This current job market has produced some of the most predatory job seekers. The one to watch out for most is the “Career Cougar”.
Ideally as you finish up college or an internship to enter the workplace you would go up against other new grads for corporate roles. The new economic downturn has now produced more top talent than ever who are actively seeking employment opportunities. More than likely you will find yourself fiercely competing with the Career Cougar for the same job openings.
If you are going head to head with the Career Cougar you might find it useful to learn more about who she is exactly and why she is such a threat for that job opening.
By definition, you are half her age + seven. You are recently educated and fresh faced, but the Career Cougar has years of successful work experience under her fashionable belt. It will be difficult to compete with her on many levels.
Career Cougars present themselves well, are hip dressers with a classic business sense. They exude complete professional confidence and can do anything you can do, only much better. Her professional reference list is a mile long and she is not afraid to use her contacts or pull strings to get what she wants.
Corporate America loves the Career Cougar because she can accomplish multiple projects in record time, coupled with exceptional results on a consistent basis. She can go up against anyone and everyone when she feels she’s right. She will almost always win any business battle because she is the Career Cougar.
The Career Cougar is financially stable, mentally independent and looking for a new young hip career role, one that gives professional satisfaction over the paycheck. She is street smart with an amazing resume and can sell herself into any position she so desires.
The Career Cougar is a rare breed and only makes up a small percentage of the current work place with men still out numbering her statistically in high rankings. She is underpaid for what she is capable of.
Companies love to hire the Career Cougar knowing she will get the job down, is just now passed her child bearing years and has a sixth business sense about her.
How do you plan to compete with the Career Cougar for jobs?
Why compete when you can buy her a cup of coffee and win her over to your side. Let your youth appeal to her repressed maternal instincts.
Well, I am not the generation you are writing to, but as a recruiter I would say, the younger candidate will have to network just as hard as the older one.
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