Empathy Fatigue on LinkedIn And Your Job Search

There is a very real condition called “Empathy Fatigue” (and a more specific subset – “Compassion Fatigue” impacting HR). It is when the constant barrage of negativity or bad news eventually numbs us to it.

It isn’t that people don’t care – they do. But after months of seeing “I joined the ranks of the unemployed” postings, it becomes “normalized”. Add to that the sheer amount of predatory and outright number of “career services” scams out there, and even the staunchest job seeker advocates get fatigued.

Here is what it boils down to: YOU need to manage your job search effectively, and remember that LinkedIn ISN’T Facebook or any of the SOCIAL media platforms.

That means:

• You are proactive about your search in terms of who you contact, how you interact with them, and all points in the process.
• Expecting a post “Hi, I’m looking for an XYZ role please send anything you see my way” is unrealistic. NO ONE is going to do the work for you. ABSOLUTELY do reach out to your own network for introductions, potential job leads, informational interviews.
• “Growing your network” does not mean sending a connection request then following it up with a request for help. People will help those they have built a RELATIONSHIP and TRUST with.
• Reaching out to recruiters with your resume and a generic “Hi, I’m looking for ABC job, what do you have for me?” is not only counterproductive, it has a very good chance of backfiring on you; many of us not only delete these requests, we may block the sender entirely. Recruiters are TIRED of job seekers expecting us to DO THEIR WORK FOR THEM. There are myriad posts and articles with suggestions from recruiters and hiring managers on connecting effectively. Here is my standard. *Don't neglect to read the comments. Many times there is corroboration and/or additional resources to be uncovered.
• Begging total strangers – many of whom are struggling themselves financially – to support you post-layoff via a gofundme on LinkedIn is tone deaf. Certainly ask your personal connections to help you, but not total strangers.
• Complaining on a platform like LinkedIn about the “process is broken” is not going to help anything – especially if the hiring manager/recruiter is checking out your LI profile. Going to Tiktok, Youtube or Instagram to ridicule/berate recruiters may very well be the death knell for your job search (or any future job opportunities – you may be stuck where you are permanently).
• If your Unemployment has run out – GET A SURVIVAL JOB/S. Here is a list of employers that offer PT employees health benefits. Get a business license and start consulting. The US especially is a society that is very much about self-sufficiency.
• There is a fine line between being “authentic” on LinkedIn and posting every personal detail about your mental health – and it can indicate that you are emotionally unstable and possibly a liability to any potential employer (speaking directly to inability to perform your work, and in the US overburdening health insurance costs). ?

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Resources to help you with your mental health and your job search:

• The NIH has a Mental Health resources page if you are struggling and don’t have access to mental health care due to financial distress.
• You can go to a local Free Clinic if you are in acute distress – here is a database of free clinics in the US.
• The Mental Health Hotline is available 24x7 if you need someone to talk to (866-903-3787).
• Many local church groups and non-profit organizations host/sponsor job search support groups and programs. I personally have volunteered with several, including Toast Masters – which is an excellent organization to help you improve your public speaking (ie INTERVIEWING) skills.
• Your state Unemployment Office has resources you can access at no charge for job search (whether you are employed or not). You should also check with your local library – there are many resources you can access for free (including LinkedIn Learning).

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