Let the Job Search Begin
This lecture is all about gearing up my mindset for job search. I write it because many people overlook the fact that the mindset we have toward job search has a large impact on our level of success.
Job search can be a chore, especially when we’re pressured by lack of income when we’re out of work or when we have to do it in addition to a full-time job. But I’m here to tell you job search can also be fun. When you make it into a game, you can enjoy the process more and achieve better results. Why is it fun? Three reasons:
- It’s a chance to “date” many companies and different roles – Job search is just like dating – a mutual exercise between you and the company looking for talent to see if there is a mutual fit. This way you get to see what you like and don’t like.
- Hone your work brand and feel good about yourself – Successful job search requires you to market your best work self to others. While this may be a little bit of work, it’s a great exercise to take stock of all your accomplishments and feel good about them. This not only includes creating a tailored resume and updating your Linkedin, but also in how you speak about yourself to others when you network for a job. If you’re naturally too humble, ask a friend to help you. I bet you that they have a higher opinion of you.
- Reconnect with your network in a meaningful way – You may think “Ugh, I don’t want to bother other people.” If you network the right way, then not only will you get a chance to reconnect with people but they can feel good in helping you in a meaningful way. Humans in general like to help others. Here’s a networking tip from a recruiter – Make sure you ask you for something specific with every networking opportunity. It’s not enough to say to a friend or contact, “I’m interested in working for your company…” and then your friend says, “Great! Send me your resume and I’ll see what I can do.” Usually this ends up going NOWHERE. Instead, do a little more research up front and ask your friend for a specific favor. For example, “I’m very interested in Department X in your company. Can you introduce me to someone there for an info interview?” Or, “I saw this job opening at your company, would you feel comfortable referring me internally for the position?” The latter examples give your network contact a specific direction to help.
So how can you make job search a game? Have the right expectations!
- Expect 2 out of 10 instead of perfection. Realistic expectations will take out the unnecessary anxiety that often can accompany job search. In dating, men would say, “out of 10 phone numbers they get, only two of them really result in anything (Eg: a date) ”Women would say “only 1 out of 10 or 100 men we kiss, may turn into Prince Charming.” Job search works the same way. Don’t worry about unreplied emails and lack of invitation to one interview. It’s all part of the game. Your goal is to hit 2 out of 10 in anything you do and keep going until you find your dream job. The biggest obstacle in job search isn’t the amount of openings out there or the competition. Oftentimes, it’s ourselves. If we feel defeated, we’ll most likely take less action. Without action, nothing can happen. So take action and expect 2 out of 10.
- Expect to have job search disaster stories. Have you ever had a bad interview, bad phone call, or embarrassing networking exchanges? If you say no, I don’t believe you. We all have our off moments. The key is what you do next. Many people dwell on it and beat themselves up. This leads to low motivation and again less action going forward. I say do the opposite – share it with friends and laugh about it and then forgive and forget. Everyone can relate. Just like dating where you can have some horrendous dates, it’s all worthwhile when you get a chance to tell the story.
Lastly, I would remind myself and others this: those who plan and act on it will win the game. My favorite quote for work and life is, “Vision without action is a daydream; action without vision is a nightmare.”
Let the job search games begin!