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Running Through The Pain of Job Search
I ran my frst and (so far) my last marathon in 2007. While not a breathtaking course visually, the Orange County Marathon left me huffing and puffing on an unusually warm and breezy day in January.
When thinking about the marathon, it reminded me of the time that I dedicated to train for it. And the time I had later that year when I found myself looking for work. As I have shared before, while an out of work experience can be stressful and frustrating, it is also your single best opportunity to get back in shape. And it feels really good to be in shape.
So I started thinking about how I could frame some job search ideology in the context of running the marathon. Can you think of a few worthy comparisons? Well, if not, perhaps this will “jog” a few loose.
SUCCESSFUL MARATHON RUNNERS ARE:
Well trained in advance of their race day
You’ve heard me say it before that week one of your job search is not the best time to learn about networking. So if you have found yourself in this spot, you’ll have to make do. If you are working and haven’t started, well, get started. Networking is the single biggest skill you need to succeed in today’s job market. And, while a good personality helps, don’t plan on just winging it.
Prepared for the worst
Your job search can end happily in four to six weeks but it can also continue for six, nine or twelve months. Sometimes longer depending on the market, your industry experience and your ability to stand out in an interview process. If you plan for four to six weeks and get six months, what happens to your psychology (confdence) during weeks eight to ten? It starts to get a bit shaky, right? Now, I am not saying assume the worst. Just be ready for it. Mentally. And, for sure, financially.
Constantly looking for training partners
It may seem like it, but job search is not a solo sport. Tose who choose to go it alone will find life a bit troubling. Without a community around you for support, you will struggle. Sorry if that sounds harsh. There are so many great things to be shared during this time in life - in addition to your learnings and experiences with other job seekers. Sharing job leads with others (even those in your same profession) builds good rapport and, I believe, good karma with the job search community. So, look for friends. Not as a crutch or as a social party friend. But as a partner in job search success.
Well equipped with the latest tools
Runners have all sorts of cool new gadgets and rarely will you see someone still training in Dolphin shorts. So why allow your job search to fall victim to the status quo? Old tools are for old job search strategies. Ones that are not effective in today’s competitive job market. Linkedin, Twitter to name a few have to be on your list. Use Indeed for effective job leads. Don’t be the one afraid to try new things. Because companies are finding their new employees with these new tools. If you’re not there, you’re not there.
Unwilling to give up
There are days, to be sure, that job search feels like a losing battle. No leads. No call backs. No love. If those stretch into weeks - and they can - you need to remember that you have a strategy. You are networking for a reason. You are, hopefully, acting on every opportunity to meet new people, sharing your job objectives and offering to help them in return. Or, even better, in advance. Successes will come and go. You only need one lead to turn into a job - not all of them.
Looking for new ideas
One of the things I have said about Tim’s Strategy is that it would be about ideas. So, I offer you the blog as a relatively regular stream of ideas to help you succeed in job search. There are many other good sources. Resume writers, career coaches and recruiters all can be great sources of information.
Supportive of other racers in your group
Have you joined any networking groups in your community? Any groups on Linkedin? No? Really? If not, get started on this today. If you need help here, drop me a note and I will get you started. It is that important. In addition to offering job leads, you can share your tricks of the trade or just a shoulder to lean on. Yes, even us tough job seekers need a little warm cocoa from time to time. Want to join my group on Linkedin? The process is painfully simple. Join the group and tell ‘em Tim sent you.
Confdent and ready to take off on their own
So remember up above when I said that job search was not a solo effort? Well, there is a time in job search when you need to let go. When you have found that great job. The one that matches your job objectives with a culture that screams your personality and work style. And when you are ready to leave the search community and head back into the world of the working. And, believe me, there are some that cling to the freedom of job search. You also need to be confident to run when the opportunity shows itself. Without looking back as you set a pace faster than those behind you. Especially if their pace has you feeling lazy and complacent. Tat happens too.