Summertime Roundup
What I'm hearing. seeing. loving.
Barbie’s had a rough time of it lately.
Having to be everything to everyone and then some.
No. I haven’t seen the movie, but still, this doll on the beach is sort of what the process of job hunting can feel like, right?
Unlike Barbie, most of us don’t get the dream-house and the camper and the private pool. Sure, we all have (or have had) our version of “just Ken” but come on….why does job-hunting have to be so hard?
Short Answer?
I don’t know.
Long Answer?
There’s so much move and change in the economy right now. And if you’re a spiritual being, odds are you’ve felt the change down to your core. The world is shifting - the masculine is morphing to the feminine (I’m not talking about human gender here so much as the idea of yin and yang, sun and moon). Opposites exist and both masculine energy and feminine energy is required from each of us to move this planet forward. If you ask me, humanity demands it.
As we collectively move toward a new world order we are finding people who are clinging to the old - grasping onto the way things “always” were and that’s ever more prevalent for those of you looking for jobs in those “old school” industries like law and banking and businesses tied to them. Interestingly the current “norm” in these industries seem a far cry from their beginnings - which presumably were out of necessity to help communities. Maybe it’s time they think about the humans not the profits?
I digress.
Humans looking to transition within these fields are likely to run into dozens of interviews only to be told ‘no’ at the zero hour. Every step of the way there are humans meeting other humans who want to make a match - and then the final decision comes down to a group and something goes left. Why? I suspect no one wants to stand up and say “hey, this old system isn’t working. I know good old boys have a way they’ve always done it, but it’s time to look at what we really need and how to make that happen in today’s world.”
(Those of you miserable in your current space, and sitting in these group think situations - why not try speaking your truth?)
And then the answer comes back to the candidate who has spent a great deal of time and energy, “We’re going in an another direction.” With no additional explanation.
UGH
What’s a candidate to do?
First and foremost, recognize this isn’t about you at all. It’s just not personal. No matter how much it feels that way.
Next. What can you control?
What’s in your control if you decide to continue this process?
Managing expectations. The hiring team should be doing this - and so should you. Whether you’re working with a 3rd party recruiter/headhunter (remember they get paid WHEN they place you for an opening they’ve been contracted to fill - they don’t get paid to recommend you to people with the hope it works out.), an internal recruiter, or HR - you have the right to ask them what the hiring process looks like from their end. Ask:
How long does this process usually take, from submission to offer for the ideal candidate?
Am I a top candidate given my background, compensation (full package) expectations and location?
How many people will be hired for this position? Are you looking to have a starting “class” for orientation or will you be hiring top candidates as they are available?
Then Tell: “I have these items on my plate (vacation, personal time, work responsibilities) and I foresee being available XYZ dates and times through the end of September. Does that fit your interview process?
Managing your must haves and nice to haves. No matter what someone else does or says, you have to understand what your non-negotiables are. The clearer you are on your expectations (from pay to work/life balance to time off) the easier it will be to stay clear on the roles that are right and not right for you at this time. If a particular title is a non-negotiable for you and you stated that up front, it’s more than logical that you’ll let them know you’re no longer interested during the third interview when they say “We’d love to give you that title, although it could ruffle feathers with our internal team. However, we know you’ll do great work and intend to promote you after 6 months.”
Know when to tap out. This is YOUR process. Not theirs. When you hand over all the power in the interview to the interviewing company - they’ve already set the precedent that they’ll ask you to jump and you’ll ask “how high.” That’s likely why you’re unhappy where you are right now. Instead, continue to hold your expectations where everyone can see them. For those of you who are parents, think of how you help your kid see that you’re not changing the rules just because they are crying, whining or throwing a tantrum. Instead, restate your case, take a time out, or simply walk away. I know this is counterintuitive to our human need to be “liked.” Practice. You’ll be glad you did
I don’t have a magic button or formula here - I do know a thing or two about human nature and finding a happy fit.
My advice, don’t take anything in job hunting (or business) personally. And be kind. We are all just walk each other home.
Here are some more pics from my adventures this year. Making a choice for “me” over corporate expectations was one of the hardest things I’ve done. And the best. I chose me and my people because that’s what I work for. Helping you is the biggest joy and I’m delighted to be present for you.
If you want to walk through your must-haves for work, the tough questions that throw you during an interview or review your LinkedIn Profile, click here to schedule time with me this month.
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Big hugs,
Peg
Got a comment or a question?