Which type of decision-making is most effective during one’s job search?

Decision-making is a crucial part of one’s job search. Each choice can have positive or negative impacts on progress. Some job seekers are experiencing subpar outcomes due to their decision-making strategy but can’t see where they are going wrong.

The uncertainties of the job search impact their emotions, and they make decisions based on how they are feeling at the moment. Is this the best way to handle things, or is a logic-based approach better?

To answer this question and provide insight into real decisions that some job seekers make daily, read the scenario prepared for you below.

Scenario

John, a job seeker, assessed his outcomes throughout his job search and wondered why he wasn’t seeing progress.

To clear his head, he took a trip out of state. While there, he gave his friends a play-by-play of his experiences. The overwhelming consensus was that John's decisions were emotionally driven and he was not conducting his job search logically.

John ignored their advice, as he didn’t see anything wrong with his strategy and believed they were trying to put him down. On the way back home from his trip, he recounted the group’s feedback on a personal call. A career pro, Kurtis, was seated to his right and overheard the conversation.

After exchanging pleasantries, Kurtis explained what he did for a living. Since they had a long flight ahead, Kurtis was willing to help.

John thought about his offer and finally asked, which type of decision-making is most effective during one’s job search? Emotionally driven or logic-based decision-making?

Before giving John what some believe is an obvious answer, Kurtis asked John to provide specific examples so he could assess his situation properly.

Example #1

John explained that he believes people with expertise in the career transition space should offer services for free because he needs his resources to survive.

Furthermore, he emphasized that he didn’t ask to be a job seeker. John told Kurtis that he gives professionals a piece of his mind if they talk money.

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Example #2

John spoke about his efforts to reach out to recruiters and hiring managers about job postings he finds online. He said some ignore his messages.

For those that ignore him, he sends a few follow-up messages and finally tells them, “the least you could do is respond!”

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Example #3

John admitted to treating people negatively on and offline because things are not going his way. He explained that he feels justified because things aren't going right for him.

Feedback

After listening to John’s examples, Kurtis gave him some honest feedback. He told John the job search ebbs and flows just like anything else.

Can this impact your emotional state? Yes.

Should you let those emotions influence your decision-making? No.

Let me give you direction for the future based on each example provided, Kurtis continued.

For the first example, following this wisdom principle will get you far - build relationships, on and offline.

Doing this before any ask and adding value to your connections can get you the help you need in times like this. Some services will cost you, as this is how service providers eat. However, some people will help you because you added value in some way previously.

For the second example, because you aren’t getting responses doesn’t mean folks are ignoring you all the time. Something may have happened on their end.

They may be away from social media or out sick from their job. They may be overwhelmed. Move on and try again later, if possible.

For the third and final example, don’t treat people wrong for the fun of it. Your situation has nothing to do with them. When you do wrong to people, it will come back to you in some way.

Getting professional help may be best to help you work out how you are feeling and devise an action plan for your path forward.

John was a bit shaken but thanked Kurtis for his feedback.

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Final Thoughts

So, which type of decision-making is most effective during one’s job search? Emotionally driven or logic-based? Logic-based for the win.

After journeying with me through this scenario, as a job seeker, do you see yourself in John?

If so, seeking the level of help necessary for your situation is important. If your needs exceed that of what a career professional can provide, please get the help you need.

Happy job hunting, and remember, my team and I at Jobready2dey are here for you.