Anyone who has conducted a job search has had to deal with some of the really annoying parts of the process. I am sure that no one is purposely trying to annoy you, but there are some activities or actions that are really like the traditional “fingernails on a chalkboard.”
It is a shame that job seekers have to deal with some of these items, because a search has enough stress attached to it. It is imperative, therefore, that you try not to sweat the small stuff and lose your composure or focus.
Probably one of the most comforting aspects of all of this is knowing that you are not alone in being bothered. A quick review of any job board forum or business social media will display many posting examples of candidates frustrated and sharing annoying aspects of their search. So, if “misery loves company”, then enjoy some relief in knowing that many others feel the same way.
Let’s take a look at some (we know there are potentially many more) of the annoying aspects of a job search, and what you can do to either alleviate the issue or respond better to it.
• Online Profile Issues: Many applicant tracking systems seem to exist for the sole reason of annoying you. Many require you to complete the same information in different places or ask you for information that does not seem to be relevant. These irritants seem to occur more often when the company is using an off-the-shelf type of system and trying to make it work for their purposes. Probably the best part of this issue is that you can get annoyed with it, and no one knows about it because you are sitting at home by your computer when it occurs. If you are hired and will work in Human Resources or be a hiring manager, then perhaps you can provide relevant feedback that could help them improve their process. In the meantime, chalk it all up to technology and try not to take it out on the prospective employer.
• Unreasonable Requirements: We have all seen job postings where the requirements of the position, in terms of experience or education, are not rooted in the reality of the labor market. What you can probably conclude is that the writer does not realize that it is not a good thing to have requirements so high that you filter out good candidates. They also may not have examined the requirements in a number of years, as perhaps it was written when the labor market looked very different. For you, rather than getting annoyed, just apply because usually it is going to come down to you versus your applicant competition, not what is written in the job description.
• Odd Interview Questions: We have an entire section on www.wnyjobs.com regarding how to answer frequently asked interview questions. Those questions themselves may become annoying simply because everyone seems to ask them. Then, there are also the “odd” (but legal) questions that you may be asked, such as “what superpower would you like to have? or “Are you a hunter or gatherer?” If you are truly upset by the question, then that is probably a sign to look elsewhere. If you are OK with it, then shake it off, don’t let it bother you, and move on.
• Shifting Timelines: You should be provided with an estimated timeline of the hiring process when you are phone screened or interviewed. An employer should make every effort to uphold this framework to reinforce your trust in what they say. You may also be dependent on this timeline to balance the other companies that you are speaking to and their own timelines. Sometimes, however, these timelines change due to vacations, budget restrictions, or shifting priorities. It does not mean that they are bad people, so if the new timeline does not work for you, then let them know that you are moving on.
• Not Hearing Back: I wish every candidate was kept in a timely communication loop and was always aware of where they stood in terms of their candidacy. The reality is that sometimes a recruiter goes quiet on you. Rather than becoming increasingly annoyed, take active action by professionally attempting to reach out to them. If you are unsuccessful in doing this, then you should draw the obvious conclusion that you are not the selection (or it is a company you really don’t want to work for) and move on.
It is relatively easy for a job seeker to become annoyed by various aspects of their job search. Rather than allowing these issues to have an impact on you and your attempt to find new employment, you should do one of a couple of things. 1) You can simply shrug it off and stay focused on your goal. 2) Don’t be a victim and either address the situation (such as calling yourself) or move on. Most of the time there is a reasonable explanation, or it is really not that big of a deal that it should generate such an emotional response from you.
As always, best of luck in your job search.
The following has been prepared for the general information of WNYJobs readers. It is not meant to provide advice with respect to any specific legal or policy matter and should not be acted upon without verification by the reader.
Joe Stein
WNY Human Resources Professional
Feel free to contact Joe Stein regarding questions or comments at:
Joe Stein
