OPINION | Job seekers must stop playing the 'victim' card

In most cases, job seekers reach for the "I'm a victim" card (read: excuse) as the reason they weren't selected for an interview or hired. With all the rejection going around these days, self-professed career coaches who never provide empirical data and offer only selective anecdotes exploit the vulnerability of job seekers by telling them what they want to hear – it's not their fault, employers are bad people looking for unicorns and rock stars – as a ploy to sell their "service".

Actions and inactions have consequences, especially when job-hunting. People rarely consider the consequences of their actions or inactions and rather blame circumstances – everyone but themselves – for why they're not achieving success. What you eat today will affect you tomorrow. Not returning a phone call immediately could mean a lost opportunity.

Nowadays, the sense of entitlement among job seekers is so prevalent that it's fuelling an often expressed and seen anger: "I'm not getting what I deserve", "I'm not getting what I want". Anger frequently results in false pride and an overinflated belief in your worth – the job market determines your worth, not your opinion of yourself – which is extremely difficult to overcome.

We are all born into this world to make our own way; nothing is promised, including health, safety, food, shelter, happiness, love, or a job.

Then there's social media, which does one thing exceptionally well – actually, too well. It amplifies voices, opinions, and narratives. The result? A toxic echo chamber that can make it seem like everyone is a victim of something – ageism, sexism, racism, etc.

Since your mindset directly influences your attitude and behaviour, having an "I'm a victim" mindset is unproductive and damaging to your job search efforts. Blaming external factors, which you most likely can't quantify, for your job search frustrations, will not bring you closer to finding a job. Job seekers who play the victim card become passive observers of the job market instead of taking action to change their job search strategy.

Employers prefer proactive, resourceful candidates who take responsibility for their actions.

If you do nothing more than lose any sense of entitlement you may have, you'll be further ahead than most job seekers. Employers and the world don't owe you anything. Network relentlessly – reach out to contacts, attend events, and engage on LinkedIn. Embrace rejection as a learning tool; analyse what went wrong and adjust your job search strategy.

Take full responsibility for your actions and inactions.

Acknowledging that your actions and inaction are the ultimate contributing factor to your job search success is crucial. Instead of blaming external factors, control what you can influence.

• Are you applying to the right jobs and companies?
• Does your resumé and LinkedIn profile showcase the tangible results you've achieved for your employers, backed by numbers or simply your opinions?
• Are you actively seeking out opportunities and networking?

Focus on articulating how you can solve problems for an employer. By envisioning yourself as a solutions provider – "How can I help this employer?" – you cultivate a proactive approach to your job search.

When job hunting, your greatest asset is your mindset.

• Kossovan is a corporate veteran specialising in job search advice