A number of years ago, I had a debate with my high school civics teacher over the book, “Dress for Success.” I called it a debate; I’m sure Mr. Niemela called it something else. I just would not accept that anyone should be judged by anything other than his or her own merit. I believed that if you work hard and produce good work, then success will follow.
I still believe that. But, as I’ve gotten older and have spent a few years in the business world, I do understand that if you want anyone else to take your success seriously, they have to take you seriously as well.
When you’re out of work and looking for work, then your job is to find a job. Why, then, would you show up to networking meetings or employment seminars wearing gym shorts and flip flops and baseball caps?
And what is with the entitlement attitude exhibited by some of these people? Losing your job is traumatic, and being unemployed is stressful. You are not helping yourself at all, though, by arguing with presenters who are trying to share information, or Tsking when you don’t agree (just ask Mr. Niemela).
I’m sure these folks are not expecting an employer to shake their hands and offer them a position on the spot, but you never know. As I spend more time networking and meeting people, I am seeing more and more employers at these various events, and today, one was even pre-screening at an event I was at.
Even if there are no employers at some of these events, the other 9.5% unemployed workers are all potential resources, potential leads, or if nothing else, a sympathetic ear. I have to say this, though: My heart goes out to everyone who is currently looking for a job, and I am more than happy to pass along some helpful advice, or potential leads. But, I am more likely to want to help those who seem to be taking their job search seriously. And wearing your Kobe Bryant basketball jersey to a seminar does not scream to me that you are taking your job search seriously.
I think I just realized I’m turning into my dad.
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