Special Issue: An Update on The Five Habits

This special issue is an update of an earlier post called "The Five Habits of Highly Effective Job Hunters," first published back in 2019, before the pandemic turned our lives upside down in so many ways. The question someone recently raised is, Do I think that "the five habits" are still relevant in today's world, with so much volatility and uncertainty driving anxiety and stress?

In a word, Yes. I do think the model is still relevant. In fact, very much so. Especially what I call "the sixth habit" Take Care of You.

So here is an update on that post.

The Five Habits of Highly Effective Job Hunters

Have you ever read the best-selling book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. It's a golden oldie. And well worth tracking down.

Covey's seven habits provide a roadmap for increasing one's effectiveness in any area of life, from home to the workplace.

As a career transition consultant, one of the questions I have been helping my clients with is: What do highly effective job hunters do?

Inspired by that title, here are the five habits (plus one more) of highly effective job seekers.

Focus Your Search - Highly effective job seekers are focused. Do you have a goal? Have you thought about the role(s) you want next? Are you pursuing?target?companies?(or organizations, industries, fields) that are of interest to you, by researching them, following them on LinkedIn, and inviting people who work there to connect with you? Are you focused on your?long-range life & career goals?

Spend Your Time Wisely - Highly effective job hunters are great time managers. They know that time is a precious resource.?How are you using your?time? Are you researching to find the hidden job market of?needs?that employers have that you could be the solution to??Are you following up with each person you meet:?in interviews? at networking meetings? recruiters you have spoken with? Are you using each interaction as an opportunity to display your brand and your value proposition? Are you learning and enhancing your skills?

Present Your Best Self - Highly effective job hunters are mindful about how to present themselves. Do you know your?brand?(what you are known for)? Are you clear about your?value?proposition?(why they should hire you)? Are you aware that each move you make in a job search --handing someone your business card, sending your cover letter, submitting resume, putting your profile on LinkedIn, going in for an interview-- is a representation of who you are? Are you intentional about putting your "best self" out there? Who do you want the market to see? How do you want to be known?

Leverage Relationships - Job search depends upon relationships. Are you reaching out to people you know? Are you reaching out to people that they know? Are you identifying other people (such as hiring managers, recruiters, consultants, thought leaders, etc.) that you want to know? Are you attending local networking events??Are you participating in professional groups in your field? Are you volunteering locally? Are you helping the market to get to know You? Remember the old saying: You are known by the company you keep.

Be the Solution - Companies have problems to solve and they are looking for people who can provide the solutions. Can you see your self as a solution? Do you believe in yourself? Do you know your PAR stories? Use your resources (especially LinkedIn and your contacts) to learn more about your target companies. Find out what is keeping them up at night. Then confidently present your capabilities and accomplishments, while humbly expressing your interest in learning more about them.

and one more...

Take Care of You - A job search can be tough going, with little response and little traction. It can take longer than you would like. And you may feel miserable a lot of the time. Therefore, you must take good care of You. As you look for ways to stay in shape, be sure to consider it from each side:

• the physical side: exercise, walking, gardening for example
• the mental side: positive thinking, optimism, hope, disconnect from social media for a while
• the social side: spend quality time with loved ones and good friends, attend networking events, meet up with fellow job seekers

and the spiritual side: quiet time alone to think deeply on your Life, meditation, yoga, prayer, spend time in Nature, and the like

This way, you will feel good: energized, positive, and ready when opportunity appears.

About the author: Terrence "Terry" Seamon guides career transitioners toward their goals while keeping his eye on the bigger picture especially resilience and well-being.