It Is Attitude, Not Skills that Set You Apart

Terrence Seamon's post Dead Wood, No Passion hits the mark! At a picnic with friends, a friend/hiring manager was lamenting over the lack of passionate candidates.  Sure, there are lots of unemployed seekers, but he couldn't find one with a fire in their belly.  So the recommendation made is to look inward and outward.  How are you coming across?  These are the recommendations of Terry:

"Positive Energy - Although it's a bummer to be out of a job, you can't let it drag you down. Somehow you must master your outlook. Stop holding on to the past. Let go of the banana. Remind yourself that you are still intact, that you still have your strengths. Focus on your objective. Focus on the future.

Continuous Research - Anyone committed to their job search nowadays has to be in continuous research mode. In other words, make sure that your feelers are out for information about what's happening in (and around) the business world. If you are not already a news junkie, become one. Stay abreast of what's going on in the fields of your greatest interest.

Problem Solving - The employers that you would like to work for have problems. Do you know what they are? Do you see yourself as the solution? Can you convey that to them?

Lifelong Learning - When an employer looks at you, do they see Miss Havesham (the Dickens' character from Great Expectations), someone whose clock stopped years ago? Or do they see someone who is learning, trying new things, experimenting, and ever curious about the world?

Passion - Finally, let's look at passion. What is it? And how do you display it in your demeanor? Passion is strongly felt love for something, that shows up in your eyes, your face, your gestures, and your voice. You can't fake it."

My friend "John" had that "it" that made him enjoyable to be around.  He was positive, open to new opportunities and for the most part inquisitive.  John is an engineer and was recently recruited and landed a splendid job in a far away state.  It is happening!  It will happen for you too! 

Comments

[resume writing]

Wow Impressive!
Your blog is very informative. However, it is pretty hard task but your
post and experience serve and teach me how to handle and make it more
simple and manageable.
Thanks for the tips… Best regards.

[Terrence Seamon]

Hi Hannah,
I'm happy you enjoyed my blog entry. Thanks for mentioning it here.
Best wishes from one career sherpa to another.
Terry

[Career Sherpa]

Rita, thank you so much for your enforcement/endorsement. I am always in awe of your extensive research and knowledge that comes from your experiences working with job transitioners. Thanks again!

[Rita M. Carey]

Hannah, this is right on target. I have found this passion you speak about to be a challenge for mid-life career folks, especially if they have been with one company a long time. It gets comfortable...there is no felt need to "prove value" to the organization. But faced with a highly competitive market, the entrepreneurial spirit of mid-size to small organizations and the fluidity of today's work world, the recommendations you (and Terrence)make are not options - they are requirements. Thanks for an important post.

Rita