Do Job Seekers Sabotage Themselves?

Do Job Seekers Sabotage Themselves?

The unemployment rate is at 8.9%. That’s a big number – and while some of it is due to forces beyond our control, I can’t help but think some job seekers are sabotaging themselves.

Here’s why:

At the beginning of this month I received a call from a job seeker who didn’t want to interview because they were snowed in. Living close by, I knew what the weather conditions were; I’d have shown up for the interview if I’d been in that candidate’s shoes and really wanted the job.

Sabotage Techniques

Some job seekers make excuses instead of finding jobs. For example, I might call someone up and ask if they have a particular software skill (one that’s listed on their resume) and they hem and haw and certainly don’t sell themselves.

In 30 years of staffing, I’ve never been able to figure out why job seekers feel it’s acceptable to make an appointment with a staffing firm and:

• show up late

• dress inappropriately

• fail to bring a copy of their resume

• choose not to give business references

• avoid filling out a job application

• arrive otherwise unprepared

That makes me question whether they really want to work.

In my book, Unlocking the Door to Your Career, I dedicated several sections to teaching readers why these things are important – and how they can make or break your chance at getting a job.

The job market is changing, but there are jobs available. This past week alone I received 12 new orders. Some were for direct-hire, and others were for temporary and temp-to-perm hires.

Is a Negative Experience Holding You Back?


Some of you may have had negative experiences with staffing firms, but you’re still trying. Some people have negative experiences with staffing firms and discount them altogether – but not all staffing firms were created equal. If you had a bad experience with a doctor, do you stop seeking medical care?
Of course not! You go where you need to go to fill your needs.

Overcoming Obstacles

Let me share some advice: the market is changing. I’m watching it happen every day. If you need a job, take the search – and yourself – seriously. Do your best to market your skills. Don’t sabotage yourself, because the end result is simply an unemployed you.

If you use a staffing firm to find a job, then work with your contact there – not against them. Staffing firms are there to get you a job. If we staffing professionals don’t find employment for you, neither of us makes any money and nobody’s happy.

If you’ve been out of work for a while, keep your skills current. The more competitive your skills, the more marketable you are to employers. If this means taking a class to stay on the cutting edge in your field, then take it! You’ll never be sorry for advancing your career (even if you’re between jobs at the moment).

Always put your best effort forward and market yourself and your talents. The people who do that are the ones who end up with a regular paycheck.

Have you accidentally sabotaged your own job search, or seen someone else do it? What advice do you have for other job seekers?

Blog by NY Staffing Professional
Catherine Palmiere, President
Adam Personnel, Inc.
CPalmiere@AdamPersonnel.com
212)557-9150 ext. 208