I’ll Take Any Job!

In a tough economy, many unemployed or under-employed people are forced to work jobs outside their field or area of expertise to keep their financial heads above water. There is no shame in honest work but it’s important to keep your eye on the prize and continue to pursue opportunities that play to your strengths even if you are forced to take more menial jobs in the interim. In my experience working with law students, many newly minted graduates are approaching the job search too broadly expressing that they will take any job, anywhere. While I am fully aware that student loan debt is driving that behavior, the lack of clarity in a job search may actually jeopardize your success.

I caution the unfocused job seekers to take the time to develop a clearer picture of what you do well and what type of work you are seeking. Not only does the “I’ll do anything!” approach smell of desperation, it makes it harder for your network to help you. While I know you may feel desperate in your efforts to land a meaningful position, it’s important to keep your game face on when dealing with prospective employers and professionals in your network interested in helping you.

A client asked me recently if she should apply for multiple jobs posted in the same organization for which she thought she was qualified. While casting your net broadly can be useful in some instances, in this case, the organization will probably think she lacks focus and is just fishing for any job instead of applying for the singular position she is most well suited for. If the employer received her multiple applications for Marketing Director, Development Director, Graphic Designer and Personnel Manager, it would dilute her chances of landing any of the positions because a Jill-of-All-Trades of that nature is too good to be true.

For career opportunities, versus the – I just need the money jobs, take the time to focus on what you do really well and play to your strengths. Empower your network by helping them understand what you do well and what kinds of work tasks you are seeking. Develop a narrative that describes your abilities and competencies and why you are a value add for an organization so when someone asks “How can I help?” you can be clear about what you are looking for.

The client I mentioned above is actually most appropriate for the Marketing Director position since her strengths focus on developing strategies to promote and publicize the efforts of non-profit organizations. While she has minimal graphic design proficiency and limited fundraising experience with a one-time event, she is a much stronger candidate for the Marketing Director since she has significant work experience, credentials, and transferable skills that match that position very closely. The most important factor is that the Marketing Director position is the one that appeals to her most!

When you have the chance, it’s always better to focus and seek out opportunities that showcase your strengths and competencies than to pursue anything and everything. In the long run, the focused approach is a much better use of your time.