Questions from Job Seekers

I recently received some questions via e-mail from some of you who are looking to transition into new positions. Here are the latest:

Q: When is the best time of the year to begin a job search?

A: Probably the worst time of year is during the summer months. This is because it is the time of year most people go on vacation so the decision makers are often unavailable. Also, the fiscal year for many companies is July 31st, when they evaluate their corporate stategies for the upcoming year.

So, to answer the question, the best time to start a job search is in the fall or the new year. Surprisingly, the holidays are also a good time to look for a job. This is because most people think it's the worst time of year to look, so you will have less competition and employers will see you as very proactive in your job search while others are enjoying the holidays. In addition, it's the time many companies slow down and are not as busy, so you can get the attention of the decision makers more easily.



Q: I had what I thought was a great interview with a company I am very interested in working for. My qualifications are more than perfect for the job, but I never heard back from the manager I interviewed with. A couple of days ago, I called to see if I might have a chance to meet with him again, but all he would tell me was that he didn’t think I was the right fit. I am so frustrated. What exactly does he mean by the right fit?
A: I understand your frustration. The truth is that no matter what his reasons are, he just didn’t feel comfortable enough with you to hire you. I know that isn’t the answer you were looking for but whether we know it or not, (and we usually don’t), subconscious discrimination is at the core of every hiring decision. This is because hiring decisions are personal decisions, made by people, and people will discriminate, even at the most subconscious of levels. It’s just human nature.

No hiring manager goes into the interviewing process thinking they would ever hire someone who is not qualified, but, believe it or not professional qualifications are almost last on the list of importance. A potential new hire’s personality, physical demeanor, communication skills, philosophy, and motivation are what will matter when it is all said and done. Who the hiring manager ultimately hires is almost always based in an emotional decision. Some people don’t connect and are probably not meant to. So, the best thing you can do is move on and not take is personally.

You should think of your first interview as you would a blind date, because just like a blind date, you must create rapport with a perfect stranger. Sometimes this is easier said than done because you are dealing with so many human variables. Even if you’ve done everything possible to prepare yourself, the human element is unpredictable.

Personally, I think you may have dodged a bullet. If the interviewer did not feel a strong compatibility with you, you are probably lucky you didn’t get the job. Remember, it goes both ways. The key is to not only find a job you are interested in, but to find the right job, and the right environment, because you want more than a job, you want a future with a company you will be happy working for.