Spilling the Insider Secrets for Job Search Success
As my gift to you this holiday season, I’ve been working hard to gather the advice you all truly need— the industry secrets on how to succeed in the job search. Now this isn’t any regular ole 11 herbs and spices or 23 flavors secret recipe. This is advice straight from me and industry leaders who have been on both sides of the interview table. And remember, nowadays no one stays at a single job their whole life. So no matter where you are in your career, this advice is for you. Or future you. Or hit share to give a really rude yet practical gift to your least favorite coworker.
The Plan:
Let’s start with a barebones version of my approach to the job search.
Keep a routine. Though tempting to take it easy every day, doom scroll, and finally get in all those Netflix shows you’ve been missing— it’s easier and more productive to stay in your current routine. You’ve probably spent the last 2-3 years doing the same thing so try to keep that daily schedule.
Take time off. “Off” can mean a small vacation, a staycation, or just taking the next day to go outside and have some time to yourself. Your mental state going into the job search is incredibly important, so no need to jump right into it the next day.
Make two calls a day. Your new goal is to have one call with a stranger and one call with someone you know in your network every day. It’s easier than it sounds.
Okay, that’s enough from me, let’s hear from some new perspectives. Here’s their top advice in no particular order:
Practice interview questions specific to the job you’re going after. If you think you’ve practiced enough, practice again. And don’t be afraid to ask the people in your network for help with your responses.
Just because a job isn’t a good fit for you doesn’t mean it won’t be for someone else you know. If you get a good vibe from the company and the position, share it for someone else to try.
If you’re unexpectedly laid off and money is tight, don’t be too afraid to sign up for unemployment (from the state of your previous company). It might only get you a cart of groceries, but that can still make a difference.
Get some good rest. Sleep can make all the difference in how your brain performs and how you’re able to manage the stress of the search. Looking at you, people who take unemployment as an opportunity to stay up all night playing video games… maybe knock that down to a few days a week at least.
Try to accomplish something outside of getting a job. This might be taking a fun hobby class or finally getting through your laundry pile. But the “I did a thing!” vibes are needed to keep you going.
If you’re taking the time to improve your skills, don’t use that as an excuse not to apply for jobs. You can gain skills and book interviews at the same time.
How many interviews a week is too many? Try to limit your in-person (and maybe your online) interviews to 2 or so a week. To properly prepare, I don’t know how you can realistically do more than that.
Don’t spend all your time thinking about why you were fired or why you were laid off (if that’s the case). It’s really not worth the emotional stress.
All you junior or early career people, take time to add to your experience level. Try taking a little time each day to contribute to an open-source project.
Work on crafting your career story. Take a situation, tell how you fixed it, and then the outcome. Have like five of these stories/examples ready to go at all times.
If you post that you’re looking for a job on an internet platform, include a little more info than just that. Talk about who you are, what you’re looking for, and what you would bring to a position.
A quick thank you to all that helped contribute to this list. It’s a list that always seems to be evolving, but these contributions are the force behind what I truly mean when I say, “you’re not alone.” As far as gifts go— I’m sorry this wasn’t wrapped, but it does come from the heart.