You may have caught my post last week that compared job searching to weight loss/fitness. If you didn't, I'm here to tell you that just as it takes time, a healthy diet, patience, rest, hydration, and repetition to build lean muscle... this same principle applies to job searching.
Here are 3 frameworks that will help combat doubtful thinking when times are tough during your job search or networking journey.
1️⃣ Rome wasn't built in a day...
Remember, when you first learned to walk or ride a bike? For most of us, that entailed falling. LOTS. It required a gentle pick me up and nudge in the right direction from someone supportive...
➪ It required patience. And most importantly...PRACTICE.
Unfortunately, that job isn't just going to fall into your lap as we sometimes wish it would. In fact, it may take weeks to months.
➪ Just like learning to ride a bike meant having the courage to try something scary and new, falling down, and learning to pick yourself back up again...landing your next job may mean getting rejected a few times or getting ghosted.
It may require getting out of your comfort zone. Upskilling. Going back to school. Expanding your professional network. Increasing your visibility on LinkedIn.
➪ Just like building muscle takes time and practice. So does your job search. Be patient with yourself. Recognize the winner in YOU who has defied all odds to get back up again. That is something worth celebrating.
In time, you will see your so-called "failed" attempts were never in fact failures at all but life-defining moments helping to build a stronger YOU. 🏋️♀️
2️⃣ Just like building lean muscle requires a healthy diet, proper nutrients, rest and hydration so does your body during times of stress and transition.
If you're in the middle of a job search, it can become second nature to scroll endlessly through the job boards and apply to as many positions as possible.
➪ However, when was the last time you put your device away for 30-60 minutes and went for a walk outside? Made yourself a well-balanced meal? Got 8 hours of sleep? Basked in the silence and noticed the rhythm of your heart beating?
Establishing a routine, getting daily exercise, practicing meditation or mindfulness, and building strong support systems are the key ingredients to an effective job search.
➪ Don't neglect your physical and mental health over money. There are more important things in life...
3️⃣ Finally, just like weight loss requires short- and long-term planning/goals, so does your job search.
Do you have a set schedule or network strategy? To followup? Work on your resume? Update your LinkedIn?
➪ Have you set measurable and attainable goals for reaching out to prospects, recruiters, hiring managers, and talent acquisition specialists? Within 48 hours have you followed up with these folks or people of influence to draw attention to your application, interest, and call to action?
#jobsearchjourney #jobseekersupport