My friend Amy recommended that I include some success stories to my blog. (Thanks Amy, that's a great idea).
In job search, how do you measure success? It is not always about "landing a job". Ultimately, that is the goal, however, it takes a lot to get there and chances are, it will take longer than you want.
If, instead, success is measured by accomplishing smaller, weekly or daily goals, will that make you feel better? Look at it from another angle. If you continue to keep "landing a job" as a measure of success and this week ends, then next week ends, and still you don't have a job, how will you feel? Situtational depression is very real. I see it every day. Facing so much rejection or even worse, indifference takes it's toll. You need to reward yourself for taking baby steps.
Success can mean starting to network more. A friend/client of mine just sent me an email which states:
The meeting went really well last Friday, your advice worked perfectly. I also, had a follow up lunch with my first contact and she did give me another contact, which I am in the process of setting up a meeting with. It really is so funny how easy this stuff really is once your get comfortable doing it. But it does take time.
Take the first baby step and do something that will take you closer to where you want to go. Having success will rejuvenate you and give you the stamina to sustain your efforts.
Setting weekly goals could include:
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Attend one networking event
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Contact 5 recruiters
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Make all your followup calls from resumes submitted that week
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Arrange 2 in-person meetings for the future
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Contact 5 new people in your network
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Get the names of 5 new people to add to your network
If you are not recording these actions, you should be. I'll attach a Productivity chart here later...
Good luck!
It is ALL about the baby steps. Finding a new job is WORK. More than once in my career, I have found the need to scramble. (That was before I met Hannah). Finding a job is just like any other project. Define the end/success state. Define the tasks that will get you there. Define S.M.A.R.T. goals. Begin working you plan.
Always, always, always...know the outcome you want to achieve of each task.
Posted by: mike lally | October 23, 2008 at 12:41 PM