I told a recruiter no today and I was thinking how it helps you.
The recruiter wanted me to send a thank you note to client for the interview. I have never done that. I have read many people who think that sending the thank you shows that you are professional or thoughtful, but I don’t think it shows that. I think it shows that you do what other people do and that it might be considered noise by the hiring team.
I have been part of recruiting new employees in companies I have worked in. I saw that a persons intelligence, willingness to learn and emotional intelligence was the best prediction of if they would be great at their jobs. Things change quickly and when companies calcify job requirements to static listing of skills it doesn’t help anyone.
For example, when I was younger in my career I could have done jobs but I wasn’t given the opportunity to learn those skills. I saw them done by others, and I found a way to teach myself those skills. Then once I used those skills in the next job, I was credible and a company thought I was more worthy of having a job.
Frankly it makes no sense. I have had companies ask what kind of education would help me do my job and when I purposed it, they weren’t willing to buy a $50 book that I bought myself. Because I wanted to learn and grow, and I knew I could do more than I did.
Now I have the skills to charge them 4 times my old salary and that is what I would charge if they wanted me back. Don’t let other people define you.
When you say no to recruiters and find your own way, you are saying yes to your own story and guidance. Believe me when I say this, you don’t want to work at most jobs that are offered.