When conducting a job search, it can be easy for many to believe the employer is in control. Employers have the job(s) you want so they dictate the terms, right?

Honestly, in many cases, this is true. And, over my many years of recruiting, I often encountered candidates who believed this, and I knew it because they would say things like:

“I just need a job!”

“I’ll take whatever job you have. I just want to work here.”

“I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get the job.”

While this may sound good, it’s really not. Why? Because employers don’t like desperate candidates. Let me explain it through an analogy.

Imagine your friends and you decide to meet up one Friday after work for happy hour. You’re sitting there eating appetizers, drinking libations (or whatever you would drink!), and laughing it up. Basically, you’re having a great time. Suddenly, someone comes to your table, does an introduction, and states,

“Look, I need a woman (or man)! I’ll take anybody, just somebody give me a chance!”

What’s your first thought? “What is wrong with him (or her)?” or something like this, right?

Well, this is exactly how employers feel about desperate candidates – what is wrong with you?

Remember, the employer doesn’t know you – only what and how you present. If you come across as desperate, they will assume there’s a problem with you that you don’t value yourself or what you have to offer. If you don’t value you, why should they?

It’s not about being a difficult candidate either, but you always want to come across as, “I’m a great catch and it would benefit your organization greatly to appreciate what I have to offer.”

This approach is what creates the allure and interest that helps to get you to a “yes.”

Confident? Yes.

Desperate? No.

Until next time….