Dealing with Setbacks & Rejections in Your Job Search
John Neral
I Help Mid-Career Professionals Find a Job They Love or Love the Job They Have // Executive & Career Transition Coach // Host - The Mid-Career GPS Podcast
How are you feeling about where your career is at as 2023 comes to a close? (Too soon? I mean, we are less than two months away from 2024.)
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This has been a challenging year for many mid-career professionals unhappy with their jobs and dealing with organizations that may require them to be at the worksite more than they desire.
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Additionally, companies are more selective than ever when hiring talent. And this makes finding that job you love more challenging and taxing than ever.
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Perhaps you’ve found yourself saying, “It’s almost the end of the year. No one is going to be hiring right now. I’ll wait until January.”
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I would encourage you NOT to think that.
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Because it’s the end of the year, it doesn’t mean finding that new job is impossible. I remember landing a job in mid-December, and I stayed with that organization for five years!
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Here are three tips to help you stay resilient in your job search.
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Tip #1 – You Only Need One “YES”
If you are actively job-seeking, you will encounter a lot of “NOs.” I wish it weren’t true, but the reality is, you will hear that a lot. It’s okay to be discouraged and disappointed, but do your best to move through those feelings and get back to work on finding that job you’ll love. Remember, someone is out there looking for someone like you with your skillset and talent. You have to find each other. Keep looking! Keep talking to people! Your career path deserves more if you are currently unhappy or unsatisfied.
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Tip #2 – ?Do Something Different
As Amy Porterfield says, “DSD.” If things aren’t working for you, change it up. If applying for positions on job boards isn’t getting you the response you want, and typically, you are looking at a 10-15% rate of being invited to an interview, DSD! Consider changing up your networking approach. Invite more people to informational interviews. Get your resume professionally updated. Consider hiring a coach. Don’t keep doing the same thing and expecting a different result. What can you do differently in your job search right now that will make you feel like you are taking massive action toward finding that job you’ll love?
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I’ve created a brand-new “Mid-Career Job Seekers Checklist” that I guarantee will have a few things you haven’t considered in your job search efforts. The checklist is free, and you can get it by clicking here.
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Tip #3 – Be Intentional About Taking a Break
If you are considering taking a break from your job search, be intentional about it. Don’t brush it off and tell your family and friends, “I’ll get back to looking for a job in the new year.” Consider how you will use this time productively to position yourself better in the marketplace. What education can you get to help you during this time? What books have you been wanting to read or podcasts you’ve wanted to listen to?
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If you want some free education to help you navigate toward what’s next, have you signed up for my weekly newsletter? I send it out once a week. No spam, and I guarantee you it’s an interesting read with the right amount of content to help you navigate toward whatever is next. Click here to get in my email community and be notified first of special events and programs.
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*****A Personal Update*****
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October has been a month! I spent the entire month in a walking boot to help my foot heal from a partial tear in my plantar fascia. However, I guess my body wasn’t done, and the retina in my right eye tore and detached twice! (You can read about my adventures in my post here. )
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Thank you to everyone who messaged, called, contacted, or texted. Please know that I felt and received all of your well-wishes and prayers. I am beyond grateful to all of you for your kindness and support.
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I am still recovering and will take another week to rest and learn more about the importance of self-care. Referencing Tip #3 above, I am being very intentional about my break and am grateful for this time.
领英推荐
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Here’s What’s Happened on The Mid-Career GPS Podcast in October
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October’s topics focused on helping mid-career job seekers navigate everything from whether or not cover letters are still necessary, why you need a “Plan B” for your career, how to get people to care about you when you are networking and interviewing, and the power of self-coaching. Plus, I shared two “Best of Episodes” to help you increase your confidence and how to stop pitching when you are networking and interviewing.
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Special thanks to my guests for sharing their experiences and expertise with us. You can listen to those episodes at the links below.
Episode 196: Best of Episode – Stop Pitching! (Tips to Help You Shape Your Unique Professional Value)
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Episode 195: Best of Episode - Transform Your Conversations: Confidence Tips from Tracy Hooper
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Episode 194: The Benefits of Self-Coaching in Your Career with Antonia Bowring
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Episode 193: Dealing with a Health Scare: Lessons in Self-Care, Trust and Self-Coaching
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Episode 192: Interview & Networking Tips So People Care About You with Alan Heymann, JD, PCC
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Episode 191: Building Your Exit Strategy
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Episode 190: The Power of Plan B in Mid-Career with David Shriner-Cahn
Listen with Show Notes & Transcript | Listen on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify | Elsewhere
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Episode 189: Are Cover Letters Still Important?
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Transformational Leadership Coach | CPC, ACC - ICF Certified | Elevate Your Leadership: Cultivating Confidence, Higher EQ, and Exceptional Results
1 年It is hard to hear "No" if we don't have a healthy perspective on what a "No" can mean. It's clarity. This road isn't open to us. Let's try another.
I help women wake up to their COMPELLING selves in work + life ? Career Strategist ? Leadership Development ? ICF-Certified Executive Coach at GetGritty Coaching
1 年Great topic as always, John! I hope you're feeling your best this week!
Men’s Health & Performance Coach for Entrepreneurs and Professionals. I help guys do the uncommon, so they can be unlimited.
1 年Great post John! These tips are super helpful outside of job searches too. DSD Baby!
I specialize in facilitating discussion by bringing like-minded people together to create real impact | Amazon New Release Best Seller | Walking the Path - A Leader's Journey | GoFundMe
1 年I could have used this a few years ago!!
Helping Founders Ditch the Hustle and Expand Their Impact & Income | Mindset Expert and Coach | Named one of the Top Coaches London, Ontario by Influence Digest
1 年John - Like Keith, I think #3 is really important. Sometimes it's best to take a step back. I love your point about taking that time to see what you can add to your knowledge or skillset.