Duncan’s story: How networking, openness, persistence, and emotional maturity contributed to a successful job search

A few months ago, I was having a conversation with a casual acquaintance (“Duncan”) at a networking event.? I was aware that Duncan was looking for a new job and so I mentioned a job posting I had seen for the type of role he was interested in.? Duncan had not seen the job posting and was not familiar with the company.? I noted the job was part-time and urged him to consider looking into this opportunity as part-time work is better than no work.? It would provide him with an opportunity to both earn money and gain some additional experience until a more ideal opportunity comes along, whether internally or externally.? I messaged him the link and assumed that would be the end of the story.

Fast forward to a more recent networking event.? Duncan pulled me aside and told me that he had gotten the job that I recommended.? I was blown away and asked how it all came together.? Here is a condensed version of Duncan’s job search success story:

The day I made Duncan aware of the job opportunity, he started the process of applying online.? Yet as he was doing so, the job posting appeared to have been taken down or closed.? Because he was interested in the opportunity and wanted to be considered, he called the company to explain his story and to see if they were still accepting resumes, which they indicated they were.? Duncan sent in his resume that day.

The next business day he was contacted by the company and invited in for an interview.? The interview went well, but he was told shortly thereafter that the company selected another candidate.? That’s how the story ends for most people.? But not for Duncan.

A few months after the initial interview, the company called to say that due to continued growth, a new position was being created and they offered Duncan the job, which he accepted.? The company noted it was part-time to start, but there is a strong possibility it will turn into a full-time position in the very near future.? Duncan accepted the position, and is thrilled with the possibility of full-time employment doing what he wants to do, at a company he wants to work at.?

Four (4) things in particular contributed to Duncan’s successful job search:

1. Networking: If Duncan hadn’t attended the networking event, it’s very likely he wouldn’t have found out about the job opportunity.? His relationship building paid off.
2. Openness: For the first time in years, Duncan gave consideration to a part-time position as a bridge to full-time employment.? His openness paid off.
3. Persistence: Duncan didn’t give up when the job he was applying for was taken down/closed.? He followed up directly with the company.? His persistence paid off.
4. Emotional maturity: Duncan was told he didn’t get the job – which can be very disappointing.? When the company circled back to him to offer him another similar job, he didn’t allow his initial displeasure to stand in the way of success.? He was mature enough to know that sometimes the timing isn’t right, and that all of a sudden it can be.? His emotional maturity paid off.

Often, it’s not one thing in particular that leads to job search success, but many important factors aligning at the right time.? Duncan’s story highlights the important role that networking, openness, persistence, and emotional maturity play in a job search.

?? If you aren’t having success in your job search, step back and assess yourself on these (and other) critical personal characteristics and job search skills and activities.? Above all else, have regular conversations with people on your Career Advisory Board and in your network.? You’ll feel better, you’ll learn something, and you’ll likely be in a better position to be successful.? It worked for Duncan.? And it can work for you too!

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