The Road Many Jobseekers Ignore
When I first moved to Westchester County, I always ended up on Wilmot Road, no matter where I drove. Now there is nothing wrong with this road, except it took me longer to get to my destination.
The process of finding a job is like moving to an unfamiliar area. It takes time to acclimate to the new landscape, and a wrong turn can cost you precious time and money.
There are two types of job seekers. The first one I call the cave person. The primal desire for security drives cave people causing them to pursue the archaic path to #employment. They waste precious time chasing openings on job boards where many of the postings have become extinct. These boards are the modern-day version of the classified ad except now, anyone from anywhere in the world can respond to these listings.
The second group is navigators that possess strong #self-awareness and a take-the-wheel attitude that allows them to attract opportunities before they are published. They move into reconnaissance mode when change is evident. Navigators target organizations that align with their values and interests and positions that allow them to make a meaningful difference while setting them up for future opportunities.
Answer the questions below to determine if you are a cave person or navigator:
1. I am looking for:
a. A job that will pay the bills - I cannot afford to be unemployed.
b. An opportunity that allows me to use my favored skills, knowledge, experience.
2. I consider my circumstances:
a. Desperate
b. As a new challenge that will allow me to make a difference for a company that values my background.
3. My job search strategy is:
a. To scour the job boards for openings or use a #recruiter.
b. A multifaceted approach that includes targeting companies that are a good fit, face-to-face meetings, participation in professional #associations and events, and using technology to promote my unique point of view.
4. I find I am:
a. Baffled as to why I do not get a response to my résumé.
b. Frequently introduced to new contacts and people interested in speaking with me.
5. The purpose of a #résumé is:
a. To get a job.
b. To get an interview.
6. During job interviews, I find myself:
a. Talking more about my past responsibilities or repeating information included in my résumé.
b. Maintaining a balance between learning more about the job, culture, and environment and offering proof of how I solved similar problems.
7. At the end of a job interview:
a. I ask the interviewer when I can expect to hear something.
b. I state I am confident that I can make a real difference here. Based on my background and experience, what concerns do you have about my fit for the position? I then address any concerns or move forward to inquiring about next steps.
If you chose OPTION A more then once for questions 1 through 7, you might be treating your transition like a cave person. This practice can extend the length of your search or attract bad employers.