“I can do anything”

“I’m happy to work for any type of company”

“I’ll apply for any job”

THE MYTH

Most job seekers think by saying that they are willing to do any job, or work at any company, that they are “keeping their options open”. Even though your flexibility is a trait that is appreciated in most situations, this isn’t one of them. In reality you’re actually limiting your opportunities, rather than broadening them. By saying you’ll do anything, with no particular goal or desired roles in mind, you’ll be memorable for nothing. Because no one really can do ‘any job’; we all have something that makes us the right fit for the right job in the right company. If you’re a tourism sales superstar, you’re probably not going to love being an industrial night watchman. And vice versa.

THE MATCHMAKING

The recruitment process really is like dating, or in the case of using an agency – matchmaking. It’s about finding the right fit for both parties involved; seeing if they can build a fruitful long-term relationship. A hiring manager or a recruiter is looking for someone who really wants to work in that particular role in that particular company, not someone who is just settling for the first place that hands them an offer. We want to see what drives you at work and what will make you a successful addition to an employer.

As recruiters, we completely understand that job hunting can be a stressful process. It is a full time job with its ups and downs, taking a lot of time and energy, and at many times with no or little result. But a statement like “I’ll do anything” has only one word popping into anybody’s mind: desperation.

The problem isn’t that you’re desperate; it’s that you’re letting it show. It’s normal to have a certain amount of urgency, especially if you have been unemployed and searching for a long period. But if an employer can see you are desperate for ANY job and not really THEIR job, it can be a turnoff.

THE MOVES

So what’s a job seeker to do? Firstly, take the time to think about what kind of work you enjoy, duties you excel at, environments you thrive in, industries that interest you and relevant experience you have. If you are represented by an agency recruiter, giving a recruiter a more defined picture helps them do a better job of matchmaking you with your dream employer.

And when you meet with an employer and it’s time to put on ‘the moves’, remember each workplace is different. Present the best (and truest) picture of yourself that aligns with the company and really shows them that you are truly interested in their role and the company itself. There is nothing more a hiring manager wants to hear than “You are a company I want to work for” or “Your company aligns with all my personal and career goals”.

If you’re unsure how to approach this, talk to your recruitment consultant. They deal with this process on a daily basis and will be able to help you tailor your experience to the right employer.