Job search takes a lot of energy.
You have to appear optimistic, happy and excited all the time.
Why? Hiring managers want to hire people optimistic, happy people who will bring the team up a notch. They don’t want to hire problems. People with health problems are often viewed as having problems.
I once worked with a VP who never wanted to hire people who were overweight. He believed overweight people could not keep up with him. It did not stop me from sending him candidates of all shapes and sizes with the skills to do the job but that VP always selected the leaner candidate. Fair? No. True? Yes.
What happens if you are not optimistic, happy and excited all the time? You fake it. Not just pretend but fake it at Academy Award winning levels deep down so no one knows your secret.
What if you are not the ideal human vessel that some hiring managers desire? You fake it. You package your knowledge, skills and abilities in a way that makes you irresistible because you can solve the company’s problems in a way that others cannot.
It is not fair at all. It might not even be legal. But it is the truth.
Here are some tips to overcome physical factors that might impact your job search:
- Make them fall in love with you (figuratively of course!) It overcomes almost any distracting factor every time.
- Don’t share your personal issues or health problems with anyone outside your support circle and family. You are not lying or misleading. Your physical health is no one else’s business. If you have a problem keeping this information to yourself, you might examine why that is.
- Focus on what you offer to solve the company’s problem. Companies always have problems. You have skills to address those problems. Focus on that. Nothing else is important.
- Keep your energy up. Get plenty of sleep. Exercise regularly. Meditate. Take active steps to improve your energy so you can fake it convincingly until people you interact with believe you will be a great addition to the team.
I know these tips work. When I interviewed for my first role as a Director of Human Resources at age 30, I focused on how I could solve the company’s problems. I did not share that I was 2 months pregnant. It was none of their business. I worked until the day before my daughter was born. I returned to work after an eight week maternity leave. My boss had fallen in love with me (figuratively of course!) He gave me all the flexibility I needed because I was a great addition to the team.
You can do it too. Just focus on business needs and be sure your own personal situation remains your own business.