There is a saying, “It’s not personal, just business,” which implies that you can somehow remain removed from the emotion of a business outcome. However, when thinking about your job search, it is better not to be removed but to be invested very, very emotionally. Your job search is not business as usual; it’s deeply personal. Even though you maintain good business etiquette and professionalism, you must care about your job search very, very much. Your search impacts your career which impacts your financial well-being, your ability to care for loved ones, your emotional health, your physical health, and your spirit.
There is a saying, “It’s not personal, just business,” which implies that you can somehow remain removed from the emotion of a business outcome. However, when thinking about your job search, it is better not to be removed but to be invested very, very emotionally. Your job search is not business as usual; it’s deeply personal. Even though you maintain good business etiquette and professionalism, you must care about your job search very, very much. Your search impacts your career which impacts your financial well-being, your ability to care for loved ones, your emotional health, your physical health, and your spirit.
This isn’t the time for business as usual! This is the time to push hard – not push hard on other people, but rather to push yourself to work longer on your search, to do detailed research on your job search targets, to follow up persistently, to apply clever and engaging approaches to get people interested in you. This is the time for shy people to make the extra effort to get out there and meet people. This is the time for natural networkers to follow-up after the easy introduction and to build a real relationship.
If you don’t have a system in place for your job search that ensures you work on it regularly and cover all the phases of a comprehensive search, then you need a system and a schedule now. If you haven’t updated all elements of your marketing campaign, start today. If you suspect your interview technique is rusty, get help now before you land the interviews. A thoughtful, proactive job search requires planning, systems, scheduling, and consistent effort on your part.
Yet, despite the business-like methods which characterize a good job search, don’t forget the personal. Find what makes you unique. Care deeply and let your passion be apparent to everyone you meet. Be personable and understand the importance rapport. Unemployment is close to 10%. The market is still in turmoil. Business isn’t great, but it’s not about business. It’s about you -- your search, your dreams, your future.
Is Your Job Search Flexible or Just Unfocused?
As a recruiter, I’ve seen lack of flexibility on the recruiting side with employers clinging to every last detail in their ideal spec while perfectly good candidates get overlooked. As a career coach, I see jobseekers prematurely dismissing possible targets waiting for that perfect job. It’s true that you want to be focused in your job search (otherwise you dilute your efforts and come across as scattered and possibly desperate).
5 Questions to Test If Your Resume Is Recruiter-Proof
After recruiting in search and in-house for over ten years, I have read thousands of resumes. Due to sheer volume of resumes received and all the other things that vie for the recruiter’s attention in the hiring process – scheduling, interviewing, networking, reference checks, client debriefs, and more – the resume review process is ruthlessly quick.
Why Conventional Wisdom On Work Flexibility Is Always Wrong
In a previous post, I wrote about why employment statistics are always wrong. In a similar way, conventional wisdom on work flexibility is always wrong. It is impossible to generalize something that is inherently case-by-individual case. Therefore, any boilerplate advice or conventional wisdom is bound to omit a key consideration, underweight or overemphasize other considerations, or take too long-term or short-term of a view.
