Keep your mind open while looking for a job
May 5, 2012|employees, How to find a job, Interesting Facts| No comments yet
Searching for jobs in today’s environment is a labyrinth of dead ends, mysteries, and rejection. It is easy to get overwhelmed with all the keyword choices to ‘help’ narrow your search. Few potential employers bother to communicate in any way with candidates who did not get the job once they have hired someone to fill the position. It is easy to get discouraged and kind of hunker down in an ‘us against them’ attitude while looking for a job. An approach that is likely to prove far more effective, is to take a proactive approach toward your job search. Do not be afraid to consider a lesser-paying position if it will help you get your foot in the door with a desirable company.
Identify what you like about work. Make a list of five dream jobs whether they are in your current career field or in an area that is unknown to you. This will help you focus on the positive aspects of a job versus a career. It will also open your eyes to jobs you had never considered might be compatible with your interests. Consider taking a class at a local Community College in an area that interests you but never considered as a career path.
Assume an air of confidence through researching jobs in markets that never crossed your mind before. Be up front with potential employers. When asked why you are switching careers tell them the truth. You are no afraid of hard work, and are willing to study and do what it takes to be a successful employee in a new career zone. Emphasis similar traits about each career that show commonality between your different career choices. If you enjoy helping people, nearly every company has an investment in keeping their customer happy. If you have examples of outstanding customer service in a different field, point it out to your potential employer.
You cannot go wrong asking close friends, family, or mentors to help brainstorm different careers they feel what be a good fit for you.
The world is wide open to you, if you just have the imagination to step back and take a good, hard look at how your current career made you feel. Did you come home emotionally exhausted daily? Was the environment so negative that you have forgotten how to be optimistic/ If so, take control over your work life. Set boundaries and limits on defining acceptable working conditions. Speak up and ask questions after you have researched a company completely. Is their company culture relaxed or are they set on maintaining that dress code from 100 years ago? What environment are you most comfortable working in.
You will likely find that at the end of this process you are once again gainfully employed, but this time you took control of your job search and made it into a full career makeover. That alone is a major confidence booster to maintain your search in a in a difficult time to be a job applicant.
