Bill interviews like a seasoned pro. He gets lots of job offers and turns them all down, always finding some little thing that is missing. Later he brags about how much money he was offered. I got him three offers myself before I realized he's a serial job hunter. Bill gets off on being pursued.
While many people today are finding the job pickings slim, Bill is lucky. He is a software engineer with a highly sought after skill set making him a valuable commodity. He has his resume on job related websites all the time and updates it religiously. Bill will talk to most any recruiter who contacts him about his experience and expectations.
Many people talk the talk, but when the time comes some are really just fishing in the job pond. Consciously or subconsciously, many of us really do want a better job or new career, but find reasons to stay in our current situations. We will remain unsatisfied but safely confined within our little comfort zones until someone or something forces us out of them.
Sometimes a person will just want to discover their market value. They are curious to see if the grass really is greener in another company. So they interview just to get information or make comparisons.
These are job market speculators who clog up the marketplace at the expense of serious job seekers.
The same with people who pursue a new offer simply as a bargaining chip to get a raise or promotion from their current company. It is not the best strategy but sometimes works.
Maybe you just require the occasional ego-stroke that comes from having someone or something really wanting you. However, you should realize that you don't live in a vacuum and there are other people involved. There are other qualified candidates who may desperately need a job, also there are hiring managers with projects falling behind and recruiters with quotas to fill.
Before you start a job search, take some time to do a little soul searching. You need a clear idea of why you're considering a change. And you need to analyze the validity of your reasons.
Examine what is missing in the job you presently have. Are you running from your situation or are you running towards something better? Is your motivation for financial reasons, or would you like a shorter commute or a relocation?
Whatever your motivation, you should try to be truly committed to making a move when and if the right opportunity presents itself before beginning the interview process. That does not mean you take offers you do not want, but it means you are serious about accepting a fair offer for something you do want.
If you are not ready, step back and wait until you are ready. Get on the bus or get out of the way. Other people who are ready and willing may have their own ambitions affected by your indecision. Do not become another serial job hunter like Bill.
Herman Collins is an acclaimed executive recruiter and known around the globe as The Job Search Specialist. His proven job hunting strategies have helped 1,000's. Go to: http://www.realjobtips.com to discover how to put his
free powerful tips to use!
