No More Whining on the Job Search

Posted by: Lindsey Gerdes on April 02

Working World blogger Mark Overmann brought up an interesting point in a recent post about dressing for success on the job search. In my opinion, that bit of advice almost goes without saying (although we can all use a helpful reminder.) What caught my attention in Overmann’s piece though was an anecdote he included about a job seeker who always seemed to be whining at networking events. I can understand how one could easily fall into this trap. After all, what better place to compare notes and tell war stories than at an event where many of the attendees also find themselves looking for work in a really tough economy. It’s the perfect place to commiserate, right?

Just one problem: Networking is all about putting people in touch with others who might be helpful. And who wants to recommend someone who seems so negative and down-on-their-luck?

Here was Overmann's impression of the whiney job seeker in question, "JS":

...I wondered why this particular job seeker was having such a tough time of it—after all, JS was, it seemed, showing up at all the right networking events. Then a friend I was with cut to the chase:

From what you know, would you recommend JS for a job or pass along an opening?”

I admitted I would not. And not because of a lack of qualifications or skills (in fact I knew very little about JS’ qualifications and skills) and not because I wasn’t impressed that JS was taking a lot of initiative to come to all these events (I was impressed) but rather, frankly, because JS made a very poor impression: came off as a whiner, appeared to have no confidence, and was dressed poorly and unprofessionally. JS’ tactic at this and other events seemed less like networking and more like fishing for sympathy; a discussion of job search difficulties came across to me more as unhelpful whining...

So remember, it's not only your attire that makes a first impression. It's your attitude as well. And while sharing your woes might win you some sympathy, it probably won't land you the potential contacts and opportunities that having a positive and professional demeanor would.