Need A Job? Stop Doing This Immediately
- Jul 16, 2015
- 2 min read
If you want to get a job then stop focusing on getting a job, I know that sounds a bit counter intuitive but most people fret so much about not getting calls back right away and lose confidence and motivation. When looking for a job you must focus on taking consistent effective action.
Like everything in life job search results typically lag your actions so it is unrealistic to expect that the day after you apply for a job you will be receiving hundreds of phone calls. The truth is that you actually have little control over your job search results but you can control your daily routines. Results are a function of your daily actions and it is consistent action that will inevitably convert into job interviews.
Imagine you were in search of a long term romantic partner and had scheduled several dates. I’m assuming you would dress up nice, take them to a fancy restaurant, arrive on time and do your best to demonstrate you could add value to the other person’s life. The question is, are you guaranteed a second date because you did all the right things? The answer is no, even if you did everything right there is a chance you may have caught the person in a bad mood or they may have someone else in their minds. Therefore you must not focus on getting a second date but instead make sure you consistently do the right thing on first dates and you will inevitably increase your chances of getting a second date.
The truth is that you can’t control the outcome of a date or a job application as there are multiple variables involved. This is why you must focus on the actions you can do daily which will improve your chances of getting the job you want e.g. ensure you apply consistently, tailor your resume to suit the jobs you want and always be networking.
Getting a job must be seen as a goal comprised of daily rituals which must be followed religiously. During the early stages your success should be measured on how consistently you can perform the tasks that will help you get the job. It’s much easier to gauge progress based on a series of tasks you do have control over which will ultimately get you results. Below is a list of realistic actions a job seeker put together:
Each week I will:
Send 5 non-generic resumes to 5 job postings in my field of interest
Meet face to face with 2 individuals in my industry and speak to them about my qualifications
Research one company I am interested in and send a letter to upper management demonstrating my understanding of the firm and how I can add value.
The job search is quite similar to dating in that you may not get every job you apply for as there are so many variables that are out there. What you must do is work to sway the odds in your favor by doing the right things consistently and you will inevitably be guaranteed success.
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