5 Tips to Get Ahead in Career Ventures
We know quality over quantity is a good thing. But when stressed about our livelihood, like in job searching, getting a promotion, or growing a practice, we can end up doing a lot without considering strategy. My job seeking clients tell me that they applied for 100+ jobs in 2 weeks and the response rate was dismal. It led to more angst.
I hear you. The news and workplace uncertainty aren’t helping.
One can say that it’s a number’s game — the more applications you put out, the more hits, yes? When I coached at MIT in 2017, a grad student who didn’t believe in networking sent out 1K resumes a day using a bot. He was the last in his class to receive a job offer, months after graduation.
Wall Street Journal reports that recruiters are also struggling with quantity — in this case the large number of applications they receive, despite having technology to assist with sorting.
My conclusion: back to basics. Here are 5 strategies to re-orient your approach.
1) Choosers are not beggars. This is a reframe of an old saying. It’s hard to prosper when we feel trapped in scarcity. Even in a competitive job market, choosing a specific job function and field allows for focused efforts.
- It’s ok to broaden your search and networking for relevant roles in other teams/fields. Be intentional and close skills/experience gaps with additional training and volunteering or stretch projects.
2) Target and connect. Create a list of employers to target and start ASAP cultivating contacts. If you are looking to move up in an organization, do the same with teams of interest and connect with decision makers and those in the know — they aren’t always the same people.
- If you are growing a practice, connect with those whose work complement yours. Share how you can help each other.
3) Yes to reality + positivity. Someone recently commented that being positive when people feel desperate is being out of touch. I don’t advocate being in denial — yes, the economy and cost of living are real challenges.
- But it’s still better to have a can-do attitude and practice self-care in the scenario. Feel the feelings, and try to find one thing you appreciate in your life.
4) Get ahead with higher POV. You aren’t just looking to do a job. You want to help your future team (or client) get to the next level.
- To be competitive, follow on LinkedIn thought leaders in the field of your interest, use AI to research trends and issues, and figure out how you can be a part of the solution, big or small. Then bridge the skill or experience gaps as mentioned at #1 above, and be willing to talk up what you can do.
5) Commune and relay what you bring. Work with a fellow job seeker, a mentor, or a coach to tell your story. Articulate your skills, character, and potential to help the team/manager/customer.
- We are social beings — in chats and interactions, we get to practice talking about ourselves and how we can help. Interviews, networking, or marketing calls are all conversations. The more of those you have, the easier your story will flow out of you.
The job search or career expansion is an opportunity to grow as a person. Your confidence will rise as you take risks and sit with the discomfort through challenges.
Do things differently if the old ways aren’t working. Work with me to optimize your time and energy in your quest. See my updates below on The Thriving Job Seeker Playbook. Subscribe for posts in your mail box and flash discounts on my coaching packages!
May your opportunities multiply this summer!
Sue
WHAT’S NEWS
Update onThe Thriving Job Seeker Playbook: Arriving July/August. The first editor didn’t work out and it stirred up my insecurities. A lesson in trusting myself. The setback reminds me of that of the job seeker’s. The intense project has hung over my head for almost a year. A friend said I need to find joy in the writing again, and I have. I re-remember my why for making the playbook!
CHECK THESE OUT
Visit my YouTube channel for both videos:
Thriving in Uncertain Times: A Career Conversation: Informal chat with a 37-year veteran in corporate world. How she built her career on different functional teams, led/managed, and prevailed as a woman of color. Comments welcome!
Crafting LinkedIn Profile for Networking: I go over sections of LinkedIn profiles strategies, including for mature job seekers.
