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Is There A Difference Between A Proactive Job Seeker And A Desperate One? And Does It Matter?

Don't let anyone scare you off of seeking a job.

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desperate lawyerA young lawyer asked members of a listserv for advice on how to connect with legal recruiters. He said that he is looking for a job and is willing to work anywhere in the country.

Most responded by advising him against applying for every job because he’ll appear “desperate.” Apparently, recruiters and so-called career “gurus” claim a desperate job seeker is a serious red flag. Signs of desperation include:

  • Applying for every open job
  • Being aggressive
  • Excessive follow-ups

Instead of being desperate, the gurus advocate being proactive about your job search. So how does one become proactive? They suggest the following:

  • Narrowing your search but being open minded
  • Being enthusiastic to show your interest and passion
  • Periodically following up so you are not forgotten

Based on the above, it seems like being proactive sounds very similar to being desperate. Now I get the distinction between the two but it is a very fine and subjective one. How does one show enthusiasm without crossing the line into aggressiveness? I suppose aggressiveness implies an element of discomfort and hostility. But sometimes job seekers trying to be proactive may not know that they are making the interviewer uncomfortable. And those applying for litigator positions might be deliberately aggressive to show off their skills. I don’t know if this works.

As for follow ups, at what point does it become excessive? Once a day? Twice per week? There is no general rule on the proper number of follow ups after an interview. It depends on the employer’s temperament. One can always ask the interviewer when would be a good time to follow up. Ideally, it should be soon enough so that the interviewer won’t forget you.

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Also, what exactly is wrong with being desperate when searching for a job? Even though they may appear fulfilled and confident, the unemployed and underemployed are desperate because they need a job — any job —so they can pay their bills, feed themselves and their families, develop their careers and live with dignity. Most people hate being unemployed and are not going to just sit around and wait for a job to magically appear before them.

I think the reason desperation is looked down on is because it is associated with someone who has problems. I mean, who do we think of when we hear the word “desperate”? Does Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction come to mind? Or the drug addict who is willing to do anything (NSFW language) to get his next fix. Are employers afraid that the special snowflakes will throw a tantrum and tell helicopter mommy and daddy because they didn’t get an interview participation award?

If younger job seekers seem desperate, it is also because of what they were told at their law school’s career services office. When they didn’t get a job through the school’s OCI, they were told to apply to every job opening and take any position they can get. After all, any work experience is better than having a résumé gap, right? And we don’t want to look snobby or entitled because we’re too proud to accept an entry level position at some unknown firm working under an incompetent tyrant.

Finally, I haven’t seen any research that shows that a desperate job seeker will turn out to be a poor employee. This leads me to believe that the “desperate job seeker” stereotype is an alternative fact based on nothing more than hunches. Maybe someone can write a law review article or research paper about this?

So it seems like there is little, if any, difference between a proactive job seeker and a desperate one. So apply for any job you are interested in and apply to as many as you want. Don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm and follow up if needed. But remember a few things.

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First, don’t act creepy. Don’t try to be funny if you’re not, especially when it comes to controversial and sensitive topics. Before you make that follow up call or email, ask yourself, how would I feel if I received what I am going to send right now? If you think you will feel annoyed, offended or terrified, chances are so will the recipient.

Second, don’t act butthurt if you weren’t picked for the job. I suppose you can politely ask why you weren’t selected or ask for leads or constructive advice. But there is no need to vent or get in the last word. Your rant might make you feel better but it won’t change their minds. You won’t be remembered if you leave a good impression but you will be remembered for leaving a bad one. So let it go. It’s their loss.

Shannon Achimalbe was a former solo practitioner for five years before deciding to sell out and get back on the corporate ladder. Shannon can be reached by email at sachimalbe@excite.com and via Twitter: @ShanonAchimalbe.

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