Never Say "Currently Seeking Employment"

Some days, it seems like the world's biggest employer is Currently Seeking Employment. That's because job hunters often use this phrase as their headline, or they create an imaginary job with this title. Cute, eh? Not really. Using this phrase is one of the best ways to slow your job search. Here’s why.

"Currently seeking employment" is like a scarlet letter; it positions you as the victim of misfortune.

It encourages pity. Used in this way, it comes across as a sign of desperation. You are screaming, “I really need a job, fast!”

Employers don’t hire desperate people. They wonder what made you so desperate. Even if you otherwise look like a strong candidate, they worry they are missing something.

Not everyone uses this phrase as a headline; check out the image above, where someone has created a “company” profile for Currently Seeking Employment. They may think this is a cute way of showing that you are engaged in a full-time job search.

It isn’t.

Be proud, even if — deep inside — you are feeling a bit desperate.

It kills context. LinkedIn has over 430 million members, and every time someone searches for potential employees, you are competing with all of them for attention. Your headline offers you a way to stand out. It provides some context for who you are.

Here are two headlines; tell me which is more helpful…

? John Doe: currently seeking employment

? John Doe: customer experience expert for luxury hotels

The second one is quite specific, providing vital context for the reader. The first one leaves the reader with nothing but the perception that you are willing to take almost… any… job.

Context is everything. You may know that you have eight years of experience building databases for the consumer packaged goods industry, but your next employer does not… unless you get him or her to look past your headline. Why would such an employer invest their precious time in someone who is essentially labelling themselves as Anonymous Former Professional?

It ignores your strengths. Whether you are unemployed, hungry, or tired, none of these best reflect who you are. If you have closed $5 million deals for SaaS offerings, say so. If you have designed 30 e-commerce websites, put this information front and center.

Don’t lead with your weakness; lead with your strengths.

You are a collection of skills and experiences. You have unique talents. It’s up to you to weave them together in an interesting and attractive package.

Here’s my suggestion: Spend half your time looking for a job, and the other half doing something worthwhile. Volunteer for a charity. Learn a new skill. Write articles, or even a book. Make a series of videos.

Whatever you do, make it significant enough that you are proud to talk about it publicly. Then add a paragraph at the end of your LinkedIn Summary that describes this endeavor. Make it something like this:

While searching for a new CFO role in the health care industry, I’ve been working with Houses for Veterans and have been instrumental in securing three substantial grants that increase the long-term viability of this two-year-old non-profit organization.

It may take time to find a good job, but it only requires a positive and proactive mindset to take yourself out of limbo.

Thanks for reading this article! My name is Bruce Kasanoff, and I'm a social media ghostwriter. That means I can help you find the right words to advance your career.

Clients ask me to write and/or edit a wide range of materials including:

? Social media articles
? Articles for media outlets or company blogs
? Articles I adapt from their book, white paper, or research materials
? Pitch and introductory letters

My strength is writing in your voice. My job is to express your ideas in an engaging and easily understood manner.

I work fast, and my rates are reasonable. To get in touch with me, you can use the contact form at Kasanoff.com. 

I'm also the author of How to Self-Promote without Being a Jerk, a 55-minute career guide packed with dozens of useful tips.

An earlier version of this article appeared on Forbes.