10 Commandments for a Successful Job Search

Job Seekers: place this list somewhere prominent, so you see and adhere to it until you’ve crossed the finish line!

#1 Thou Shall Have a Realistic Strategy and Expectations

One of the mistakes I see a lot of job seekers make is they dive right into applying for jobs without really thinking strategically about their search (like whether their resume, cover letter, and/or LinkedIn is A-quality; whether they’re over or underqualified for roles; and what strengths they have over their competitors versus what competitors have over them, among other things). And since we can’t get our time back in life, before even starting the job hunt process, this step is essential! Because for many job seekers, the search may feel more like a marathon than a sprint. So why make it longer when it’s going to feel long already? Don’t make the mistake of diving in without a plan to safely get back to shore!

#2 Thou Shall Keep an Even Emotional Keel

This one is hard because almost no one “wants” to look for a job. Getting laid off or fired is an emotional punch in the gut. So, what do I mean by “keep an even emotional keel?” I mean, once you start the search, don’t get too high and don’t get too low emotionally. This is about business.

At mile 21 of a 26-mile race you might be ready to get all excited – I’m going to do it, only five miles to go! But keep an even keel. Because you haven’t crossed the finish line yet.

If you’re like most job seekers, your search may feel like – as Jimmy Buffett sings in one of his songs – “good days, bad days and goin’ half-mad days.” So be excited when you land or (think you’ve) aced an interview. But don’t get too excited – yet. However, when you cross the finish line, then it’s party time!

#3 Thou Shall Not Take Anything for Granted in Thy Job Search

Every so often when speaking with a new client I’ll get “it was just an interview with a recruiter.” And my response is always politely, “just?” The point is, of course, as a job seeker you should never taking anything for granted, period. Any job seeker that doesn’t take an interview with a recruiter as seriously as any other interview is treading a slippery slope.

From the moment, a job seeker applies to a job online or communicates with any person with any company, the “interview” has started! This includes the moment a job seeker logs onto a Zoom call before its formally begun to the moment they drive onto the lot of a corporate campus. Yes, even before stepping out of the car! Ditto for your Linkedin profile, Facebook, and other social media platforms. Assume those that may decide your fate are watching. Take nothing for granted – ever!

#4 Thou Shall Always Be Prepared

As I posted last week, preparation is one of three things that can be controlled in a job search. Amazingly, not a week goes by where a new client unburdens themselves to me and admits they didn’t prepare for that interview as well as they should (like how to answer “what are you salary expectations?)”, or they didn’t proofread their resume or their cover letter or their email to a recruiter or hiring manager as best as they should. Assume you won’t get a second chance to make a first impression – so always be prepared.

#5 Thou Shall Measure, Measure, Measure!

At least once a week, every job seeker should measure and evaluate the progress of their search and make changes if needed. Is my resume resulting interviews? What about my networking efforts – are they helping land interviews, too? Am I interviewing well enough that I’m getting offers? And if the answer to any of these questions is no, don’t “blame the economy,” or worse, be in denial nothing is wrong and that it “will somehow get better.” Instead, figure out what’s wrong and fix it.

#6 Thou Shall Not Worry About Things Thy Cannot Control!

Looking for a job can be a full-time job. Add on regular life stress, plus COVID and all the others crazy things go on in our world – sometimes it’s only human to worry about things we cannot control. Don’t do it – especially with your job search! Doing so can suck energy and momentum right out of your search. Example: you’re frustrated the employer said they would be making you an offer by Friday (last Friday!) and you still haven’t heard a word. Did you send a thank you email after your last interview with this employer? You did, great! Now, don’t worry about things you can’t control. Keep networking, applying, and interviewing elsewhere. The employer will get back to you when the employer gets back to you.

#7 Thou Shall Be Patient!

Patience is essential in a job search – which can be hard to regulate because the bills are piling up. Many years ago, I was laid off. It sucks. So believe me, I get it. But patience is important here. Employers may not go at the same pace as you – and often they will set unrealistic expectations. Example: “We hope to make a decision by Friday” – and it takes them a few weeks or up to a month from that day to present an offer!

#8 Thou Shall Not Put All Eggs in Thy One Basket

Until any job seeker is presented with a written offer they are willing to accept or negotiate, they should NEVER stop looking for work. NEVER! Nothing is official until it’s official! The point is don’t pull all your eggs in one basket! EVER!

#9 Thou Shall Maintain Job-Search and Life Balance Why Thy Searching

You wanted to get hired tomorrow. Yet your overall physical, mental, and emotional health is far more important. I know when I am stressed out and need to “step away” or “step back” from what I’m doing or contemplating a tough decision, I find going for a long walk helps me clear my head. Everyone is wired differently and has different ways to reduce stress – walking is mine. Whatever yours is – do it consistently and make time to “escape from the job search” by spending time or calling family or friends, watching a funny movie or TV show, listening to music, etc. – anything that provides a distraction as well as positive emotional reinforcement. One of the best ways to keep a positive attitude and a high-level of effort with your job search – two things you can control – is by maintaining a healthy job search and life balance. 

#10 Thou Shall Seek Professional Assistance when the Data Shows Thy Need Help

Not getting interviews from your resume? Not getting interview leads from your networking efforts? Not getting offers? If you’ve measured and identified where you’re struggling and need help fixing it, get help. If you’re not sure why you’re struggling, get help. Hire a Career Coach and Resume Writer like me to help you. I provide a free consultation and can be reached at 858-531-7128 or [email protected].