Big Chop!

There is a phrase that is very common in the hair care community and it’s called “The Big Chop!” Basically, you cut off your hair to prevent further damage. It’s done to facilitate a positive transition and generate a new look!

Job seekers should also find it liberating to move towards a healthier state by creating a fresh start when it comes to final stage employment offers. When a series of presumably great interviews unexpectedly takes a nose dive it may be time to walk away and start your own transition towards your next opportunity! Big Chop! The employer means you no harm. Another more qualified candidate may be the reason.

“What did I do wrong?”
Most job seekers will automatically assume they must have done something wrong. In all likelihood you probably didn’t. Once reality catches up to your current feelings of euphoria you may experience shock, anger and extreme disappointment. With each passing day, you finally realize that your last “amazing” interview was evidently your last correspondence with this company. It may be time to at least consider the big chop.

Workforce provided Solutions
Techniques learned during Interviewing Techniques at Workforce Solutions proved to be far better than your own. You went, you learned, and implemented. After several progressively successful final interviews, all communications suddenly ended abruptly, including unreturned phone calls, unanswered emails and text messages. You and I both know your messages were received. Walk away with your head held high knowing you did your best. They got the message the first time and so did you. Big chop!

Techniques on Fleek!
You interviewed so many times that soon-to-be co-workers knew your name, and acknowledged you with warm smiles every time. You were “On fleek,” (expression…on point, the act of being on point) as you pictured yourself in the position and you looked good in it! You were told you were a top candidate. Innocently you believed, convinced the position was yours to lose! But, the anticipated call never happened. So, you called to check the status; but the conversation produced a definite chill factor. Just two weeks ago you were part of a mutual admiration team. The signs are clear, it’s time to move on and focus on your next opportunity. Are your scissors ready? Are YOU?

Forget me not
The employer didn’t forget you interviewed and you know it. Unfortunately, this wasn’t your time. If your anger is at least at the point where you can manage a smile through the scenarios I just described – please understand the obvious. When there is only one position available; only one candidate can ultimately be chosen, no matter how many qualified candidates apply. This is especially disappointing when the chosen one wasn’t you! Are you an optimist or pessimist? Whether you decide to just cut your losses or collect positives gained through all interviewing experiences – It’s about perception. Ultimately the choice is yours. Knowing when to walk away creates a necessary path to a more positive transition.

Frieda Carmouche is a member of the Regional Navigator team specializing in training, educating and assisting employers, and career center staff throughout the Gulf Coast with community resources, outreach events and technical support in assisting job seekers with disabilities. She obtained her BFA in Graphic Communications and minored in Psychology from The University of Houston. Frieda, a native Houstonian with a love of training and development, has been employed by Workforce Solutions for over 10 years.