Optics are Important: How to Not Appear Desperate in Your Job Search by Joy Cohen

Job searching requires a delicate balance between showing genuine interest and maintaining professional dignity. Desperation can undermine your candidacy, even when you're highly qualified.

Maintain strategic timing in your follow-ups. Wait 5-7 business days after applying before checking application status. After interviews, send a thank-you within 24 hours, then wait one week before inquiring about next steps.

Keep your LinkedIn activity professional. Avoid excessive post engagement or connection requests to employees at target companies. Update your profile thoughtfully rather than making frequent small changes that flood connections' feeds.

During interviews, focus on mutual fit rather than urgency. Frame responses around value alignment and contributions you could make, not immediate availability or financial needs. When discussing current employment status, emphasize strategic career moves over urgent transitions.

Use your network strategically. Rather than mass-messaging contacts about job leads, nurture relationships through meaningful interactions. Share industry insights, offer help when possible, and be selective with referral requests.

Perfect your pitch. Replace desperate-sounding phrases like "willing to do anything" or "need immediate work" with confident statements about your expertise, accomplishments, and targeted career goals.

Remember: Companies want motivated candidates who will be valuable assets, not just anyone seeking a paycheck. Project confidence through measured, professional engagement throughout your search.

Are you being “ghosted” in your job search? Need some help?

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