Job Seekers, it’s time to “Cowboy Up!”

Here's another wonderful post in the Great Blog Swap series. This time from Dennis Smith of T-Mobile Recruiting. Check out  Dennis at the Career Builder's Blog for great insights from the other side of the recruiting process.

Having spent my “formative” years in the great state of Oklahoma, I developed an affinity for terms of endearment related to Cowboys, farm animals (especially sheep), and Aggies. Technically, I wouldn’t describe myself as a Cowboy as I spent more time walking the halls of my High School in Sperry Topsiders than Lucchese Goat-Ropers.

I’ve never ridden a bull, but I have warmed the seats at many a rodeo; spent a few weekends at Gilley’s; and have a habit of quoting Will Rogers. So, Amitai, I guess that’s what you call an Okie Boy!.

Speaking of aphorisms, here’s a phrase I like that’s drawn a bit of attention in the last few years:

“Cowboy Up.”

In rodeo, to "Cowboy Up" means to suck it up in times of adversity. No cry-babies. No schmaltzy weaklings. As one T-shirt slogan puts it, "Are You Gonna Cowboy Up or Just Lay There and Bleed?"

Successful recruiters have a tendency to…Cowboy Up. That’s what gets them through the tough times. They are accustomed to the dry spells (I didn’t say they “like” the dry spells); the fluctuating markets; and the dearth of killer candidates. Adversity isn’t welcomed, but it’s that which has the ability to turn an average recruiter…into, well, a Cowboy….the kind of recruiter that can suck it up, wipe off the blood, and get back on the bull. 

We’ve often heard that recruiters are in a war for talent. So maybe there’s something to this “cowboy up” thing….but maybe it’s not just for recruiters. 

I talk often with wounded job seekers who describe the wrongs they’ve suffered as a result of living on the front-lines of the job-search battle (a line we’ve all stood on at one time or another). Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not here to say that everybody involved in a fruitless job-search needs to suck it up, wipe off the blood and get back on the interview trail. I’m just saying that jobseekers often jump in to the battle without adequate preparation. 

Somebody once said, “There is no substitute for preparation.” I’ll add to that by saying, when it comes to job search, there is no substitute for:

• A Professionally written resume
• A professional career coach/consultant
• Understanding and managing the art of “networking”
• Understanding and developing one’s “personal brand”
• A well-crafted and implemented “career plan”

If recruiting is “war”, then it’s safe to say that job seekers are not innocent bystanders in the war. Adequate preparation is the one thing that differentiates the best candidates.

The job-search bull is notorious for bucking its riders. Some manage to stay on longer, but eventually, they all go down (and many are bloody). A few manage to “Cowboy Up,” wipe off the blood, and climb back on the bull. The difference? Well, I’m just simple-minded enough to say that preparation is the differentiator.