How To Avoid These 5 Pitfalls Of A Job Search
Mitchell William Kalb ????
Certified Paralegal ? (ABA-Certificated??) | Election Specialist ??? | U.S. Government ?? & Advocacy ?? Enthusiast | Striving to amplify citizen voices and strengthen democracy ?? | Cum Laude ?? | Eagle Scout ?
Your job search will be anxiety-inducing, frustrating, and at times, painful. But like most things in life, knowing what to expect can help you avoid making things worse and lesson the blow as you go through it.
1) Knowing what you want is harder than it sounds.
The fastest path between two points is a straight line, but few people know precisely where they want to go when they start a job search.
Be sure to cast a broad net as not to work yourself into a corner and keep your options open.
Also, remember that there is a trial and error process to seeing what is available and then deciding what you want to pursue most.
2) Proving your value breed insecurity
Even the most experienced CEOs question themselves during a job search - nobody is exempt from vulnerability.
Interviewing forces you to open yourself up to the possibility of rejection. It's a real fear because you may indeed be rejected.
Be prepared to keep your insecurities at bay when you can and to give yourself a break when you can't.
Job searches can be hard on the ego.
3) Your best instincts will play against you.
One of the things that makes you great at what you do is that you take the time to think strategically, reduce risks and plan out details.
Unfortunately, these normally productive skills may backfire during your job search.
Know that launching a job search will require that you strengthen your ability to be at peace with uncertainty.
4) The highs and lows will drain you.
By now, you may have the impression that every day of a job search is a struggle. Thankfully, this isn’t true either. You will have many good days, days when you are filled with optimism and excitement. What’s taxing about this cycle is the constant flux of ups and downs.
All of this is normal - just be prepared for it.
5) People will disappoint you.
The largest frustration of your job search will be waiting for people to do the things they promise to do, be that favors, such as making connections or introductions or getting back to you with feedback as promised.
It’s hard to wait, but following up leaves you feeling like you’re nagging people or being a burden.