Jobseeker Complaint: “If I could just get them to see that I’m perfect-I KNOW they’d hire me.” Dating Equivalent: “I’m crazy about this person. I completely adore them. We’re destined to be together forever.”
This is the stalker. Oddly enough I have had a few of these in my time—I never dated them. Why? Because they don’t have a realistic view of who I am and what qualities I am looking for in a potential mate. It’s all about them, their needs and how they see us together forever. They are not considering my needs and point of view.
On the jobseeker side, these are people who either a) Apply for every open position at a company, b) Despite being told they’re not a good fit, continue to call or email and demand an in-person audience with the HR department to argue their case. Or c) Can’t mentally move on from an old job they loved or from not getting an offer for what they thought was their dream job.
In the case of A and B: The company will never hire them. Just like no one would ever date an obvious stalker, no company will ever hire someone who from the get-go clearly possesses the skill set of pain in the rear. It’s simple, either you’re a fit, or you’re not. If they do not think you are a fit—and you only force the issue—they WILL NOT turn around, realize the error of their ways and hire you. Arguing only proves you can argue, it does not prove you are their candidate. They have already made that decision. They could be wrong, and it could be their loss, but becoming belligerent or nasty will NEVER help you.
In terms of the third scenario, if you’re going into a job interview with obvious baggage, it’s casting a dark cloud of doom over you, and dark clouds of doom also do not receive paychecks. Do whatever it takes to let go of that baggage: counseling, destroying company memorabilia—whatever. It’s gotta be done.
I help clients follow up appropriately with employers and recruiters without crossing the line into stalking and deal with the emotional baggage of an extended job search.
Melanie Szlucha’s company Red Inc. Helps candidates stand out from the crowd–in a good way. Follow her on Twitter or check out her website.
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