Dealing With Haters In Your Job Search

Join us as we talk about…

In this week’s episode…

• You’ll learn why people hate during the job search
• Next, you’ll learn 8 ways to navigate through the hate
• Finally, you’ll understand how even the small wins will help you reach your goals.

I recently had a group of people come out very negatively against me and my methods for helping academics get hired. It was brutal and I was completely unprepared for it. I found out later that they had been planning their takedown for a while and that some people who offered competing services had initiated it all. Still, knowing what happened and why didn’t make it any easier.

This is something we’ve all faced before, either while getting our degree and dealing with a troublesome advisor who worked against us, or perhaps a mentor that doubted us and subtly downplayed our ability, or perhaps someone even closer to you like a family or friend who actively worked against you in your career or life.

Most often, these challenging times occur during times of change. Haters are attracted to change. It’s the change that they hate. This is particularly true when you’re trying to make a change in your career, which is why I hear from so many people during their job search about people who ignore them, laugh at them, refuse to help them, or promise help and then ghost them, or, actively work against them.

The worst is when you reach out to someone for help and they tell you that you don’t have the skills, you don’t have the experience, or you’re doing everything wrong. These people infect you with doubt. A job search requires you to step out of your comfort zone and into the unknown, driven by a desire for personal and professional growth. However, not everyone will understand or support your decision.

You may encounter skeptics, naysayers, and even “haters” who doubt your ability to succeed. Here’s how to navigate this challenging terrain and stay focused on your career change goals.

First, embrace your why. Before dealing with haters, it’s crucial to reaffirm your reasons for pursuing a career change. Reflect on your motivations, passions, and the vision you have for your future. Understanding your “why” will provide you with unwavering confidence and determination.

Second, ignore the noise. Haters often thrive on negative energy. They may criticize your choices out of insecurity, jealousy, or a fear of change. Remember that their opinions do not define your worth or potential. Instead of dwelling on their negativity, focus on your path forward.

Third, seek supportive allies. Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends, family members, mentors, or career advisors who genuinely believe in your abilities and aspirations. Lean on their encouragement and advice when faced with criticism.

Fourth, educate and inform. Some critics may not fully understand your career change goals or the reasons behind your decision. Take the opportunity to educate them about your new path. Share your research, successes, and enthusiasm to help them better grasp your journey.

Fifth, maintain confidence in your abilities. Believe in yourself and your skills. Your previous experiences and accomplishments are valuable assets that can be applied to your new career. Confidence in your abilities will help you withstand criticism.

Sixth, stay resilient. Career change is rarely a linear process. You may encounter setbacks and challenges along the way. Develop resilience and perseverance to weather these storms and keep moving forward.

Seventh, get motivated by your critics. Instead of letting criticism discourage you, use it to drive you forward. Let the doubters fuel your determination to prove them wrong.

Eighth and lastly, celebrate small wins. Acknowledge and celebrate every achievement, no matter how small. These milestones will reinforce your belief in your ability to succeed. You are getting closer. You are making progress. You’re in the arena. The haters are not. They’re just on the sidelines looking in. They’re powerless to stop you. Keep going.