Finding a job is tough today. Experts abound having answers to “game” the system. Yet, today I write to discuss how this kind of conversation amplifies problems, not solving one of them. All with real intent they want to help someone in their struggle. However, intent does not always equal outcome.
Another thing with intent, my intent might look like my outcome to me. To others I miss the mark completely. Usually this happens because today no one takes time to learn anything about who they give advice to.
One encounter I had today was a response from a hiring professional telling me to not “gloat” about my 47+ years experience. I checked their profile and there it is “three and one-half decades” of experience in recruiting. I simply replied, his “three and one-half decades (35+ years) is not gloating but my 47+ years is?
I didn’t argue. I asked a question. That’s all it takes sometimes to see who someone actually is.
Yes, it was a question. Constructive in ways many don’t ask or talk today. The response. “I’m not looking for work… bunch of mumbo jumbo, stop crying about age”.
Context, his reply to my comment mentioning my experience was in response to an original recruiter stating how age does play a factor in hiring. I said it was refreshing seeing she has opportunity to see it play out personally through her Mom. Simply how confirming it is real and others experience. Her Mom is not alone in this.
The recruiter context entirely. Turned it into a non-logical sales pitch of what makes him great. Then told me he isn’t looking for work?
I run my own business, my title on LinkedIn is there for anyone needing one. I don’t use titles and never saw a use for them personally. I am me, you define whatever title you want me to have. I don’t need a title, I know who I am. And I am Andy. No matter what title follows.
This is the discourse locking more people out of employment. The suggestion by this person, strip out any reference to years, age and the like if I want a job. But wait, really, lie about who I am to get a job and what do those in the interview room react like once they see age; while expecting a different age?
Or how about all people who are younger and older strip out dates of everything. Soon the ATS system will filter out empty dates.
Aren’t they already filtering out more than enough?