Turn down job-search music

Q: I am discouraged and floundering. I’ve had a number of interviews but cannot say any of the opportunities are my dream job. I am in, and am prepared to stay in, the fashion industry (and do not consider this a bad thing). I probably need advice from others in the industry if I am ever going to find the right situation, but I am not in a business that is friendly. Despite Kate’s theory that “people are generally willing to help you,” that often doesn’t apply in the fashion business. – June

A: Kate: As far as getting help from others in your industry is concerned, it might be that your down spirits are holding you back. Your underlying attitude sneaks out in your conversations, no matter how hard you try to stay upbeat. For instance, you say that staying in your current industry is not “a bad thing.” Most managers want to hire someone who is excited about the industry, someone who loves/lives/ devours it, not one who merely tolerates it.

Dale: I’m betting that your response, June, is to say that you wouldn’t mention in an interview the business about staying in the industry not being “a bad thing”; however, I’m with Kate – the underlying attitude is still there, under your words like background music. In fact, I came across some offbeat but intriguing research on human “auras” showing that when two people come together their auras interact and communicate, even when the research participants were blindfolded and didn’t know consciously that anyone else had entered the room.

Kate: Hmmm. Well, you said it was “offbeat.” But let me add something concrete: I have worked with many people in the fashion industry who have networked like maniacs and have gotten plenty of help.

Dale: You have to learn how to help people help you. You have to work with a coach or career group, or perhaps just by making lists of your best jobs, best bosses and favorite accomplishments or assignments.

If it goes well, you’ll soon have a list of things you love, not just tolerate, and that is the energy that you’ll carry with you into conversations with others in the industry. First, they’ll feel your enthusiasm; then, they’ll understand you and your goals; lastly, they will see where you could intersect with their work and contacts.