Have you ever been on one of those first dates where the other party, whether male or female, makes it all too clear that they are out to pin you down for life? You haven’t even known one another long enough to find out which daily newspaper they read and they’re talking about marriage and children! Apart from being pretty scary, it comes across as desperate, as though you are their final hope, and it probably has you running in the opposite direction. That’s pretty much the same way a recruiter feels when faced with a desperate applicant.
As things are so tough in the job market at the moment, and especially if you have been unemployed for a while, it can be tempting to try and play the ‘pity card’ with employers. Actually though, as much as they might sympathize with you (which they probably do in all fairness), showing your desperation is only likely to act as the biggest turn-off. No matter what your personal circumstances, recruiters will still expect you to come across professionally and to have done your research and prepared yourself properly for your interview. What they won’t want to deal with are over-emotional displays which frankly only cause embarrassment to everyone concerned.
Rather than drawing attention to the fact that you have been out of work for a while, you should in fact try to do the opposite by focussing on the immense value that you brought to your previous employers and all your wonderful achievements. As it’s unlikely to escape their attention that you are currently out of work, however, play up any skills or qualifications that you have gained during your period of unemployment, never speak badly about your previous employer and demonstrate a positive and enthusiastic demeanor.
Desperation can not only come across in terms of a pleading attitude, but also in an overzealous one. Being enthusiastic is one thing, but overselling yourself to an interviewer can also be seen as desperate. Try to work on getting the balance right and, ideally, do a few practice runs with a trusted friend or family member in advance to ensure that you represent yourself in a professional manner. Another thing to beware of is plaguing the recruiter with follow-up calls or e-mails. Yes, following up is a must, but no more than once a week. If you do so more often, you are again likely to be viewed as over-anxious or pushy.
One of the main things to guard against when you are feeling desperate but don’t want to show it, is becoming emotional. Focus all your attention on preparing yourself for your interview and preempting the questions that you are likely to be asked. During the interview itself, concentrate hard on what your interviewer has to say and don’t take anything personally. He is there to make an objective judgment concerning your suitability for the role, nothing more, nothing less. If, at the end of the day, you are unsuccessful in your application, take it on the chin and try to learn from your experience, but never give in to the temptation to call up an employer and beg him to reconsider. Remember, just because you haven’t found it yet doesn’t mean that your opportunity isn’t out there, so always aim to demonstrate your professionalism and maintain your self-respect.
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