Raw and Unrelenting
If you have not had the pleasure of getting a tattoo, no worries, I will explain how it feels. If you have also never seriously searched for a job, well, then consider yourself blessed.
The two are actually very similar, mostly in how they make you feel. Both are personal, they get to the core of who you are, and the process seems to never end. Oh, and usually there is pain. There is also a thrill, excitement, and anticipation. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at tattoos and job hunting. Hopefully by the end we will all have a more visceral feeling for those that are looking for a new job (and also for those getting inked).
It’s Personal
Getting a tattoo is a very personal decision. Everything about it touches deep who we are under the skin, in this case, literally. First, there is the personal reason for getting a tattoo. It can be something that we really enjoy (perhaps a cartoon character), or it can be something that has deep personal meaning (a memorial to a loved one, a wedding ring, or a strong spiritual symbol). Then there is the choice of locations, some of which are VERY personal (I stopped asking people how many tattoos they have since the number is often much less than what is visible). There is also the choice of the style, the artist, the size, and the choice to get one at all — or not. Tattoos are about as personal as you can get.
Searching for a job is very similar (although many times it is not our choice — more on that later). A job can simply be a means to make money to maintain your lifestyle or basic existence. It can also be an intense passion and calling to a service or profession. Either way, our job search says more about us than almost any other activity. The positions we apply for are directly filtered by our past experiences, our desires, our physical location, our abilities, and our need for income. These touch deep down into our hearts and souls. And yet many will tell you not to take the job search personally. With all of ourselves exposed, how can we not take it personally. Job searching is the very process of putting our personal selves out there. Even though we do not share everything, we have to really open ourselves up to… ourselves — which can be the one person we do not want to open up to.
It’s Painful
Unless you are someone who experiences physical pain differently, getting a tattoo hurts. Some are more painful than others, and some are pretty mild, but there is always a sting, and sometimes much more. One study points to 10% of people do not want to get tattoos primarily because of a fear of pain.
Searching for a job is also very painful, more emotionally than physically (unless you count all of the paper cuts from printing resumes, but who does that anymore). I would not be surprised if the number of people afraid of the pain from job searching is more than those afraid of tattoos. Not only is applying for a job very personal, the continued rejections, bad interviews, and awkward interviews can create a very painful experience. And like tattoos, it is more painful to some rather than others. But let’s face it, no one really likes to get rejected, ghosted, or dismissed, and that is what most people are in store for when they start their job search. Fun times!
It’s Relentless
When you are getting a tattoo, especially a large one, the pain can seem to go on for hours (and it does). Different techniques can help such as breathing and meditating, but the pain is still there. In many cases the artist will even ask you if you need to take a break from the pain for a few minutes. The experience can be exciting, but most people are just enduring until it is over.
The job search is similar, although instead of a few hours, it can last a few weeks, months, or longer! There is a reason people say that searching for a job is a full time job itself. Taking breaks are also necessary, however there is usually a clock ticking somewhere in our minds that tell us we need to keep going. Bottom line, it is exhausting (and can be very depressing).
It’s Exciting
Thinking about job searching making you feel discouraged or anxious about now? Well, it is not all bad. Getting a tattoo is usually a positive experience when all is said and done and people can’t wait to show them off. Searching for a job can be the same, especially if you do end up with a job that is very personal and rewarding to you. You are going to be proud to tell others and the novelty of the job can be thrilling. The process is rarely fun but the end results can be amazing and really show people who you are.
Job Searching is a Journey
Remember the job search is a marathon, not a sprint. If you are looking for a job right now, you probably know all of this too well and are currently hoping that the process will be over soon. If you recently when through the job search, the pain may still be tender.
For those that have not had to search for a job recently, remember what getting your last tattoo was like (or your last trip to the dentist). Now imagine that process going on with no end in site. But most of all remember the journey is different for everyone. Even if you have had nothing but great job searches, for many it is exhausting, painful, and personal — a lot to deal with.
Some closing thoughts
OK, this first part is for recruiters and hiring managers. Don’t be jerks. We all know that you may be overwhelmed, but there are real people on the other end of the process. It can take hours to tailor a resume and cover letter just right in hopes that you will at least notice it and really read it. We know you cannot provide feedback to everyone, but remember to at least keep people informed. Also, recruiters, please do not send messages about great opportunities that do not match us at all, that is very frustrating and can feel predatory.
Bottom line, job searching sucks. Lend a hand to someone looking for a job — it can at least lift some spirits. And if you are currently looking — good luck, take a break if you need to, and don’t forget to breath. And when you do get that job, maybe celebrate with a new tattoo. Here is mine.
