Breaking Through the Barriers: Lessons from 7000 Followers

We've recently crossed the milestone of 7000 followers on LinkedIn.

A significant achievement for us, not for the number (it isn't that many :), but fr the depth we've reached and density in that number.

Let me explain.

When we set out on this journey a couple years ago, we decided that we wanted to be impactful. Be great instead of be big.

And our work has been just that.

The density, the impact, of the results have proven it.

Gotten 2x, 3x, 5x, salary increases, visas for entire families, expat positions with "dog allowances", and new futures for children that otherwise would have had mediocre upbringings (even if it sounds wrong) is just a short list.

But if there's anything, this journey has revealed essential truths about the dynamics between job seekers and employers.

What I call, the interview's psychology.

Understand that.

Become a master at it (it doesn't take that long tbh)..

And you'll be able to take your career anywhere. No matter the age. The employment gap. Or the education level.

The Fear Factor: A Universal Challenge

Let's start here.

Fear is a common denominator on both sides of the hiring equation. That's it.

Even if you don't feel it at first.

At any point in time, employers fear making a poor hiring decision.

Getting the wrong person in means months of pointless training, bad energy, bad mood, feeling "off", and a long etc. Nobody likes that discomfort in the office. The political battles that can arise as a result of that, etc.

On the candidates side, it's also fear not securing the right job or securing THE WRONG JOB (and the wrong boss).

This mutual apprehension often leads to hesitation and inaction, which can be detrimental to both parties.

So note that, and make sure you do everything in your power to lower that fear.

Me and my clients have even called fear out verbatim on interviews. Ask me ways on how you can do this (i'll probably make another article on that).

Key Insight: Embrace the discomfort. Get good at it! The best interests of both job seekers and employers often lie just outside their comfort zones.

The Comfort Zone Conundrum

A significant observation from working with hundreds of clients is:

What's best for them is almost always outside of their comfort zone.

About 85% of clients prefer to stay within familiar boundaries initially, but this reluctance can be a major barrier to achieving their full potential.

It's tough, but... the initial resistance to step out of their comfort zones delays everything a lot.

And it makes the process unnecessarily hard.

Energy that you burn "on the front", is energy that'll typically be lacking "at the back".

So be wise. Just jump!

Key Insight: The magic happens outside the comfort zone. Pushing beyond familiar territories is crucial for career advancement.

The Underestimation of Subtle Gestures

Clients often overlook the power of small, thoughtful actions, such as sending thank-you notes.

These actions along may not mean much to other people. Hiring Managers. Recruiters.

But when you adopt a personality of [massive] attention to detail, that turns into professional brand and business acumen.

And leaders...

Love that!

Why? Because chances are they're just like that. They were there. Did that thing.

These gestures can make a lasting impression but are frequently neglected.

Confused for "too much", or "nah, they're not going to notice". Back to highschool mentality again.

Trust me. Put all this suprise points together, and see the Sr. VPs eyes shine. Hire you as a result.

Key Insight: Pay attention to the small details. Simple acts of gratitude and consideration can set you apart from the competition.

The Average Perception

Most clients perceive themselves as average.

Being a bit more specific. They see themselves below or above average.

But very close to "the average line" (whatever that means).

This massively hinders their ability to stand out in the job market.

And it typically isn't a thing about belief (they not believing in themselves).

It is a matter of certainty for them.

That's why our work and our programs are based on certainty.

Certainty that you'll get the job done.

This self-perception needs to be challenged and redefined.

Key Insight: Elevate your self-image. Believing in your unique value is the first step toward showcasing it effectively.

The Cost of Indecision

Procrastination in taking decisive steps towards career advancement can and will have significant personal and professional costs.

Typically we have to deal with them along the way.

This happens in some shape and form on 85% of our clients.

There a short 15% that jump straight away and say "I'm convinced, let's go. Let's get this done".

Consulting with my wife tends to be

I feel bad for all those wifes. So much "career pressure" on them lol.

Jokes aside.

Delaying action often results in missed opportunities and prolonged periods of dissatisfaction.

A [silent] Marriage killer.

Ans yes, we've saved marriages too. A couple in fact.

One last March. With a newborn.

That little girl will have a mom and dad to play with together.

Key Insight: Act decisively. Timely decisions can accelerate your career progress and lead to more fulfilling outcomes.

Strategies for Meaningful Engagement

1. Targeted Outreach

Focusing on quality over quantity in networking will lead to meaningful connection.

Focus your search on that. On Meaningful.

Engaging with individuals in your desired industry, bringing value, not making it transactional.

That's where it's at.

And don't forget the warm AND cold connections, you can create opportunities with both that mass applications cannot.

2. Consistency is Key

Regularly engagement with your professional community (your friends) and investing in yourself are essential for long-term success.

People see it.

People talk.

People emulate.

Consistency in these efforts builds a strong professional presence and credibility.

You can't see it.

You can feel it though.

3. Aligning Career with Personal Vision

Shifting from a mindset of doing what everyone else does to one where you pursue what aligns with your personal and professional goals...

WILL lead to more satisfying career choices.

Period.

Stop sending hundreds of applications.

Own your greatness.

Take the time.

Make this alignment fundamental to your career and it'll help you find roles that offer both professional fulfillment and personal freedom.

The Outcome: Freedom and Fulfillment

By embracing these entire mentality, I’ve experienced profound changes. Not only with me but with clients.

I've received job offers, here and India.

And best of all is that these offers have aligned with my career and life goals.

This approach has brought a sense of freedom and satisfaction that traditional methods failed to deliver.

And then I've loved my career as a result.

And you can have this too.

No doubt.

I've never seen a client that is "too hard" to get into this realm.

A New Chapter For Me: From Job Seeker to Career Strategist

The success I found through this strategic approach inspired me to help others achieve the same.

I never wanted to call myself a Career Coach because that's not close to what I do.

It's much more.

I design lifes. Dream lifes.

and then execute. Bring them to the ground.

Heck of a statement. But I own it. And my clients' results speak to it.

Life's too short to not dream enough to be honest.

As a Career Strategist, I help top professional get empowered, and rave about their past and create a deserving future.

Your Turn: Reflect and Act

Reflect on your career journey.

Are you following the path of least resistance, or are you strategically shaping your career?

Sometimes, the most rewarding destinations are found on the path less traveled.

Almost always actually..

And reach out to me.

Listen, I don't mind if we end up working together or not. For me it isn't about that. this is not just a business.

I left my "picture perfect" investment banking career, because I discovered something great for myself, that then I learned to put into practice on others.

And it worked extremely well.

So wether we end up working together or not, there's no pressure. Reach out and let's see if there's any good ideas I can have for your career.

Then if it makes sense, you can decide what you'd like to do.

But whatever you do, don't give up on your dreams.

Send me the DM. Go ahead and write. I don't bite :).

Gonzalo

#JobSearch #CareerStrategy #MindsetShift #Networking