Giving up vs. changing strategy: Job Search Edition
This one is for those of us who scroll to the depths of LinkedIn, daily. For those of us who invest precious time editing and adjusting a resume to appear as an honest, good fit. And for those of us who are serial appliers, but barely make the running as a candidate.
The art of failure includes giving up. While this monologue does not have the scientific research to back this statement, or the following statement, it’s presumably documented somewhere, giving up is a phase in the process of failure.
Giving up looks like a lot of things in the job search: getting lazy with your resume, coasting on ‘Easy Apply’ opportunities, settling for under employment, or ending the search all together.
Ultimately, you have an idea, even if slight, of what you want to do with 24% of your week. You have an idea, maybe even a glaring idea, of why your current situation is so undesirable it has you seeking the next. And you have an idea of your strengths, not just resume-building strengths, but characteristics, experiences, and expertise that add value to whatever environment you’re in.
When the overwhelming feeling slow-rolls in like fog and obscures your course, begging you to apply less pressure, consider re-energizing with a change of strategy. More applications does not equal greater opportunity. By definition, opportunity is “a situation or condition favorable for attainment of a goal” (dictionary.com). A favorable environment must be created to succeed and manifest an opportunity. Opportunity becomes less achievable with low-quality effort.
How does one rethink their strategy? By grounding themselves in their intentions and setting strategic goals to transform intentions into attainable aspirations. This could look like the realization more education (or certification) is required for the next career move. Maybe this looks like a two-part transition, to get from one job to another (think Generalist to Operations Specialist to finally Project Manager). Maybe this is interviewing for the role you want, but someone else keeps getting the offer.
It’s ok to take a break from doing and prioritize planning. This is still progress. Create a list of roles that align with what is fulfilling. Identify the most attractive industries and least attractive. Search for roles within your realm of experience level that check both alignment and industry boxes. Identify the experience and skills you already have to perform these jobs and make a list of experiences and skills you lack. Then, ask these questions:
Do I have any transferable skills that make up for where I lack?
Do I need to advance my education or attain a certificate to perform this job? If so, is this something I’m willing to do?
Is there an unconventional way to move into this role in the future? This could be applying for more entry level, similar positions, or searching LinkedIn for professionals currently in the aspired role and viewing their career progression to learn all the many paths to get there. Maybe there’s a position that’s a stronger fit and organically promotes/transfers into the desired role.
Settling for less than because of ease or quickness doesn’t solve for fulfillment and creates a cyclical practice of always wanting more - satisfaction, pay, legitimacy. It’s too easy to fall into a space where giving up is the outcome. When the slow-rolling fog begins to creep, sit in your intentions, ground yourself in strategy, and mindfully change your plan. See how energizing and purposeful this feels. Does it get you closer to the next opportunity?