Self Help Series - Attitude is Everything

ENTITLEMENT -
Your attitude could be killing your job search right now. Sometimes, a job seeker's mind-set, especially if you've been searching for a while, can be a deal breaker for employers. Each month I will touch on a specific topic on work attitude scenario's as they are addressed to me. The first topic "ENTITLEMENT" is just one of several of an ongoing series. Now let's look at the views of the Employer vs. the Employee. The first pair of statements is the conversation being verbally stated and the second set of statements is what's really on their minds.

ENTITLEMENT
Definition: Webster's dictionary defines it as (You check because I'm lazy).
Louie's Definition: I did this…so I deserve that

Employee: "I went to XYZ College and graduated with my degree in Accounting."
Employer: "As an XYZ Alumni myself, I know just how intense the curriculum is however, this Position does require experience."

Employee: "I went to school for four years and then some, and I deserve a good job!"
Employer: "So what? How are you any different from the millions of other people who have done the same thing? Like you're the first person to Graduate…EVER???"

Action Item:
Think about what the word "deserve" really means. It breaks down into two parts:

• You did or accomplished something that should be rewarded.
  "HOORAY you got your degree."
• There's someone out there who agrees and is willing to reward you.
  "True Statement…uncommon but true nonetheless."

Coming to terms with the second part of the definition is hard. Yes, you've accomplished something by earning your degree and gaining skills through internships and in-class work sessions. But a prospective employer will ask if you have actual work experience.

Employers are not interested in who deserves the job, but rather who is best for the position. Do YOU think this is fair? You better believe it is. It's a basic reality in the workplace, which means the longer you hang on to the "I deserve a job" attitude, the longer you'll go without a place to work.

Next week…"Loss of FOCUS" or Louie's "ADHD" Syndrome
The "Self Help" series is not a new concept. However, this is my personal take to many of my candidates/employee's, students questions on this particular topic. As an on-going series, I encourage you to check in bi-weekly for other informative stories that can help you, help yourself.

Attitude is everything pt. 2

Lack of Focus

"I have no idea what I really want to do with my life after I graduate or any specific place I want to go. I am open to anything."

What to Do? You might believe that employers would love to hire a person who is willing to do almost anything that needs to be done. You would be wrong. Most employers view the flexible new college grad as someone who is simply unfocused and directionless, and thus a high-risk hire.

If you've fallen into the "I'll do anything" trap, you need to switch gears and work toward developing focus and specific job goals. This isn't easy or quick in many cases, but it is doable. Get help from knowledgeable resources: campus career counselors, professors and people working in fields that interest you.

Why Won't Employers Give Me a Chance?

From the Message Board: "I feel basically devalued by employers and like people aren't willing to give me a chance," and "How am I supposed to get experience when nobody will give me a chance?"

What to Do? To overcome the give me a chance" attitude, you need to teach yourself to think like an employer, someone who pays money to someone else to perform a certain job.

As the employer, are you concerned about giving chances to people? Of course not. You're concerned with meeting your needs and those of the business or organization. An employer's main concern when interviewing prospective employees will always be: What can you do for me and my company?

Start thinking like an employer, and you'll understand why this attitude makes no sense in the eyes of the person doing the hiring.