Dear candidate,
This might seem a little strange, but this year I wanted to write to you rather than an imaginary Santa Claus to express my Christmas wishes, and why shouldn’t I? You ask me what you must say or do in order to get a promotion or a new job, well then you should know what I don’t want to hear anymore! Do you know that my greatest reward comes in the form of a happy and lasting marriage between a candidate and an organization? Without a sincere and authentic collaboration on your part, our encounters are just ordinary, worse still they are just like all the others. So, in 2006 please don’t say to me anymore:
- “I want challenges!” I fully understand that you are looking for a new job which will bring you more stimulation, but can you tell me more precisely the nature of the challenges you are seeking? More often than not you don’t have the answer to this question.
- “I am looking for balance in life.” I am the first person to support work-family conciliation, the problem being that it comes at a price. The fundamental question is not concerned with the work-personal life balance but rather the balance between the challenges you envisage and the personal efforts you are prepared to exercise in order to achieve and exceed them.
- “My door is always open.” Especially since offices are open plan! Please, a little bit of sincerity and enough of the clichés…There is nothing wrong with acknowledging that you were not made to be a manager. Not everyone has leadership skills and there are some great careers that do not involve having responsibility for a team.
- “I am looking for a dynamic up and coming company.” In all confidence, I know few people who are looking for companies in difficulty, in stagnant industries or in old offices. Do you have what it takes to go beyond the performance of some companies and adapt to the mission and the management style here?
- “Salary is not my priority.” False, completely false! Rare are individuals who are prepared to accept a lower salary or even change for the same one, at the end of the day who is going to change four quarters for a loonie!?
- “I’ve covered all aspects of the job and am ready for new things.” It is possible and I admit that it does happen. Nevertheless if I look at the statistics and the CV that you sent to me, you have changed jobs every three or four years. How can you really have covered all aspects of the job in the space of two years?
- “I want to be involved in the decision-making.” However you tell me that you have no interest (or capacity?) in politics… Have you thought about what that implies?
- “I want to be recognized for my true worth.” Everyone wants to be appreciated. We don’t always have the bosses we would like to have but do you know enough to value your own worth, to make your achievements known in your organization? Have you also asked your superior or your colleagues what they think of you?
- “I expect my recruiter to call me and offer me great opportunities.” You are right, that is my job. But a recruiter is neither a coach nor careers advisor and they are not a substitute for your own networking. It is up to you to take matters into your own hands and be proactive. A recruiter has their limits and their priority is their client: the company. You have to be realistic and not expect too much of them, and especially never leave the management of your career in their hands because that is your job.
- “I don’t believe employers promises anymore.” Recent years have not been kind to candidates, many have lost their job, gone through restructuring, downsizing, weakening of the workforce and yet increase in work. You must remain positive and confident however because frustration and distrust are not favorable sentiments to the construction of lasting relationships. “Think positive!”
On that note, dear candidate, I wish you all the best for 2006 and a career that meets your expectations. And as no wish list comes without something in exchange, I won’t forget my side of the agreement; there will be good answers to good questions…