This comment from one of my Facebook friends ...
Can someone please tell me why it is so hard for people to follow simple instructions?
... reminded me of a Financial Executives Networking Group (FENG) newsletter from Matt Bud. It is not the first time I’ve seen - or heard - that complaint from recruiters. I doubt it will be the last.
Basically, a Finance Executive job posting in the newsletter, by a recruiter, gave specific instructions on how to apply. The majority of the respondents chose to do it “their” way, rather than follow the simple instructions by the recruiter. And, in this case, the preference of the recruiter.
Needless to say, the recruiter wasn’t happy. Now Matt isn’t happy. And all the respondents who did it “their” way will not be considered. There are no winners in this scenario.
But it seems to me there are two very important lessons we can take away from the above snafu.
-- The world doesn’t revolve around you.
That was my answer to her question. We all walk around thinking we are the center of our own universe, and maybe that would be true if there weren’t other people living in our universe!
It isn’t necessarily that we can’t follow directions, it’s that we choose not to. My way is better, more expedient, safer, shorter, and whatever. But just as in crafting your
You might not like the directions/instructions, but if you are going to play the posted position game, the rules apply.
More to the point, I think the failure to follow posting directions in a job search is quite often rooted in desperation. And, ...
-- Desperate isn’t pretty or attractive.
If you happen to win consideration, desperation reduces your value and your positioning. You need ... therefore you can be bought at the lowest possible price. Rarely, is that a recipe for contentment or satisfaction ... not for very long anyway.
So, two quick suggestions ...
1 - Follow the rules, first; and
2 - Don’t wait until you need a job to start the search for your next position.
Blog post
Following Directions ... It’s Important
Filed Under:
Human Capital