Fuel your job search with a goal and a sense of urgency
If the last bus was leaving in two minutes and you were still contemplating where you were going, how long would it take you to make a decision whether to get on that bus? If you did get on the bus, what’s the likelihood you would be on the right bus headed in the right direction? It seems to me that most people would no sooner jump on a bus without a destination in mind than drive with their eyes closed. Why, then, do people engage in a job search without a target or a plan, and without a sense of urgency, expecting the outcome to miraculously meet all of their needs?
There are two issues I typically run across when someone comes to me for help with a stalled or unsuccessful search: They don’t have a plan and they have been relying solely on job postings to determine where they will work. Often they’ve also waited until they are on their last dime to hunt for work, and for them, it is miles beyond the last bus stop. Looking for work without a plan or being lackadaisical about your approach can extend the length of your search unnecessarily. A passive approach and a lack of urgency can lead people off track.
The “any job will do” notion has outlived its time. What you do for work has to be attached to your values and your life goals. Finding satisfying work that meets all of your needs requires a strategy and a plan, along with considerably more information than what may appear in a job posting.
Applying for posted jobs may lead to an interview, but without a solid understanding of the employer’s needs and a plausible story for why you want to work there, the interview is not likely to lead to an offer. Even if the interview does result in an offer of employment, it can just as easily lead to a new misery. Without context for the role and knowledge of the circumstances — e.g., company dynamics, internal politics, unspoken expectations or difficult personalities— the candidate could be walking into a snake pit.
An improved economy does not necessarily mean that everyone can be employed in their dream jobs or that getting a great job is easy. It takes a goal, a plan, a commitment to working the plan and a sense of urgency to come close to finding the “perfect” job. It also takes resiliency to weather the disappointments that can arise and flexibility to adjust your plan when it isn’t working.
An improved economy does not necessarily mean that everyone can be employed in their dream jobs or that getting a great job is easy.
Blaming the economy or job market for your unemployment or passively waiting around for your ideal job to materialize won’t change anything. Changing your approach can make a big difference in the results you get.
Hi Sherri
What would you suggest then if you have ins with companies but can’t even get a phone call. I have tried everything from cold calling to contacts I have.
Chuck
Chuck,
Thanks for writing. Breaking into a company requires a carefully thought out strategy. What you say and who you speak with will vary based on your contact’s position and their relationship to the department you would work in. Cold calling and asking about a posted position or simply asking for a job rarely gets results. Your communication needs to present a compelling reason for them to speak with you.It would include your interest in the company, the work they are doing or a specific individual. It is a process that involves developing relationships with people. If your target company is highly sought after, then we can assume many people are trying to break in as well. I would recommend learning more about the people you do know and expressing an interest in their work as a starting point. Developing rapport with them and showing a sincere interest in them/the company’s mission is more likely to get some traction.
Hi Sherri,
As industries and technology change, I work with people who want to change careers. The conversations always come to asking what the person would like to do. Often they don’t have an idea of the possibilities because they have had only one career often in only one industry. (Think postal worker, newspaper layout, retail manager, school teacher.)
What can I suggest they do to start finding a new direction? I have done strengthfiner which has given them insight but no planned approach. They are happy to jump on any train, but won’t know which one, neither when to get off.
– Kathleen
Hi Kathleen,
Richard Bolles’ “What Color Is Your Parachute” or Nicholas Lore’s “Pathfinder” can help get people thinking, but a transition will be easier with professional guidance. It sounds like the people you are referring to would benefit from working with a career coach. Depending on their interests, skills,location and what their financial needs are, they would need to be advised as to what is most likely attainable in the market where they live. Although there are many resources that will indicate what a person’s interests are and potential career paths, they don’t necessarily relate that information to how to make their desired change happen in real time where they live. I work with people (all over the country)to develop a strategy for moving forward, then advise them on the tactical steps required. Each case is different, based on the person and the market in which they live. Many of my blogs help relate the practical steps needed. I hope that helps.
Sherri
Hi Sherri,
Thank you for your Article! I am a EE with a contract work and am looking for a FT. Half of my time is spent on contacting companies direct and the other half to perform at my contract work and raising the level of my technical knowledge and skills. My search also extends to IEEE Jobs, Ex-coworkers, friends, and Alumni but none has worked so far. I don’t know if the positions posted by companies or recruiters are genuine! I hope this is an honest statement.
I do have a career plan and am following most of the articles that are being published on LinkedIn or at IEEE_USA but still am confused. Shall I be working with a career coach? Please could you advice!
I do look forward to hear back from you.
Kind Regards,
Raymond
Hi Raymond,
Thank you for sharing your circumstances. (My apologies for the delayed response. I’ve just returned from vacation). A career coach can help you assess your progress and the outcomes you have gotten from the contacts you have made to help you determine what needs to change. Sometimes it may seem like all the “right” things are being done, but it may require the assistance of a professional to evaluate what has actually happened and why it might be different for your circumstances. Please reach out directly via email ([email protected]) for more information.
Thanks,
Sherri