According to a January 2024 survey conducted by Jobsite Monster, 95% of individuals who plan to seek new job opportunities this year expect this pursuit to be challenging, with 68% expressing concerns due to the current state of the economy.
Although navigating job search challenges is common, certain behaviors can exacerbate the process. According to Lindsay Mustain, a former Amazon recruiter and current CEO of career coaching company Talent Paradigm, the concept of validation-seeking behavior, also known as desperation, shows an energy of pick me, which can deter opportunities.
Here are some tips to prevent conveying this energy:
Applying Within The Same Company Repeatedly
Refrain from repeatedly applying for positions within the same company, particularly within a brief timeframe. Mustain tags it as a red flag if she notices applicants applied 20 times in the last two years and were never hired and immediately questions, "What's wrong with this candidate that they haven't been selected for a position by now?"
No matter how well-suited you may be for the position, a recruiter will unlikely invest additional effort in evaluating your candidacy. Mustain explains that this behavior could lead to being blacklisted. She advises restricting internal job applications to no more than five roles closely aligned with your skills within the company instead.
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Using LinkedIn's Open to Work Banner
Another warning sign for recruiters is the "open to work" banner on LinkedIn profiles. By indicating this, Mustain immediately recognizes that applicants are seeking something, may not be as selective with job opportunities, and may not be advancing their career in a strategic manner conducive to skill development and progression. It diminishes the perception of being a top-tier candidate and alters the dynamics of conversations with hiring managers. Rather than them persuading you of a fantastic job opportunity because they desire you at the company, the situation shifts to you trying to convince them to consider you.
Nolan Church, CEO of talent marketplace Continuum and former Google recruiter shares the same sentiment in CNBC Make It. He believes that utilizing the banner comes across as desperation to hiring managers, which is similar to soliciting assistance on the street corner, according to Mustain.
Showing Up Wounded and Hurt on Social Media
Lastly, if you are currently unemployed, avoid sharing your unemployment status on social media, particularly if you feel emotional.
While such posts may elicit sympathy, Mustain observes that individuals with such statuses often express deep emotional wounds. They are essentially "exposing their vulnerabilities" on social media, much like those who display the open to work banner on their LinkedIn profiles, which shows that they need support or assistance.
Mustain explains that a post of that nature pushes people away because it does not convey strength. Instead, if you have experienced a layoff and wish to indicate that you are seeking new opportunities, consider framing it as a fresh start or an opportunity for personal growth. Share specific instances of your achievements and successes, lessons learned, and how they have prepared you for future endeavors, demonstrating that "you don't need any job, but a good job," says Mustain.
