There's a good reason you can't find a job, career coach says
Been out of work for awhile now?
If you've got 10 years experience in your field, don't even think of starting off at the bottom again -- all you'll do is annoy the employer, says outspoken career coach John Heckers. You'd be much better off consulting or starting your own business than to apply for entry-level jobs.
When he sees someone with extensive experience applying for an intern job, Heckers admits he's not even going to interview them.
"I know that they’ll be gone in a heartbeat if something in their field comes along, and that they won’t stay and grow with my company," he says. "I also know they’re going to second guess me, not be coachable and generally be a pain in the neck."
Other things that turn him off: the smell of smoking, visible tatoos, piercings, and face stubble.
Grumpy, but at least he's honest.
Aside from his own personal preferences, there are other reasons your job search may be stagnating, Heckers advises.
* You aren’t networking enough. Almost all jobs these days are found through networking. If you’re applying through job boards, searching the internet, counting on recruiters or responding to want ads…you’re not doing enough, he maintains.
* You’re evasive in interviews. If you’re asked a question, answer it. Don’t beat around the bush, and don’t give stupid canned answers, he suggests.
A clear example of this is the number of people who say, when asked about a weakness: “I guess I’m just too much of a self-motivated, self-starter who's too hard on himself.” Stupid answer, Heckers declares.
* Your past is catching up with you. Whether you like it or not, hirers are using social networks to screen job applicants. This means it's important to carefully manage your image on these types of sites. Click here for a useful visual.
Has your job search been stymied this way? What steps have you taken to kickstart things?
By Gordon Powers, MSN Money
Posted by: Bob | Mar 13, 2022 8:09:15 AM
Listen all the employers do not want to pay for experience that 10 plus yrs bring to the job.
They want us to work at entry level salaries or on a commissioned only basis.
Thankfully, I do not need to work for min. Wage, and I can afford to look for a real job!
If employers are so greedy as to want to pay the lowest salary they get what they deserve and hire.
Posted by: Anatasia | Mar 13, 2022 10:35:45 AM
Wow..talk about discrimination! "I also know they're going to second guess me, not be coachable and generally be a pain in the ass". He knows this about every person out there with 10 or more years experience!! What about the person who had to move to a new area, where there are few jobs and are desperate for any kind of employment? They will not even be considered by his standards. Maybe that person is a quick learner, doesn't need as much supervision, doesn't abuse sick leave...there are lots of benefits to hiring people with experience.
When you started out, you couldn't get a job because you didn't have experience...now you won't be considered because you have too much experience.
This guy is a jackass and you shouldn't be printing his advice.
Posted by: Robin | Mar 13, 2022 10:42:35 AM
The real problem to Hecklers and to most employers is not the employees, it's their corrupt minds and hearts, their ego and the lack of perspective. Just read between the lines to his comments and you'll see where he falls short in his analysis of a human being and his own fallible interpretations of the value of a human being. Most jobs are revolving doors because of people's narrow sided indoctrinations. Most people don't look for work anymore because they have experienced what this world offers, and it is nothing. Work and careers are petty labels for human farming and slavery. Hecklers says he is a life coach, a coach of what, because he doesn't even respect life itself. He like almost all employers is all about ME ME ME and what MY COMPANY. This is a toxic and self-defeating perception that many people carry, no wonder the world isn't one step closer to anything real or substance based with mindsets like this. It is also completely ridiculous that employers have to go snooping around on cyberspace glee club websites to validate their candidate. It's also ridiculous that jobs are dismissing candidates over debt issues as liabilities, when all money is debt and all nations as of 1933, are bankrupt. It's gross to see this happening especially again when all money is debt and not one company or government will ever operate in the black, because of the lack of wisdom in understanding the lies and shadows of a culture. Hecklers also states, that, "don't be evasive". Now I know this somewhat accurate, but when jobs are gained more on who you know and how well you can "kiss ass" and shoulder rub, it is quite the contridiction to make on his behalf. All employers are evasive in their dealings, government too. That is how they deceive others to get what they want. This world does not care for honest toil and public service, but with the dispoilment and undercutting of the many, for the benefit of the few.
I could go on picking this piece of propaganda apart and Hecklers and the REAL problems of this world and its lack of true understanding, but I think I stated enough.
Grow up world, or face the wrath and punishment of your vanity, foolishness, perversion, hypocrisy and deception....You too Hecklers.
Posted by: C | Mar 13, 2022 12:13:55 PM
@Robin: Couldn't have said it any better myself. It's people like you that give me some hope for humanity.
Posted by: Jennifer | Mar 13, 2022 1:42:52 PM
I find my biggest issue with finding a job is not how the interview goes, it's finding a suitable position in the first place. I'm fresh out of school, and it's impossible for me to find a job because even the lowest level positions in my field apparently require 2-4 years experience, which is ridiculous. Employers need to be a little more realistic in their expectations of potential employees. When I have 4 years of experience, no way I'm taking bottom of the line jobs...leave those for the fresh recruits!
Also, I 100% agree with Robin.
Posted by: Les | Mar 13, 2022 2:22:46 PM
I supervised a group of summer students last year in a seasonal position. The favorite saying of one of the students was "minimum wage - minimum effort", my boss constantly disliked him, berated him in front of staff and cutomers. As his direct supervisor, I liked him and never had a problem, why? because I treated him with respect as with all the other students. Everyone of these kids I learned from, and I think they learned some things from me (years of experience).
My point, treat people like people, and even at minimum wage they will work with you, and learn from their experience to move them on to the job of life
Just my 2 cents worth
Posted by: Troy | Mar 13, 2022 3:54:17 PM
It's just too bad your thoughts are in the minority. The people running the companies are more about their bottom line than anything else. They'll underpay someone and then, when that person leaves for a job offering way more, will wonder why that person left... Then they'll just go look to hire someone cheaper, and wonder why they don't go as good a job right away. They never learn.
@Anastasia: The point is that this Hecker guy's attitude is most likely going to be the attitude of the 'higher ups' interviewing you! So it's wrong and unfair... Too bad. Since you're the one looking for a job, and they're the one offering, they see themselves as being able to think however they please. You're stuck dealing with it... And I've been passed over for jobs for similar reasons, especially by those that have lesser experience and qualifications than I. I know that I'm still ready to learn, and am willing to do what I'm told. That doesn't count for much if THEY don't believe that, and it's never helped me put food on the table, though...
Posted by: Quinn | Mar 13, 2022 4:44:31 PM
Seems like all these comments are all extremely similar in most cases. I agree with them all, especially graduating from a college course, and then not being able to get a job in said field, well maybe one person out of my class got a job related to the field..not the job we were trained for and had learned about throughout our 2 year stint. I once had a job interview with an organization, they did not hire me because I did not have any experience...how can I get the experience if their are organizations out there exactly like yours whom will not hire me based on the same circumstances, ever think that? I also am dissappointed to see Hecklers article posted. He is only coming from an Employers point of view, not the struggling/willing to learn potential employee.
Posted by: Bill | Mar 13, 2022 5:12:24 PM
Well I agree with John Heckers on this point. I have just spent the longest 6 months in my life in a position that was a level lower then I had worked in the past. My experience and background of over 15 years should have, so I thought, helped in the day to day functions of the job. But instead my manager was constantly nervous of me and overly critical to a point that my coworkers noticed. It takes a very mature manager to work with what may be their replacement, even if it is only in their minds.
Posted by: John | Mar 13, 2022 5:42:58 PM
Dislike this article.
Posted by: Rolf | Mar 13, 2022 7:18:48 PM
Hey people, this is nothing new.
When I graduated from school more than 40 years ago, during an interview for employment with a fortune 500 company, I was told " there are two reasons why we can not hire you, one you'r not smart enough for the jobs we have and two you'r to smart for the jobs we have ".
I have yet to find advice from so called employment councilors that truly is applicable.
Posted by: Jess | Mar 13, 2022 9:17:48 PM
I dislike this article too. I recently graduated university and had an interview. I went to the mall and got a clean shirt for this interview - I thought I was a perfect fit and very excited. The day of the interview I sat waiting for my turn in the lobby. The guy before me wore JEANS to his interview and afterwards had a handshake and got the job. Next, it was my turn, the guy who interviewed me told me I was "too qualified because of my education" and I wouldn't get it. I have NO experience but yes, I have an education. Why call me if you're scared to hire me, obviously you knew I had education since it's on my resume. I find essentially they're not hiring the right people, they think if they hire some one who is educated or has experience, that they will quit/be a pain/insert excuse here, but a "bad" employee could quit too, and be even more problems!
Posted by: Pierre | Mar 13, 2022 10:24:56 PM
More crap articles from MSN Money
All their writting staff sucks...as we can all tell from all the comments. Does anyone at all take MSN Money credibly?? Your kidding me right?
You think this article is bad, you should see the Json Buckley articles.. shows he's a kid
Had to comment its so ridiculous
Posted by: DrVex007 | Mar 14, 2022 12:58:29 AM
Interviewers like this guy miss out on the REAL talent. Not everyone with experience is a pain in the ass and not all of them will bolt. Sometimes their priorities have changed. I myself chose to turn down a fast tracked career when my wife and I had children. My resume is top notch and I beleive that I am a top line free agent, but this guy wouldn't even interview me? His loss. I would go to his competitor and kick his butt professionally.
Interview everyone and the cream will rise to the top regardless of their background.