Head over Monolo Heels

Have you ever been head over Monolo heels for someone? You make every effort to get their attention, you want them to notice when you aren’t around, and you problem solve endlessly about how you can secure a place in their heart. It likely will not work to approach your love interest--who unbeknownst to you is a vegetarian, likes jazz and theatre, and romance novels--and say “hi, I like hunting, skydiving, death metal, and science fiction novels!" Where is the connection? After doing some research on this individual, you need to ask yourself, “Would we make each other smile?” As I mentioned in one of my last blog posts title This is the Year to Meet Your Soul…..Job?, you have to do your research on the person, or company, before the approach. But even before researching people or companies, you must know yourself (what you value, what you want, and your interests) to know if there could even be a match.

I maintain an active and healthy lifestyle and like learning about health, diet, and exercise. Thus, about 10 years ago I was certain I wanted to become a dietitian. I told everybody my plan and was enthralled with my decision. I did my research on what courses I needed to take and upgrade just to enter into the degree program: they included math and chemistry. With some trepidation I registered for math and chemistry, neither being my strong subjects. In hindsight, I was setting myself up for disappointment and failure which was exactly what I encountered. I thought dietetics was my soul profession! Had I known myself a little better before spending countless hours proclaiming my love for the career and struggling and failing with the education, I could have saved myself a lot of time and energy. Where would I be today in my career if I had known myself better and met my match 10 years ago?! How would my life be different?

I was heartbroken! “But I was head over Monolos” I kept telling myself. Time to reassess. I deeply explored my intrinsic personality, values, beliefs, skills, weaknesses, and interests; I found…me. With every assessment completed I received a list of careers that might be a good fit. I began to see an overlap in the top five and with overwhelming clarity I knew I needed to explore these avenues. I conducted labour market research, I performed informational interviews, and I spoke with educational advisors to find wholeheartedly the best match for me. I found career development and felt the butterflies, and I knew I was head over Monolos again. This time, however, I knew the industry matched my values, skills, personality, and interests; I have found contentment and longevity in this profession--a feat I was discouraged with not too long ago. Although I still like learning about health, diet, and exercise, I realize now I didn’t want to make a career out of it; just as you may find an individual that you are head over Monolos for, who may not be your soul mate. Thus, as Shakespeare once said “To thine own self be true.”

Happy job shopping!

Interests: Fashion, etc.

I like Coach Purses, Mary Jane Shoes, Gucci Sunglasses, and Juicy Jewelry. I thought that after the employer was finished devouring my employment experience, extensive education, and professional development she might want some dessert. Thus, I added my interests that I am passionate about: Coach Purses, Mary Jane Shoes, Gucci Sunglasses, and Juicy Jewelry. I cogitated that it would be nice for the hiring manager to know something about me as a unique individual rather than simply learning about my dry employment related past. Whoops!


A couple of weeks went by with no contact from the hiring manager; so I called her to learn that she had filled the position. I set up a time with her to call back and receive some feedback. She asked how my interest in purses, shoes, sunglasses, and jewelry were relevant to the marketing position for which I was applying. Um, hmm. I was stymied! She explained to me that she is not interested in what I fancy and that I ought to leave it off my professional document. After working for years in the career development field, I learned that many hiring managers do not care about your interests, they are concerned with their own—which at the time, is to hire the right candidate for the position. Had I been applying for a position with Holt Renfrew for a retail salesperson position, it may have been acceptable for me to add my interests to fill some white space; but, I was applying for a marketing position! Lesson learned: Keep the interests off, unless you have some white space to furnish and some relevant interests to satisfy that space. I’ll save the purses, shoes, sunglasses, and jewelry conversation for my weekend expeditions with the ladies.
Happy job shopping!