that dammit we are fantastic and because of this people should just be beating down the door to acquire us into their organization or company.

While all of this is probably true ( :) ) there are a lot of us and, as the current unemployment rate would indicate, fewer of them (jobs.) If this is the case and the market is flooded with awesome and wonderful job seekers, what is going to make a company already leery in the the downturned economy, want to bring you on board? Sure, they might like your personality and previous accomplishments and style, but a profitable business did not get there by making poor decisions or functioning on blind charity. They tune in to the important radio station for all business, WII-FM…What’s In It For Me?

If you want to set yourself apart in the interview and hiring process, you’ve gotta figure out how to blend all those great things that make you YOU and then present that package in relation to how it will benefit the company. Cause there are millions of objects in this universe spinning around one central object, and that object is most always not you.

]]> By: C. Zimmermannhttp://www.lifewithoutpants.com/career-search/attention-job-seekers-its-not-all-about-you/#comment-8759 C. Zimmermann Sat, 01 Aug 2009 08:13:10 +0000 http://www.lifewithoutpants.com/?p=3068#comment-8759 Whether a company wants to know about you, personally, depends largely on the size and age of the firm. They all want to know what you can do for them, how you can contribute to their bottom line. The bigger the company, the less they will focus on your personality. But in a small start-up, it is crucial that the entire team share the "vision" of the entrepreneur running the show. It's that "little engine that could" and everyone has to be in sync for that engine to make it over all the obstacles that a fledgling business faces. Personality is important, as well energy, enthusiasm, dedication and drive. I've worked for a few big companies where you're just a face in the crowd, but I much prefer the excitement and challenge of working for a small company on the rise. The risks are greater, but the opportunities for learning and growing are so much better. The experience is so much more valuable. And YOU are more valuable to the start-up, as long as you grow with the job. Be ready for the next level, because if everyone does their job, and the company grows, in order to play on the same field with the big boys, you will all need to step it up. You can't be complacent. Even in a big company, in this economy, you need to stay a step ahead to be the person they can't let go. Whether a company wants to know about you, personally, depends largely on the size and age of the firm. They all want to know what you can do for them, how you can contribute to their bottom line. The bigger the company, the less they will focus on your personality. But in a small start-up, it is crucial that the entire team share the “vision” of the entrepreneur running the show. It’s that “little engine that could” and everyone has to be in sync for that engine to make it over all the obstacles that a fledgling business faces. Personality is important, as well energy, enthusiasm, dedication and drive. I’ve worked for a few big companies where you’re just a face in the crowd, but I much prefer the excitement and challenge of working for a small company on the rise. The risks are greater, but the opportunities for learning and growing are so much better. The experience is so much more valuable. And YOU are more valuable to the start-up, as long as you grow with the job. Be ready for the next level, because if everyone does their job, and the company grows, in order to play on the same field with the big boys, you will all need to step it up. You can’t be complacent. Even in a big company, in this economy, you need to stay a step ahead to be the person they can’t let go.

]]> By: C. Zimmermannhttp://www.lifewithoutpants.com/career-search/attention-job-seekers-its-not-all-about-you/#comment-30918 C. Zimmermann Sat, 01 Aug 2009 08:13:00 +0000 http://www.lifewithoutpants.com/?p=3068#comment-30918 Whether a company wants to know about you, personally, depends largely on the size and age of the firm. They all want to know what you can do for them, how you can contribute to their bottom line. The bigger the company, the less they will focus on your personality. But in a small start-up, it is crucial that the entire team share the "vision" of the entrepreneur running the show. It's that "little engine that could" and everyone has to be in sync for that engine to make it over all the obstacles that a fledgling business faces. Personality is important, as well energy, enthusiasm, dedication and drive. I've worked for a few big companies where you're just a face in the crowd, but I much prefer the excitement and challenge of working for a small company on the rise. The risks are greater, but the opportunities for learning and growing are so much better. The experience is so much more valuable. And YOU are more valuable to the start-up, as long as you grow with the job. Be ready for the next level, because if everyone does their job, and the company grows, in order to play on the same field with the big boys, you will all need to step it up. You can't be complacent. Even in a big company, in this economy, you need to stay a step ahead to be the person they can't let go. Whether a company wants to know about you, personally, depends largely on the size and age of the firm. They all want to know what you can do for them, how you can contribute to their bottom line. The bigger the company, the less they will focus on your personality. But in a small start-up, it is crucial that the entire team share the “vision” of the entrepreneur running the show. It’s that “little engine that could” and everyone has to be in sync for that engine to make it over all the obstacles that a fledgling business faces. Personality is important, as well energy, enthusiasm, dedication and drive. I’ve worked for a few big companies where you’re just a face in the crowd, but I much prefer the excitement and challenge of working for a small company on the rise. The risks are greater, but the opportunities for learning and growing are so much better. The experience is so much more valuable. And YOU are more valuable to the start-up, as long as you grow with the job. Be ready for the next level, because if everyone does their job, and the company grows, in order to play on the same field with the big boys, you will all need to step it up. You can’t be complacent. Even in a big company, in this economy, you need to stay a step ahead to be the person they can’t let go.

]]> By: C. Zimmermannhttp://www.lifewithoutpants.com/career-search/attention-job-seekers-its-not-all-about-you/#comment-8758 C. Zimmermann Sat, 01 Aug 2009 08:07:42 +0000 http://www.lifewithoutpants.com/?p=3068#comment-8758 to Jaym- If it were me, (and I am NOT an expert on resume-writing or interviewing or hiring, so take it with a grain of salt) given the fact that it is a seven-year gap, I would be honest about the reason, and I would detail exactly what I was capable of, and what my limitations were. But I would also research the hell out of the company I was applying for, and give them a reason to choose me over someone less medically challenged. If they do not respect your honesty, they will not be the sort of company you want to be working for, if you have a problem. I have a friend who has a different, but no less debilitating condition. He waited until just after he was hired to divulge it, which upset the boss, but because he revealed his condition, we were able to avoid putting him in an environment that would exacerbate it. Formerly one of many writers, he is now THE editor. to Jaym-
If it were me, (and I am NOT an expert on resume-writing or interviewing or hiring, so take it with a grain of salt) given the fact that it is a seven-year gap, I would be honest about the reason, and I would detail exactly what I was capable of, and what my limitations were. But I would also research the hell out of the company I was applying for, and give them a reason to choose me over someone less medically challenged. If they do not respect your honesty, they will not be the sort of company you want to be working for, if you have a problem. I have a friend who has a different, but no less debilitating condition. He waited until just after he was hired to divulge it, which upset the boss, but because he revealed his condition, we were able to avoid putting him in an environment that would exacerbate it. Formerly one of many writers, he is now THE editor.

]]> By: C. Zimmermannhttp://www.lifewithoutpants.com/career-search/attention-job-seekers-its-not-all-about-you/#comment-30917 C. Zimmermann Sat, 01 Aug 2009 08:07:00 +0000 http://www.lifewithoutpants.com/?p=3068#comment-30917 to Jaym- If it were me, (and I am NOT an expert on resume-writing or interviewing or hiring, so take it with a grain of salt) given the fact that it is a seven-year gap, I would be honest about the reason, and I would detail exactly what I was capable of, and what my limitations were. But I would also research the hell out of the company I was applying for, and give them a reason to choose me over someone less medically challenged. If they do not respect your honesty, they will not be the sort of company you want to be working for, if you have a problem. I have a friend who has a different, but no less debilitating condition. He waited until just after he was hired to divulge it, which upset the boss, but because he revealed his condition, we were able to avoid putting him in an environment that would exacerbate it. Formerly one of many writers, he is now THE editor. to Jaym-
If it were me, (and I am NOT an expert on resume-writing or interviewing or hiring, so take it with a grain of salt) given the fact that it is a seven-year gap, I would be honest about the reason, and I would detail exactly what I was capable of, and what my limitations were. But I would also research the hell out of the company I was applying for, and give them a reason to choose me over someone less medically challenged. If they do not respect your honesty, they will not be the sort of company you want to be working for, if you have a problem. I have a friend who has a different, but no less debilitating condition. He waited until just after he was hired to divulge it, which upset the boss, but because he revealed his condition, we were able to avoid putting him in an environment that would exacerbate it. Formerly one of many writers, he is now THE editor.

]]> By: Jaymhttp://www.lifewithoutpants.com/career-search/attention-job-seekers-its-not-all-about-you/#comment-8750 Jaym Fri, 31 Jul 2009 21:50:26 +0000 http://www.lifewithoutpants.com/?p=3068#comment-8750 Definitely great advice overall concerning the dreaded interview process, though honestly that has always been my least troubled part of the routine. I'm very capable of answering the questions and explaining my experiences, the problem I face is far more challenging- due to Generalized Anxiety Disorder (I can't get full, quality treatment for it without health care reform passing)- I've been unemployed with no options since I was last laid off at the end of '02.It's far too long a story to explain, but this has created an job-seeking nightmare: A near-decade gap in my resume. I've asked countless resume experts how to handle this, and how to address the core issue with a new employer: do you discuss the Anxiety Disorder or not?I have been told NOT to divulge the Anxiety Disorder. But if that is the case, then how do I explain the lack of ANY work from '02 to '09? I actually have a local company that is hiring (this is a miracle people- I live in MICHIGAN- 15% unemployment on record, more accurately 34-40% with people who've gone beyond their unemployment benefits and are no longer tracked)- this company is hiring no less than 2-4 positions that I am VERY qualified for, barring the knowledge of the specific tools, languages or practices they use. All of my work in development was niche- so I have to convince them to hire me and let me learn the details, which is not a concern of mine- there is no program or language I can not learn.But I am stuck on the gap. I would think I HAVE to discuss the Anxiety issue- because I am going to need to make sure that travel, overtime and the like are not going to be an issue like they were at other companies... I simply can't repeat the process: I lost my entire 20's, and therefore greatly diminished my chance to have a family, etc.- to working around the clock.Any suggestions on how to handle this gap? Books and the like say to claim you were studying, or whatever. I have literally been thinking. I've spent these years for hours each day trying to figure out how to fit the square peg that is ME into the round hole that is the workplace in our society.I'd love to hear if anyone has any insights into how to handle the gap- both on a resume, and within an interview- and to what degree I should discuss my Anxiety Disorder with them.Also- a separate question- I've forgotten the details on this: If you're applying for a job at a company that is hiring 3-4 positions you can do, should you send separate resumes for each position? Or one, indicating you can do any of the four?Anyways, thanks for reading my unique issues I face in the job-hunt nightmare! =P Definitely great advice overall concerning the dreaded interview process, though honestly that has always been my least troubled part of the routine. I’m very capable of answering the questions and explaining my experiences, the problem I face is far more challenging- due to Generalized Anxiety Disorder (I can’t get full, quality treatment for it without health care reform passing)- I’ve been unemployed with no options since I was last laid off at the end of ’02.

It’s far too long a story to explain, but this has created an job-seeking nightmare: A near-decade gap in my resume. I’ve asked countless resume experts how to handle this, and how to address the core issue with a new employer: do you discuss the Anxiety Disorder or not?

I have been told NOT to divulge the Anxiety Disorder. But if that is the case, then how do I explain the lack of ANY work from ’02 to ’09? I actually have a local company that is hiring (this is a miracle people- I live in MICHIGAN- 15% unemployment on record, more accurately 34-40% with people who’ve gone beyond their unemployment benefits and are no longer tracked)- this company is hiring no less than 2-4 positions that I am VERY qualified for, barring the knowledge of the specific tools, languages or practices they use. All of my work in development was niche- so I have to convince them to hire me and let me learn the details, which is not a concern of mine- there is no program or language I can not learn.

But I am stuck on the gap. I would think I HAVE to discuss the Anxiety issue- because I am going to need to make sure that travel, overtime and the like are not going to be an issue like they were at other companies… I simply can’t repeat the process: I lost my entire 20′s, and therefore greatly diminished my chance to have a family, etc.- to working around the clock.

Any suggestions on how to handle this gap? Books and the like say to claim you were studying, or whatever. I have literally been thinking. I’ve spent these years for hours each day trying to figure out how to fit the square peg that is ME into the round hole that is the workplace in our society.

I’d love to hear if anyone has any insights into how to handle the gap- both on a resume, and within an interview- and to what degree I should discuss my Anxiety Disorder with them.

Also- a separate question- I’ve forgotten the details on this: If you’re applying for a job at a company that is hiring 3-4 positions you can do, should you send separate resumes for each position? Or one, indicating you can do any of the four?

Anyways, thanks for reading my unique issues I face in the job-hunt nightmare! =P

]]> By: Jaymhttp://www.lifewithoutpants.com/career-search/attention-job-seekers-its-not-all-about-you/#comment-30916 Jaym Fri, 31 Jul 2009 21:50:00 +0000 http://www.lifewithoutpants.com/?p=3068#comment-30916 Definitely great advice overall concerning the dreaded interview process, though honestly that has always been my least troubled part of the routine. I'm very capable of answering the questions and explaining my experiences, the problem I face is far more challenging- due to Generalized Anxiety Disorder (I can't get full, quality treatment for it without health care reform passing)- I've been unemployed with no options since I was last laid off at the end of '02.It's far too long a story to explain, but this has created an job-seeking nightmare: A near-decade gap in my resume. I've asked countless resume experts how to handle this, and how to address the core issue with a new employer: do you discuss the Anxiety Disorder or not?I have been told NOT to divulge the Anxiety Disorder. But if that is the case, then how do I explain the lack of ANY work from '02 to '09? I actually have a local company that is hiring (this is a miracle people- I live in MICHIGAN- 15% unemployment on record, more accurately 34-40% with people who've gone beyond their unemployment benefits and are no longer tracked)- this company is hiring no less than 2-4 positions that I am VERY qualified for, barring the knowledge of the specific tools, languages or practices they use. All of my work in development was niche- so I have to convince them to hire me and let me learn the details, which is not a concern of mine- there is no program or language I can not learn.But I am stuck on the gap. I would think I HAVE to discuss the Anxiety issue- because I am going to need to make sure that travel, overtime and the like are not going to be an issue like they were at other companies... I simply can't repeat the process: I lost my entire 20's, and therefore greatly diminished my chance to have a family, etc.- to working around the clock.Any suggestions on how to handle this gap? Books and the like say to claim you were studying, or whatever. I have literally been thinking. I've spent these years for hours each day trying to figure out how to fit the square peg that is ME into the round hole that is the workplace in our society.I'd love to hear if anyone has any insights into how to handle the gap- both on a resume, and within an interview- and to what degree I should discuss my Anxiety Disorder with them.Also- a separate question- I've forgotten the details on this: If you're applying for a job at a company that is hiring 3-4 positions you can do, should you send separate resumes for each position? Or one, indicating you can do any of the four?Anyways, thanks for reading my unique issues I face in the job-hunt nightmare! =P Definitely great advice overall concerning the dreaded interview process, though honestly that has always been my least troubled part of the routine. I’m very capable of answering the questions and explaining my experiences, the problem I face is far more challenging- due to Generalized Anxiety Disorder (I can’t get full, quality treatment for it without health care reform passing)- I’ve been unemployed with no options since I was last laid off at the end of ’02.

It’s far too long a story to explain, but this has created an job-seeking nightmare: A near-decade gap in my resume. I’ve asked countless resume experts how to handle this, and how to address the core issue with a new employer: do you discuss the Anxiety Disorder or not?

I have been told NOT to divulge the Anxiety Disorder. But if that is the case, then how do I explain the lack of ANY work from ’02 to ’09? I actually have a local company that is hiring (this is a miracle people- I live in MICHIGAN- 15% unemployment on record, more accurately 34-40% with people who’ve gone beyond their unemployment benefits and are no longer tracked)- this company is hiring no less than 2-4 positions that I am VERY qualified for, barring the knowledge of the specific tools, languages or practices they use. All of my work in development was niche- so I have to convince them to hire me and let me learn the details, which is not a concern of mine- there is no program or language I can not learn.

But I am stuck on the gap. I would think I HAVE to discuss the Anxiety issue- because I am going to need to make sure that travel, overtime and the like are not going to be an issue like they were at other companies… I simply can’t repeat the process: I lost my entire 20′s, and therefore greatly diminished my chance to have a family, etc.- to working around the clock.

Any suggestions on how to handle this gap? Books and the like say to claim you were studying, or whatever. I have literally been thinking. I’ve spent these years for hours each day trying to figure out how to fit the square peg that is ME into the round hole that is the workplace in our society.

I’d love to hear if anyone has any insights into how to handle the gap- both on a resume, and within an interview- and to what degree I should discuss my Anxiety Disorder with them.

Also- a separate question- I’ve forgotten the details on this: If you’re applying for a job at a company that is hiring 3-4 positions you can do, should you send separate resumes for each position? Or one, indicating you can do any of the four?

Anyways, thanks for reading my unique issues I face in the job-hunt nightmare! =P

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