Are You a Desperate Job Seeker?

John Krautzel
Posted by in Career Advice


Employers are attracted to job seekers who are confident about their abilities, making recruiters wary of desperate pleading and gimmicks. Desperation is a sign that you don't care about your career and want the position for the wrong reasons. No matter how badly you need employment, avoid these off-putting acts of beggary, and show recruiters you're a valuable asset to the company.

1. Unlimited Availability

Hiring managers expect well-rounded job seekers to have active, fulfilling lives, so it's not a trick question when they ask for your availability. The recruitment process can involve multiple phone calls and interviews, which requires some schedule management for typical professionals with families and personal hobbies. Ultimately, you don't want to give the impression that you have nothing else going on in your life.

2. Constant Follow-Up

Desperate job seekers take the words "knowledge is power" too seriously. Fearful of being out of the loop, they stalk recruiters with constant phone calls or emails to make sure they're still being considered. Unfortunately, this type of relentless pursuit can end your candidacy and send the message that you don't have boundaries or respect for the recruiter's personal time.

3. Few or Shallow Questions

When you skip the question stage or only stick to precursory information, hiring managers assume you aren't interested or need the job so badly that you don't care about the details. Discerning job seekers care about professional fulfillment and cultural fit, motivating them to seek in-depth information about the company's expectations, the chain of command and the realistic challenges of the role.

4. No Salary Requirements

Establishing a salary range shows employers that you know the value of your skills while helping recruiters determine whether your expectations line up with the company's budget. Accepting any salary may seem like a way to boost your appeal, but employers see you as someone with no standards or self-worth.

5. Eager to Please

Desperate job seekers often say whatever they think hiring managers want to hear instead of discussing their professional needs, skills and work style. The recruitment process is a two-way street, and you give up your power when you let recruiters take control of your career path.

6. Shameless Gimmicks

Desperation can make an honest job seeker cross the line with unprofessional gimmicks, ranging from using props in interviews to sending inappropriate gifts to recruiters. Every job candidate brings distinct strengths to the table, and gimmicks discourage recruiters from taking you seriously.

7. Immediately Accepts the Offer

Taking time to think about a job offer allows you to weigh the benefits and consider how your career goals align with the position. Saying "yes" right away shows employers you don't have other options and don't care about where you work.

Finding a job is like starting a relationship, and failing to vet the company can lead to dissatisfaction and poor engagement in the future. Even when times are tough, avoid becoming a desperate job seeker by reminding yourself of the unique strengths and character traits that make you a great hire.


Photo courtesy of pakorn at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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  • Nancy Anderson
    Nancy Anderson

    @Talasyn O thanks for your comment and question. Following up does not come off as being desperate but as being someone who really wants the position. Question - are you sending a hand-written thank you note after the interviews? Could make all of the difference. Then, when you follow up with them, they will remember you because of that thank you note. Bet you are thinking - well, if everyone does this, then how will they remember? Employers say that most candidates walk out of the door after the interview and never look back - never send a thank you note or email. I know that current wisdom says that sending an email is fine but I find that to be very impersonal. I always send a hand-written thank you note. Keep us posted! All the best.

  • Talasyn O.
    Talasyn O.

    I am familiar with all the above in this article. You never want to look desperate to potential employers or recruiters. My question is if you don't hear from the employer or recruiter by a set time that they gave you for starting a position isn't it good form to email/call and find out if you are still in the running for that position? Or does following up still come off as desperate?

  • r lynette c.
    r lynette c.

    Some job seekers may, indeed, become financially desperate, due to the length of their job search. However, the job seeker must not communicate to a prospective employer as the reason for wanting the job.

  • Giselle M.
    Giselle M.

    Thank you Nancy.

  • Nancy Anderson
    Nancy Anderson

    @Giselle M thanks for your comment and congrats on your new career. Great resume writers are needed all over. You will never be without work, that's for sure. All the best.

  • Giselle M.
    Giselle M.

    @Reginald Williams Smart move! That is exactly what I'm doing - having my own business. I'm a resume writer in Canada and so far so good! I'm glad to be out of the job hunting scene. It is tough out there and when you do get a job most companies want your soul, unless you're a contractor or temp. At least that's how it's been for me.

  • Nancy Anderson
    Nancy Anderson

    @Toni G thanks for your follow up. It can be tough to do a commute - especially in the kind of weather that we get in PA and OH. Only you can decide that. Maybe you should consider a move to the Pittsburgh area. You can still contact your university's career services and start receiving jobs that they have posted. I get job postings all of the time from my undergraduate school. That might help. It is tough to enter into a new field with no experience. Do you have to complete so many hours of clinical work before you can graduate? That would give you some experience. I wish you all the best.

  • Toni G.
    Toni G.

    Thank you Nancy! My Master's program is in another state, so that would be difficult but a well worth try. My location is about one hour drive to Pittsburgh and the same to Ohio employment. Is that too far for someone that gets bad winter weather? Alot of people do it but committing is tough for me. My area has multiple inpatient treatment facilities but not alot, where as the Burg and Ohio areas of tons of programs to choose from. It's just driving in horrible weather. I'm trying my best to not have to change career plans but that is another option but having no experience is a discouraging thought of doing so. Thanks again!

  • Nancy Anderson
    Nancy Anderson

    @Kathie F thanks for your comment. It's awesome that you are remaining upbeat. That's why your interview went so well. Did you ask "what's next?" Did you send a handwritten thank you note? Sounds very exciting! Keep us posted. And you are absolutely right to continue searching and applying. All the best!

  • Kathie F.
    Kathie F.

    Nancy, recently, I had an three hour interview sessions with two people a time for 45 minutes each, including the HR recruiter. The energy was awsome, and the hiring manager was impressed with my demendor, answers, and above she was excited and impressed to meet me. I was told she was very impressed with my resume. My concerns I felt that I the panel may feel that I may be over qualified because of my skills. I'm very optimistic which it was a positive and comfortable interview. The only thing is I get excited thinking it's great, but feel maybe I over did it by just being myself. It was all professional, witty, and we were very joyous. Hopefully, they might choose me, but if not, I'm still searching. It's been a year and I been living on my savings, but I'm truly ready to start work. The market is tough, but I'm tougher. Yes, it is a job searching for a job! I guess, my 3 pager should drop to one. So far, I have had interviews, but not many. I'm still challenging myself to not be desperate, but I'm getting close... so I will stay cool, and hopefully, I will soon land my job of opportunities. Thanks for your encouraging words. Plus, I know my worth.

  • Nancy Anderson
    Nancy Anderson

    @Toni G. thanks for your comment. It certainly can be tough out there. My first question is - are you looking for jobs that are posted at your university? Are you using the career services? Getting a master's degree is a pretty big deal. I would think that your university would have a program to assist you in finding a position. My university had a program to assist us in finding a position wherein we could actually use what we learned in the master's program. I would check that out. Have you considered just going in blindly? For example - Western Psych. Have you tried to just send a letter along with your resume to the HR department? Many times jobs are available that are not "published". You could narrow it down to where you want to work first. Then look for companies in that area where your services are needed. I wouldn't recommend this for everyone but, in your case, it might be the best way to go. Try it. What do you have to lose but the time it takes you to write up an introduction letter?

  • Toni G.
    Toni G.

    Since 2015, I've achieved a Master's degree in Science majoring in Human Services and Criminal justice. I'm 55 years old and have the goal of a career as a counselor for substance abuse. I live in Pa but can work in Ohio also. My experience in minimal on paper but have many years of life experience with addiction and mental illness. My resume is evidence. I've also purchased and passed exams for CDCA certification for Ohio licensure. I'm still trying to find a job and have had multiple interviews to say you fit the need and will pass on your resume but never getting the position. I'm at my wit's end and student loans payments are here with no income to pay them. So disappointed with the whole job searching. Thanks for your input!

  • Nancy Anderson
    Nancy Anderson

    @Debra thanks for your comment and for your frankness. It's tough out there - no lie. But the jobs are there and we have hope that, come next year, more jobs will be added. It's great that you are keeping your skills fresh even if you aren't getting paid for it. Sometimes you can find a paid position through your volunteer work. Keep your ears open and ask around. Also, most people do not have 100% of the qualifications. I have always gone by the rule that if I have 50-75% of what they are looking for, I apply. Maybe it's a waste of time, maybe not. I wouldn't discount a job that I know that I would be great at just because I do not match 100%. Now, for the selling aspect - you have to try. That's pretty much what it boils down to when you go for that interview - selling yourself. Your resume and cover letter only take you so far. If you can't show that hiring manager why you are the best candidate for the position, guess what? You got it - he is going to move on to someone else. I know it's hard but give it a try. Try doing some mock interviews with a trusted friend or family member. Ask around your local area to find out if anyone is running a program to help out with interviews, clothing, resumes, etc. I know in my area they have workshops all of the time to assist with resume writing, interviews, help getting an interview outfit and so on. They believe that the workshops can be justified as it takes more people off of the social programs roll. And again, keep your eyes and ears open to move from an unpaid volunteer to a paid employee. Oh - and make sure that you are including your volunteer work on your resume! Shows that you are keeping your skills alive and up-to-date.

  • Debra D.
    Debra D.

    I never thought it would be this hard to find a job. A year after my position was eliminated I'm no closer to getting a job in my field. I worked 20 years at the same job... sometimes I wonder if this is as much of a hindrance as a help in the search. When I got that job, there was what maybe 50 people for each job, I got it based on a hobby. That wouldn't work now, where I guess it's probably 200 people per job, if it's even that low. 20 years ago, you could have 3/4 of the qualifications and be trained for the rest... now I swear you need 100% of the qualifications. There's always someone out there that will fit it perfectly. Around August when my severance ran out, I started getting screening interviews, most don't go past that point, but it's hope. I'm not the best at selling myself, I don't have those stories to tell, I was a support, no special awards, I have one thing to my name that I'm proud of doing, but most places it doesn't fit in anywhere... In the summer I went back to school, more to fill a hole because not working... I found a volunteer job, which is my perfect job, just unpaid. Found that on VOLUNTEERMATCH.ORG, at least I'm keeping my skills fresh, when I can afford to park downtown... It's so hard keeping your hopes up a year later... I haven't worked retail in 33 years, if the background/drug test work, I have a part time job and feel lucky to have it. I'll keep putting my 4-5 hrs in looking for jobs, although now, if it's close I'm sending it in.

  • Nancy Anderson
    Nancy Anderson

    @Colby thanks for your comment. Sorry that you are struggling to find a position. It can be tough out there for sure but the jobs are there. There isn't a secret code to getting your resume noticed other than to make sure that it's only one page containing pertinent information and using the keywords from the job posting. Every resume goes through an applicant software tracking program before it ever sees human eyes. The last HR report that I read indicated that over 80% of companies now use ATS so the chances are that the companies you are contacting use this very software. If you feel that you need additional assistance on your resume, Beyond has a resume writing service. To read about it, log on to your account and then click on the down arrow next to the photo holder at the upper right. Click on Account Settings. There you will see your account. On the left side of the page you will see the subheading MY PRODUCTS and underneath Resume Critique. Click there and you can learn all about our resume service if you wish to pursue that. Otherwise, keep your resume short and to the point. Remove all outdated technologies from your resume, too. And, remember, when searching to use specific keywords because using titles can be limiting as not all companies use the same titles for like positions. And remember, too, that you don't have to look strictly in the oil industry. You can take your experience and talents to other industries. Hope this helps. All the best.

  • Colby T.
    Colby T.

    Nancy, I've been combing through job boards since January. I've worked as a Safety Supervisor in the oil field for 3 years and I figured surely I would be able to find something but have had zero offers or even replies to emails. Every job I've had since getting out of the military has been through knowing somebody but that's run dry. I always believed my resume was pretty strong but now reading all these articles from linkedIn and other sites apparently there is a secret code to it all to get noticed that I've never been aware of. I have always just been blunt and honest and from what I have read that isn't how you play the game.

  • Nancy Anderson
    Nancy Anderson

    @Erin thanks for your comment. Sounds like you are a first-time job seeker. Check around your local area for networking events. Even if you don't know anyone, that's a good way to meet. What about school mates? Get in touch with them and find out where they are working. Check out companies that hire entry level employees. We all had to start from scratch in our careers.

  • Erin J.
    Erin J.

    Never had that option; How do you network when you are starting from scratch, and do not know any one? Someone must have an answer for me. Good luck all!

  • Nancy Anderson
    Nancy Anderson

    @Colby thanks for your comment. It is hard trying to find a job today but not impossible. Are you spending the time that you need to spend pursuing a new position? In other words, are you treating the job search as a job? Are you combing through job boards? Are you applying to at least several postings a day? Are you following up? Are you networking? Have you contacted a recruiter or an agency that deals with your industry? Make sure that you are really treating this as a job and you will find that position. All the best.

  • Colby T.
    Colby T.

    Its really hard to do some of these things though the job market is so tough right now its hard to not jump on something when you haven't had one job offer in months and slowly losing everything its hard to not be desperate.

  • Pamila B.
    Pamila B.

    Very informative

  • Nancy Anderson
    Nancy Anderson

    @Richard thanks for your comment. Accepting an offer for a job should require some thought. If they make you an offer, thank them and ask for a day or two to consider the offer. This way you have time to go home and think about it - whether you really want the job or not. Was the salary where you wanted to be? What about the atmosphere? Looking around do you feel that you would fit in to the company culture? Is the job what you really want or are you just desperately seeking ANY position? Take some time. They will understand. No they probably would not withdraw the offer if you responded too quickly but it probably would give them pause. Most job applicants will take a day or so to consider the offer. To make sure that the commute and hours will work with their schedule. Make sure that the salary is going to be enough to cover what is needed - including the commute and the cost of parking, etc. Is the job what you really want now that you have heard more about it? All things to consider before saying yes.

  • Richard S.
    Richard S.

    This is all good info. I might question the part about immediately accepting an offer. If you know what you want or need and it is contained in the offer then I would say that there is no reason why you shouldn't accept it as soon as you receive it. Taking too long to accept an offer might send the wrong message also. If you think about it - they wouldn't extend an offer if they weren't impressed with your credentials. Do you really think they would withdraw the offer if you responded too quickly???

  • MARCO M.
    MARCO M.

    Thank you for your tips

  • Nancy Anderson
    Nancy Anderson

    @CL S. thanks for your comments. So very true. You need to be proud - to be able to boast about your career and your achievements. A happy worker will be more proficient and will affect others around him in a positive way.

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