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How's That Been Working For You?

June 10, 2009 RSS Feed Print

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GL Hoffman

Killer question, that. "How’s that been working for you?"

When you're talking to someone who searches the big job boards only, and ignores networking opportunities, ask: "How’s that been working for you?"

When you're with someone who complains endlessly about the job market and the economy, ask: "How’s that been working for you?"

When you hear someone say that they are sending out hundreds of resumes without first taking the time to do a minimum amount of company research so they can tailor their resume to the opening, ask: "How’s that been working for you?"

When you hear someone who job hunts by going to the top three or four sources of job postings, instead of finding new jobs via job search engines like JobDig's LinkUp.com, ask: "How’s that been working for you?"

When you hear anyone expound on how their approach is the right one, how their approach is obviously the best and that your suggestions are senseless or ineffective, yet there they are, having coffee with you yet again, complaining that no one is hiring, that no one responds to their template cover letter and resume ("what is wrong with all these HR people out who won’t even give them the polite “thanks-but-no-thanks,” informational interview?") that it is all "them" and not "me," that moment is the best time ever to simply ask:

"How’s that been working for you?"

G.L. Hoffman is a serial entrepreneur and venture investor/operator/incubator/mentor. Two of his companies have traveled the entire success path from the garage to IPO. Currently, he is chairman of JobDig, and his blog can be found at WhatWouldDadSay.com or at JobDig.com.

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durrantell of LA 12:24AM December 15, 2009

Alan, no one "misunderstood" this article. Nobody asks, "How's that been working for you?" because they're trying to help you out.

Employed of KY 2:38PM June 24, 2009

While I don't support wasting time and energy on worthless activities, I can't vouch for ever having found the recommendation and research to be of any value. I am definitely 'promiscuous' with recruiters, and not a believer in networking, although I have a fairly high profile in LinkedIn.
Unlike most people that have a job that many people are qualified for, I am a niche contractor, not looking for permanent work. I work in a common language, or a set of tools, that few people specialize in, with a background at major corporations. When someone needs one of my specialties, I'll get calls and emails from 5 different recruiters. My specialization is also why I can never commit to one recruiter; when I need work, they don't have openings, but someone else does. And I have had repeat engagements from different clients, and with different recruiters. They find me jobs, take a percentage of the rate, and if the engagement is long-lasting, they barely have to milk the cow, just take the cream.
For extroverts, and those looking to sell, networking might be wonderful, but I'm nauseous of the promotion of networking. People find me engaging, well spoken, helpful, and I can certainly self-promote, but I'm not that interested in other people: I'm kind of half introvert/extrovert. I enjoy people, but I also enjoy my alone time, with my wife, my reading, my books, and my fitness activities. Most people are extroverts, and likely, most people are not finding much help networking.
My primary focus, has been getting recruiters to see my resume on line. Right or wrong, I think recruiters look at people as a very narrow skillet and they have to fill/exceed the requirements, particularly in bad times. I keep my headline clear and simple. When searching I update my resume daily, or a few times a week. I focus on detailing my technical skills, not exaggerating my experience, or pumping it up with filler.
In truth, it's been a little bit of luck - I have a desired, niche skill set in technology, with a strong background at major financials - as well as being able to capitalize on my niche market.

James Igoe of NY 7:27PM June 11, 2009