Dear J.T. & Dale: I haven’t been able to find a job in any of the areas I’m interested in, so I’m left to apply for jobs I don’t really want. How do I show enthusiasm and get hired for something I don’t want? I feel I’m being deceptive, and see it as having to put on an act. — Connie
Dale: I’m not sure if this will help, but the fact is job interviews are the stage for much of the world’s best acting. I conduct seminars for managers, and I always tell them, “The person you interview is never the person you hire.”
J.T.: I’m pretty sure that won’t help Connie. What will is perspective: You want the work not for what it is, but for what it can provide you with. The income will enable you to pay bills, enjoy hobbies and even pay to help you get education in an area of more interest. In short, the job is the promise of a better future.
Dale: OK, that might perk up Connie’s spirits, but I don’t see anything in that line of reasoning you’d want to confide to an interviewer. Here’s the answer: You have to find work to love in jobs you don’t.
J.T.: Let me try to translate, Connie: You need to share your enthusiasm for the skills you’ll leverage. For instance, if you’re applying for a retail job, you might say: “I love people and hate the idea of being stuck in a cube all day. Retail gives me the chance to interact and put a smile on people’s faces.” You match your skill to some part of the job.
Dale: Said another way, you resort to the truth. Amazing how often it works.
Jeanine “J.T.” Tanner O’Donnell is a professional development specialist and the founder of the consulting firm, jtodonnell.com, and of the blog, CAREEREALISM.com. Dale Dauten resolves employment and other business disputes as a mediator with AgreementHouse.com. Please visit them at www.jtanddale.com, where you can send questions via e-mail, or write to them in care of King Features Syndicate, 300 W. 57th St, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10019.
© 2010 by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
