Comment by Michael J. Wright on July 7, 2012 at 12:31am

Because odd as it may sound, for many people success is a demotivator. We are witnesses of the high power economic forces squandering for what little resources are left in this washed up, burned out town and we're faced with a dilemma. As we watch the hypocrites holding our leashes commit moral failure after moral failure we begin to see that success stands on a hilltop of abomination... and it no longer holds any interest to us. You mock a man for lacking in common sense. You show me the evidence for common sense, I'll show you more evidence for UFOs, Big Foot and the Loch Ness Monster.

You would sit in judgement and laugh at those unfortunate souls who have faced rejection after rejection after rejection. We lack ambition, and for that we're easily steamed over. But you see, we simply don't care anymore. Life has beaten more than the ambition out of us. You've won. Revel in your filthy victory.

Some of us may choose to cross over and live up to your "standard." Good for them. I don't criticize those with true passion. Some even have a passion to inspire others. I had that once. People like you took that away from me. And I felt sorry for myself, that I allowed myself to be conned into your little games. But it's ok, you have your world. I want nothing of it.

Be comforted with the knowledge that some of us have simply chosen to give up. To lay down and die, because let's face it, we're just a waste of resources anyway. But as God as my witness I will leave this world with a clean heart and His name on my lips. This world is yours... enjoy it.

Comment by Diana Carpenter on July 7, 2012 at 8:25am

Wow Michael, beautifully written.    Though I do hope that wasn't directed at me personally.  If you consider what I do for a "living".  I am a job seeker coach, I help job seekers everyday.  I don't want them to give up, I want them to succeed, I want to give them what they need to do so. 

 

This was not a judgement or to make fun of this person. This was to be an eye openers to other to read job posting and apply only to what you are most closely qualified for.  No doing so will guarentee you be rejected over and over.

 

Good luck in all you do!

Comment by Bruce R. Wing on July 10, 2012 at 8:20pm

The Wall Street Journal recently had an article by a former HR Professional who observed that many of the job descriptions he received over the years became more and more precise and specific in their demand for skills - he was not sure that even he would be hired against the specifications listed in the job description.

I observe: that we apply for positions that have disqualifies for us because we believe the job description as written is an ideal by a hiring manager who is driven by instant productivity concerns.  But we know that our skills, persistence, work ethic etc. would allow us to be successful if given the chance - and some of us like a challenge - like me.  I have never failed when challenged and think companies need to spend more time developing people.  That said, those of us who are mature can offer far more than the degree or specific experience.  Companies are being too specific in many cases - so we apply anyway.

The problem is the bots and spiders and automated weeding programs cull us out of the process - you never see us and so you lose talent that would be beneficial to your success.   But we try anyway.

Further, HR departments have become formidable obstacles to hiring as they are following the work order literally.  There are few opportunities to pre-qualify ourselves before suffering the torture of tedious online process paperwork.  And then we may never hear whether the opportunity is lost and someone hired - void and move on.

But back to your original question - we apply for positions where it appears that qualifiers disqualify us because we think we can be successful with our skill set with some investment in time and study.  And we like a challenge.  We like the opportunity to overcome assumptions.

Now if you can help me find my challenge career - lets meet!  Show me the way!

Bruce R. Wing

Comment by Bruce R. Wing on July 10, 2012 at 8:25pm

Diana, I got out of Facebook due to concerns for security and privacy.  I was only on there to communicate with my son when he was deployed to the Persian Gulf on the carrier.  (He flies F-18F Super Hornets).  But I digress.

If there is another way to get together to discuss my resume and efforts so I can benefit from your skills - let me know please.

Bruce

Comment by Bruce R. Wing on July 10, 2012 at 8:51pm

Adding to my earlier post:

Many companies feel that in sales it is important to hire someone who knows the space but that has its limits.  Some candidates functioned in the space but were not successful, have bad habits, and may not always have the relationships promised.  It is sometimes better to add a fresh face eager to learn.  And then i can tell you that many of the people I sold to have retired and it is a brand new ballgame in my old space.  I was wildly successful but I would have to rebuild my Texas connections were I to reenter there.  But I have chosen to live here.

It is the skill set that cannot be taught easily - sales - that is most important. I morphed from disposables to capital equipment, critical care to OR equipment, then cath lab computerized systems.  Then on to an ISP where I laundered myself to be successful in network switching sales.  We can adapt if given the chance.  Someone can get a bargain by giving the imperfect candidate a chance if they buy the skill set.  So we apply anyway.

Comment by Diana Carpenter on July 11, 2012 at 3:15pm

Bruce my email is diana@candidateprescreening.com  The website is www.candidateprescreening.com

Let's chat. :)

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