Since the job market took a major nosedive about a year ago I’ve had some very interesting conversations with job seekers. Although there are some truly bizarre people out there who will always be looking for a job, the amount of talented, “normal” candidates who have told me that they “will do anything right now for work” amazes me. Anything? Really? Hmmm…

Besides the evil thoughts that start to brew in the back of my mind (think mustache twirling and a sinister “Mwahhhahahaha”), “I’ll do anything…I just need to be working” is definitely not something a recruiter wants to hear.

There are a few reasons why this attitude doesn’t get a recruiter or hiring manager excited. First of all, it shows no savvy in your search. Yes, I understand that you need to work and make money, but doing what, exactly? Also, it makes you sound desperate. Just like in the dating world, you want to come across as open, but you don’t want to be willing to settle for anything that comes along. Finally, it makes recruiters nervous because many of the candidates who say they’ll do “anything” think that they are qualified for everything- and those candidates are the worst.

What can a job seeker do to avoid the “I’ll do anything” rut?

Think: What do you want to do when you grow up? Although many adults still can’t answer this, you should get focused in your search. Here are some basic questions you should be able to answer when talking to people about your job search:

• What kinds of positions are you seeking? In what industry?
• Have you seen/heard about a job opportunity in this area recently?
• Do you meet the education/experience requirements for these kinds of jobs?
• What is the appropriate salary range for these kinds of jobs?
• Which companies in town would be an ideal employer for your area of work?

Being able to answer these questions entails researching career guides, job descriptions and up-to-date publications (see below for a list of suggestions). It’s time consuming with little instant gratification (vs. sitting in front of a computer screen and clicking “Apply Here”), but it’s the foundation of a job search. Until you know what it is you want to do next, how would a recruiter or hiring manager be able to assist you?

Create the right resume(s). Now that you know the qualifications and experience necessary for the positions you’re seeking, it’s up to you to create a resume that highlights everything that you’ve done that applies to a specific type of job. It doesn’t hurt to have several different versions, featuring different strengths/skills! One size does not fit all!

The easiest way to make your resume stand out to a recruiter is to mirror the qualifications/requirements listed on the job description. No need to completely re-create the wheel. Be “Captain Obvious” and show the recruiter that you have, in fact, completed many of these tasks in your last few jobs.

Reach out to the right people. Now that you know what direction you’re headed, it’s time to reach out and develop a quality network that applies to your specific search.

• Contact friends, former co-workers and family to see if they know anyone in your desired field. Set up informational interviews. 
• If you see a job opportunity listed that seems to be a fit for your skills and experience, send in your resume. And ask people you know if they have an “in” at that company. 
• Search LinkedIn or Twitter or people in your desired field OR that work at a company that sounds like a match and add them to your network. Develop an ongoing relationship with these contacts. 
• Send your resume to the HR contact at some of your top companies with a note- “I know you don’t have any current openings in my area but I would greatly appreciate it if you kept my information on file for future opportunities”.

When you reach out to people in your network, be sure to send impeccable versions of your resume (no spelling, format or grammar mistakes), mind your manners and follow-up with your contacts when you finally do land a job.  

These are concepts that apply to anything from ditch digging to selling Mary Kay…the rules still apply! In the current job market, candidates who know what they’re looking for and seem to be well informed are the ones who are most likely to make it to the top of the resume pile, while the “will do anything” folks are often left behind. Does this guarantee a position? Absolutely not! This is one of the toughest job markets in a decade. But at least you’re headed towards a goal, rather than wandering around aimlessly, applying for anything and everything.

Some ideas for research jobs/careers:

“Discover the Work You Were Born to Do”

“Does Your Career Fit Your Personality?”

“Evaluate Your Career Fitness”

US News Career Page

St. Louis Business Journal’s Book of Lists

Bureau of Labor Statistics Career Guide and Occupational Handbook

Abby Schwarz is the Business and Jobs contributor for Girls Guide. She is an HR/Recruiting Specialist for a local, woman-owned staffing agency in Clayton by day, and an active volunteer all over St. Louis by night. You can email her at abigail184 [at] gmail [dot]com, and follow her on Twitter.