Get Out Of Your Own Damn Way
We are closing out the 2nd month of 2018. You started off this year saying, "no more," or "this is my year!" Are you still stuck in the same place? Sick and tired of being undervalued? You know you were meant for more but can't seem to get there? Stop playing a small part in your big life! Often, we let the following fears stunt our growth when we were meant for so much more!
Here are some quick tips to help you get out of your own damn way, overcome fear, and take definitive steps toward killing your job search and finding your purpose in 2018.
Get Out Of Your Own Damn Way - we give so many excuses for why we can't find our perfect next job. "I don't know anyone," or "Finding a job takes as much time as having a job," or "I never meet the job qualifications, or "I have sent hundreds of resumes and never heard back!" DId you stop to think, YOU might be the root of all of these problems? You have to step waaay outside of your comfort zone to find your dreams. There is so much beauty in discomfort.
Say this with me, "I won't let fear dictate my moves in 2018!" Every minute you allow negative perceptions into your space, you take a minute away from owning your destiny.
Sit Down and Make A Plan, Already
Identify your weaknesses, sit down and get cozy with them. ugly cry about them if you need to. Then, dust yourself off and make a plan.
- Set progressive steps. The first step is conducting thorough research about your identified field, identify steps, clean up your weaknesses, then hit the ground running.
Get clear on job titles - I'll say it one more time - You need a roadmap and a destination for your GPS. You can't take a trip if you have no idea where you are headed.
- You can't ask people to help you if you lack specificity in your requests.
- Narrow down your search to three job titles. Use LinkedIn and Indeed to help you figure it all out.
- Once you are clear on job titles, set up advance job searches. Use Indeed, LinkedIn or other online boards to get those jobs fresh to your inbox daily. Hit APPLY when you see the jobs posted. You need to be one of the first in the pile, not #250
Network your face off - 80% of jobs are found via networking. So, sit down and make a list of key companies and the influencers you need to make the connection. Step out of your comfort zone and ask them for an informational interview! Learn about their role, ask about the specific keywords needed for your resume to make an impression.
- Make a list of questions you want answered about the industry, what they look for in a candidate, and what the first 30, 60, and 90 days look like for a new hire.
- Get honest about your skill gaps and if you are seeking the right level. Sometimes we overshoot and many times we undervalue our bag of experience.
- Set a timeline and stick with it - ie I will reach out to 3 influencers a week and be intentional about my networking.
Be Intentional and Selfish With Your Time - You owe yourself at least one hour a day to advance your goals. That's 7 hours a week and 28 hours a month, spent only on you and your goals. Get up an hour earlier, stay up an hour later. It takes 21 days to make a habit. Pencil this in on your calendar. Set an alarm. MAKE IT HAPPEN.
Persistence Pays Off
You have to be in this for the long haul. Experts estimate it can take one month of job searching for every $10,000 you want to earn in your new paycheck. For example, if you are looking for a $70,000 job , your job search can take seven months. So, finding a job may be one of the hardest things you put your blood, sweat and tears into. But, trust me, hard work pays off and every moment will be worth it in the end. Keep up the hard work and tap into your support system. Find a way NOT TO QUIT.
About the Author
Aithyni Rucker Robinson is the founder of The Career Design Lab, a career and professional development company that helps jobseekers overcome career overwhelm and find their dream jobs.