Assumptions Can Hurt Your Job Search

Assumptions Can Hurt Your Job Search Do you make assumptions?   I think we all do, at least once in awhile.   In a communication workshop I attended years ago I learned the phrase assume positive intent.  In job search, assuming positive intent can mean many things, but most importantly, it is a reminder to be polite and respectful. Here are some scenarios that pop up again and again and push job seekers to assume- sometimes the worst. I interviewed for a job last week and havent heard back. Ive networked with lots of people but never get additional contact names. I submitted my resume and they havent called me yet. I am a perfect fit for this job, why arent they calling me. I havent gotten a job yet because I am old. Or no one is hiring older workers. I dont have any experience to put on my resume or LinkedIn profile, I just graduated. Ive registered with agencies, but they havent called me. Ive interviewed multiple times at this company, why are they doing this to me? You Are Not Alone If you have ever thought any of these things, you probably arent alone.   It is easy to get discouraged and frustrated.   Never play the victim.   You are the owner and driver of your career and job search.  Gaining control means figuring out the real reason behind your question or concern.   Instead of assuming, ask the dreaded question either of yourself, the interviewer or people you trust. Understand This There are things you need to understand about companies and agencies. 1) Every company has their own method and process for hiring.   Their time clock is not the same as yours.   If you do not know their process, have you asked? 2) Placement agencies and recruiters do NOT work for  job seekers.   They get paid by the company for putting the right person in the right spot.   They do not have to work with everyone that walks through their doors or submits a resume. 3) No one has to read your full cover letter and both pages of your resume.   They may take time if it captures their attention or they may not.   If your phone isnt ringing, your written materials arent working. 4) Businesses want to make money.   They want the best hiring value for their investment.   They can offer less because the market is flooded with talent. A colleague shared with me an email she got from a frustrated candidate.   The employer wanted to interview more people.   That is within their rights. Unfortunately, the employer did not tell the candidate they wanted to interview more people (or maybe they did and the message fell on deaf ears.)  When the candidate found out, they wrote  an email message to their company contact that said:  I wish I would have known before the ad came out; what a slap in the face.   And by the way, this was written by someone who was supposedly a seasoned professional. Are you jumping to conclusions and letting your emotions get the best of you?   The end result could be detrimental.