My Job Search Journey - Year 2024

2024 has been a whirlwind of a year for me—filled with moments of happiness, sorrow, anxiety, faith, and hope. The job search journey, in particular, has been an eye-opener. Companies often prioritize early joiners, and being available can sometimes feel like a disadvantage as they attempt to undervalue you. Despite stating expectations, recruiters often push candidates to accept offers below their quoted figures, citing budget constraints. And the interviews—oh, the endless rounds! At times, I couldn’t help but feel as though I was being assessed for a COO or Head role. On a lighter note, it’s ironic how, in our own function (i.e. RMG function), we encourage delivery teams to accept a 60-70% match for roles, yet when hiring ourselves, we demand 120-140% perfection!

Through this journey, a few key lessons stood out for me, thought of sharing with you all:

• Mindset: Never let the “market is down” narrative cloud your judgment. A closed mindset creates obstacles, while an open one uncovers opportunities.
• Networking: In today’s world, connections are everything. Many roles aren’t even advertised. Leveraging your network is key to uncovering these hidden opportunities.
• Preparation: Networking may open doors, but preparation determines whether you walk through them successfully. Research the company, understand how your function can add value, and practice commonly asked questions. As someone rightly said, “Preparation is the key to success,” but I’d like to add, “Right preparation is the key to success.”
• Awareness: Staying informed about global events or financial markets not only broadens your perspective but also offers rich topics to build rapport with interviewers.
• Storytelling: Short, impactful stories can keep interviewers engaged and help you leave a lasting impression.
• Helping Others: In this journey, I met many in the same boat, seeking guidance or referrals. Offering a helping hand not only strengthens connections but also fosters a sense of community.
• Critical Self-Care: It’s vital to engage in activities beyond job hunting. Reading unrelated books, journaling, listening to podcasts, or exploring topics like wildlife or climate change can provide mental relief and a fresh perspective. Spiritual reading or learning about great warriors has particularly helped me reframe challenges.

Conclusion: The most important takeaway from this journey has been understanding myself as well as my break point. Along the way, I encountered people who tried to undermine my confidence, pressuring me to compromise or warning me about prolonged unemployment. While I listened, I made it a point to call the shots because this is my journey.

Yes, there were moments of fear, anxiety, and nervousness. But for me, my Nam Jap anchored me, providing strength and clarity. Everyone has their own way of navigating challenges, and it’s important to find what works for you. Remember, while it often feels like we’re walking this path alone, everyone faces their own struggles. The difference lies in how we choose to handle them.