OVERWHELMED WITH YOUR CAREER SEARCH?

OVERWHELMED WITH YOUR CAREER SEARCH?

The last couple of months have not been easy, we woke up one day and our home was no more, careers and income came to a pause(*I use the word pause because I do not believe it was the end)…..this may be true for many of my former Sendy colleagues or you who is reading my story. This has been my journey and I embrace it.

Job Search

  • The regrets have been coming, some with actionable developmental feedback, others with no feedback, and sometimes, dead silence. I focus on the developmental feedback, and what I can do to position myself better for the next opportunity. I must admit, it has been a learning and rediscovery journey!?
  • I am intentional about what roles and organizations I want to serve in the next phase of my career. Sometimes it is not easy because one thinks about the uncertain future and even questions the luxury of making this decision. It is important for me to do it so that I do not send my applications everywhere, with the hope that they will hit a target (*spray and pray).

Focus on what is within your control

  • How long the recruitment process takes, being selected/rejected, what kind of questions you will be asked, and how many candidates you are…may not be within your control.
  • Prepare, be ready for any question. This is within your control. Reading the JD, about the organization, figuring out who you are, and being in the right frame of mind(*imposter syndrome might creep in, you need to be aware and ready with tools on what to do when it does. I have suffered it, I recognize it when it happens and reframe my mind within split seconds and I am back!! That has worked for me, figure out what will work for you).?

Tournament-level prep for interviews

  • Don’t wing it with interviews. Once I walked into an interview and it was a role play….pitching a role to a candidate, something I have done in my career over and over and over again. Guess what, I froze..then I responded and I fumbled through it. Later that evening while reflecting, I beat myself about all the things I had not done well and struggled to sleep. When I woke up the next day, I told myself, never again.
  • Every interview I walk into, I read like my life depends on it, I practice over and over again, from how long it would take me to respond to a question, if I have to present and share my screen..how that would work, up to 10 scenario questions and what real examples I would use. Guess what, somewhere along the way I was in another role play in an interview and it sailed so smoothly I even forgot it was a role play! I put in the work!?
  • Questions like "Tell us about yourself"-tailor this for every role and practice and practice as much as you can before the interview. How you tell your story about your achievements and why you are interested in the role or organization is very important-only you can tell this story; what is your salary expectation(*unfortunately some recruiters still do not disclose the budget during presceeening and sometimes this question will be used to screen you in or out). So research as much as you can either on Glassdoor or reach out to contacts within the organization and industry to help you figure this out.
  • Prepare 2-3 questions to ask your interviewer(s) at the end of the conversation. It is an opportunity for you to learn more about the role, the organization, and most of all the people you will be working with (*a snippet at least).
  • Types of interviews-Different organizations will incorporate different assessment methods. For some, it could be a coffee chat(*informal), others will use panel interviews, and you might also go through assessments like Korn Ferry Four Dimensions (KF4D) of Leadership Assessment or Hogan Business Reasoning Inventory (HBRI) Assessment .?
  • Take time to reflect after the interview-Interviews are not meant to be exams where you get it right or wrong. Think about what went well, and areas you can improve on. Even those who get offered the job, this helps you to update your individual development plan(IDP), or write one if you have none. Don’t beat yourself up during this time about what you did not handle so well(*it takes being aware and intentional practice not to do this). Doing this makes one miss out on a chance to learn and grow.

Support/Relationships

  • Build and maintain your networks-Majority of hires happen through referral. Whether it is friendship, industry communities of practice, mentorship, information sources, coaching, or therapy…build and maintain those networks. Tell you a secret? It is easier to build these networks when things are going well…so don't wait until you need a raft to build.?

Health & Wellness

  • Get into a routine-I enjoy working out, so every morning I still religiously get my full self to the gym at 0500hrs. I have two younger partners who keep challenging me to do more while at it. I believe I can achieve anything I put my mind to…..but here is the catch, I have to work for it and show up consistently. Yours could be taking a walk, playing football/rugby, or cycling….but how consistent are you? Of course, some days are easier than others. Some days I wake up and don’t even feel like going to the gym, so I go for a walk or a run. Build discipline.
  • Be intentional in seeking others out-I have made it a habit to connect with those I know are going through a difficult as well. Mostly to check up on them, and find out how their journey is coming along but it is also an opportunity for me to be vulnerable and share my journey.
  • Give yourself grace…there is nothing wrong with you. Possibly your approach needs work. It is okay to have self-doubt, focus on what is within your control, which is, you know your stuff and all you need is to keep working on how you tell your story based on your audience.
  • It is okay to ask for help/Ask for help!-Speak to someone if you need, a therapist, a trusted friend, or your partner. Share what you are grateful for that day…and what is frustrating you.?
  • Celebrate your wins-No matter what it is. I celebrate getting shortlisted, getting past the technical interview, or making it to the final round. This makes me feel I got it!?
  • Pause and reflect-Sometimes, for a whole week, I do not put in an application. I take this time to reflect on what has worked and what I need to work on. For example, was it how I answered “tell us about yourself”, or mapping out the organizations I want to target and who in the industry I want to meet with for a networking session?
  • Get things done-Did you say you will go to the dentist, or visit a relative who is ailing, or register your business. When you get stuff done, this releases dopamine and you will be amazed at how this impacts your mood, sleep, and learning.?
  • Keep things in perspective-It is tempting and easy to compare yourself to others. Guess what, we all have our journeys in life. I was speaking to my mum on the weekend and she said, “Most of the time on the road, motorists attempt to race after the other, forgetting to be courteous, and give way all because everyone is in a "rush". But that motorist in front of you could probably just be driving to the grocery store, while you have an 8hr drive ahead of you. So why “chase” after them?” Life is not the same for all of us, some will get a new job sooner…for others, it will take longer. Live your journey.
  • Be human, be kind-With every interaction, whether on the street or with a friend. Smile at people, be authentic, and keep your word. Extend warmness to everyone you interact with.
  • Maintain a positive attitude-The goal is to avoid getting into a spiral of negativity and falling into imposter syndrome.?
  • Every evening, I reflect on my day, what went well(*and I am grateful for), and what could have been better. Then I tell myself, I will wake up tomorrow and try again.
  • Buy yourself time-Have you heard of redundancy insurance? For as low as Kes 1,055.00 you can buy yourself 6/9/12 months. You will never know when you will need it, so protect your income and buy yourself time. Here is some information from Standard Chartered Bank on vantage insurance .

Reflect then write your plan

Key questions to ask yourself and answer as you reflect. I call it holding 1:1 with yourself. Be sure to prep by writing down your answers and then sit in the meeting.

  • How are you showing up in the meeting, e.g. beaten, stressed, or confident?
  • What accomplishments are you proud of? (*there is no big or small, you accomplished it!).
  • What has worked well for you since your last review and what hasn’t?
  • What roadblocks are you facing and how do you plan on overcoming them?
  • Who will you need to support you in the next phase and how can they best support you?
  • What do you plan on doing to live a healthier and fulfilling life till your next review?

To spice it up, you can have your coach/mentor/friend or partner sit in your 1:1 and give you feedback.

“The trick is to never lose hope-Tupac” and remember, what is yours will be. You will get through this!

Reach out to me if you need career and health & Wellness coaching. YOU ARE UNSTOPPABLE!


Anne K.

CERTIFIED CREDIT PROFESSIONAL Finance and Accounts

10 个月

Good read and great perspective.? i would like career advice and support .?

回复

This best advice i have read-it’s very insightful

Emily Too

Supply Chain Specialist

1 年

Very insightful and practical

Christopher Karani

Talent Management | Technical Talent | Headhunter | Organization Development | People Analytics

1 年

Very comprehensive and well articulated thoughts

Erica Mbeke

Tech4Good | Tech Policy | Project Management | Product Management | Public Policy| Mobile4Good

1 年

Thank you for sharing this Lameck W. .Quite insightful

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