At one time or another, many job seekers begin to feel desperate; however, that desperation may make employers or hiring managers more hesitant to hire the person. How can someone who is very anxious to find a job avoid coming across as desperate? There are a few important steps.

Be Professional

Even when a job candidate is very excited about a particular job, it’s important to remain professional at all times. One business owner encountered a candidate who called numerous times, reported being too excited to sleep, and followed up with calls outside of business hours. The business owner cancelled the interview because he had concerns about the candidate’s lack of common sense of appropriate business etiquette.

In another case, a job seeker who submitted a resume and didn’t hear anything right away went to the office and waited for the CEO in the parking lot. The company had to call security. Even if it seems like a good idea to ignore the hiring process and talk with the CEO directly, it can backfire, as it did for this candidate. When a candidate remains professional, they stand a better chance of being hired.

Action Steps

Desperation can set in when it feels like the job search process is stagnant. If the job seeker remains active through networking, sending resumes and other job search activities, the process is less likely to become stagnant. That keeps desperation from setting in. This activity may be helpful: Make two lists. The first should detail dream job offers. The second should contain what would be acceptable. This process can help job seekers figure out what their priorities are and where they may be willing to compromise.

Unemployment can be very isolating, and it can lead to desperation quickly. Many job seekers, especially those in healthcare or other people-oriented professions, find it helps them to volunteer. A free clinic can be the perfect solution. You may not get paid, but you will get experience. You also do not know who you will meet and make connections with.

Words of Wisdom

A job seeker’s words can show desperation. A comment like “I’m willing to take any job you have” tells a hiring manager that the person doesn’t have a passion for a particular job, but just needs any job. In that situation, the company may pass over the candidate in favor of someone who shows a strong interest in this particular job.

On the other hand, if a candidate can make it clear that he or she would do a fabulous job, even a little bit of desperation may not make a difference. The hiring manager may look past that, realizing that a qualified candidate, even with a little desperation, is the best person for the job.

Your Next Action Step

At 365 Healthcare Staffing Services, we specialize in the recruitment and placement of healthcare professionals in per diem, travel, and permanent assignments in healthcare facilities across the country. We know job searches can be challenging, and we’d like to work with you to find your next placement. Consider this an action step: give us a call at 310.436.3650 today!