Scott Patterson’s Post

What The Good Wife can teach you about job hunting (also titled: never be your first no). 👉 The Good Wife is easily one of my top tv series of all time and not just because of the great acting, the “ripped from the headlines” episodes and the razor sharp writing and humor. It also gave me one of my mindsets Im using in my current job hunt. It comes from a scene where The Good Wife herself, Alicia Florrick (played brilliantly by Juliana Margulies) has just been elected to office and is struggling with political decision making and telling people “yes” or “no.” Her advisor Eli Gold (played equally as brilliantly by Alan Cumning) says this… Eli Gold: Absence of 'Yes' times 'Time' equals 'No.' That's the law. If you're in doubt you don't say no, you say "Thank you for your advice, *all options are open to me*, I plan to decide in the next 48 hours." Alicia Florrick : But what happens in 48 hours? Eli Gold : You do whatever you like, or you delay again. But you never, ever, say "no," because anything could happen. “All options are open to me” is my North Star in this job hunt. it guides me to consider positions that check most (but not all) boxes and generally keeps me open to opportunity. But most importantly, it ensures *I am not my first no.* Studies show that women especially are guilty of taking ourselves out of the running if we don’t match a job description perfectly. So I refuse to be my first no. All options are open to me. Anything could happen.

Ah, job hunting: the only time in life when "It's not you, it's me" gets flipped on its head and you're supposed to take it like a champ. You tweak your resume for the umpteenth time, wondering if "Ninja at Multitasking" might finally catch someone's eye, or if it's too 2010. You craft cover letters like love letters, pouring your heart out to someone who might not even give you a second glance. And let's not forget the joy of interviews, where you're expected to sell yourself like the last avocado at brunch. But here's the kicker: every ghosted application, every "we've gone in a different direction" is just the universe's way of saying, "Not your circus, not your monkeys." So, dust off your ego, grab a scoop (or tub) of ice cream, and remember: the right gig is out there. It's just playing hard to get. In the meantime, revel in the small victories, like not having to wear real pants for phone interviews, and keep your spirits high. After all, job hunting is the art of hearing 'no' until you finally get that sweet, sweet 'yes'. So, keep your chin up, your network close and your favorite snack closer, and don't forget to hit the gym! Your dream job is out there, probably just stuck in traffic. #30daystats

Imagine job hunting on April Fools’ Day 🃏. It sounds like a setup for disappointment or jokes, but what if it's actually a hidden opportunity 🎁? On a day celebrated with pranks 😜 and laughter 😂, most job seekers might take a step back, cautious of fake listings or misleading opportunities. However, this unconventional timing could be your golden ticket 🎫. Companies posting on April Fools’ Day are likely serious about filling positions quickly. They're looking for candidates who are diligent and not swayed by the date on the calendar 📅. Think about it. While the majority might pause their search, you have a clearer field to stand out ⭐. It’s a day where your application could land right on top of the pile, simply because the competition is thinner. Moreover, reaching out to recruiters or applying on this day shows you're serious about your job hunt 🔍. It demonstrates resilience and a sense of humor — qualities that are valuable in any workplace. So, before you write off April Fools’ Day as a bad time for job hunting, consider the possibility that it might just be an unexpected advantage 🔮. Ready to take the leap and stand out from the crowd? Why not send out a few applications today and see where it leads? Your dream job might just be a click away, no joke. 😎✌️

But are they mission-driven? As someone on my own job hunt, reading these stories of people who applied to THOUSANDS (not hundreds, thousands!) of jobs in a matter of a couple of months in order to land 1 job, I can’t help but wonder… But are they mission-driven? Because I can’t apply to a job without first thoroughly researching the company and diving deep into their mission, their values, their story, their hopes and dreams. And seeing if they align with mine. And if I do that 👆🏼 there’s no way I can submit thousands of applications. But maybe it’s just me. Maybe I’m overthinking it (of course I am 🙃). And maybe what works for others doesn’t work for some. And maybe that’s ok. That is ok. And I applaud the people who can play the resume numbers game. And also the people who choose a different route. But I still can’t help but wonder… How do mission-driven job hunters play the numbers game? Do you? And what have you found works best for you in today’s unique job hunting landscape?

Ah, the thrilling adventure of job hunting – a veritable safari through the wilds of the professional landscape! It's a journey that exposes us to a fascinating menagerie of characters and schemes, all vying for our attention and, let's face it, our wallets. As we boldly venture forth in search of our next career move or entrepreneurial endeavor, it's impossible to ignore the swarm of opportunists circling overhead. These self-proclaimed experts and esteemed establishments are ever eager to offer their "indispensable" services, often accompanied by a not-so-modest price tag. But fear not, dear LinkedIn comrades, for in this jungle of job seeking, we are not alone. Oh no, we are surrounded by a plethora of cunning recruiters and savvy agencies, each armed with their own unique tactics for separating us from our hard-earned cash. Take, for instance, the audacious move by certain recruitment firms to slap a premium price on the mere privilege of browsing their exclusive job listings. Because who needs fair and equitable access to opportunities when you can pay for the privilege, am I right? So, as we navigate this treacherous terrain, let us not forget to keep our wits about us. Let us be vigilant against the predators and charlatans lurking in the shadows, ready to pounce on the unsuspecting and vulnerable. Together, let us expose the antics of these modern-day snake oil salesmen, and reclaim control of our professional destinies. After all, in this age of LinkedIn connections and digital networking, the power ultimately lies in our collective hands. #jobhunting #sitireanddryhumour

Let's dive into the not-so-glamorous world of job hunting, a realm that oddly resembles the tumultuous dating scene – and trust me, it's been quite the rollercoaster! Picture this: loads of first and second dates, otherwise known as interviews, where they paint a vivid picture of how perfect you are for the position. You start imagining your desk, planning your lunch routine, and maybe even contemplating how to decorate your hypothetical office... Yet, just when you're ready to send out "Join Me at My New Job" party invitations, they hit you with the unexpected breakup speech. "We've decided to go in a different direction" – translation: "It's not you, it's us." And just like that, your job hunting love story takes a sudden plot twist, leaving you to wonder if your LinkedIn status should read "Complicated with Job Market." This has been my life lately. The promises of being the perfect candidate, only to be left on read or told they found someone they think is a better fit. It's a series of job hunt heartbreaks, and I'm collecting rejection letters like badges of honor. 🏅 Job hunting can feel like a rollercoaster of emotions, with unexpected twists and turns that test our resilience. But remember, each rejection is a step closer to the right opportunity – a job that not only values your skills but also aligns with your passions and aspirations. So, to everyone facing the job hunt hustle, including myself, let's stay resilient, support one another, and embrace the journey with optimism. The perfect match is out there, waiting to be discovered. Keep refining your skills, celebrating small victories, and most importantly, maintain that infectious sense of humor that turns job hunt heartbreaks into valuable lessons. As we forge ahead in this adventure, may our LinkedIn profiles be filled with success stories, and our professional paths be paved with exciting opportunities. Your dream job is just around the corner, and when you land it, we'll celebrate together! Keep the faith, stay positive, and let's conquer the job hunt journey with resilience and a dash of humor.

On this day in 1975, Steven Speilberg's "Jaws" hit theatres. To honor this classic film, we give you: Job Hunting: The Jaws Edition 🦈🎬 Do you ever feel like searching for a new job is eerily similar to the plot of "Jaws"? Stay with me here: 🔆The Calm Before the Storm: You’re enjoying your current job, just like those folks having a peaceful day at Amity Island. Everything’s sunny, but deep down, you know something big is lurking out there. 👀The First Sighting: You get the first inkling that you need a change—a few missed deadlines, a nagging boss, or that dreadful Monday morning feeling. Much like that first shark sighting, it’s alarming but not enough to send you running just yet. 🤔Denial Phase: "It's probably just a rough patch," you tell yourself. Similar to the town’s mayor insisting it’s safe to go back in the water. Spoiler: It’s not. 🦈The Frenzy: The realization hits—your job is sucking the life out of you! The panic starts. You’re frantically updating your resume, much like Brody calling for backup after that first big attack. ✔Forming a Plan: You gather your resources—network contacts, LinkedIn tutorials, and pep talks from friends and family. It’s your very own crew of Brody, Hooper, and Quint, ready to face the unknown. 🔎The Hunt Begins: You dive into the job market waters, cautiously applying to positions. Each application feels like tossing chum into the sea, hoping to attract the right opportunity without attracting too many rejections. 🤝The Big Interview: Finally, you land an interview with a dream company. This is your showdown with the great white shark. You’re prepared, confident, and ready to nail it. 🙌Surviving the Battle: The interview was tough, but you survived. Now, it’s all about waiting for the offer, just like waiting to see if that shark finally takes the bait. 🏆Victory: You got the job! Time to celebrate your hard-earned success and sail into a new adventure, just like Brody paddling to shore after vanquishing Jaws. Cue the triumphant music! Job hunting might feel like a terrifying swim in shark-infested waters, but remember: with preparation, persistence, and a bit of courage, you can come out on top. It also helps to have a great relationship with a Sherpa recruiter! Now, go be the Brody of your career! #JobHunt #CareerChange #JawsParody #NewBeginnings #LinkedInHumor Feel free to share your own job hunt adventures (or shark encounters) in the comments below - or visit us online at sherpallc.com to start your job search.🦈💼🌊

💼 Job hunting or dating? ❤️ With experience doing both, there are some surprising similarities between finding a job and finding a date (bear with me on this!). So I’ve come up with some rules to help with both (given I have some time on my hands!): 1. 👐🏻 Put yourself out there. Unfortunately, the perfect job / man isn’t going to knock on the door (although if Clooney / Reynolds / Hardy sees this post, drop me a message…). 2. ❌ Set boundaries. What are your non negotiables? (But don’t expect perfection- it doesn’t exist…). 3. 🤷🏼♀️ ‘It’s not me it’s you.’ Just because you’re right for them doesn’t mean they’re right for you. And vice versa. 4. 🚩 Don’t ignore the red flags! Try to ignore the pressure to couple up too soon if it doesn’t feel right. Otherwise you’ll be back on the market in no time. 5. ⏰ Plan for the future. Make sure you understand their vision and that it aligns with what you’re looking for before you commit. 6. 🥸 Don’t be a catfish! This applies to the employee and the employer- if we’re committing to this, be honest and authentic from the outset. 7. 😎 Keep your cool (and stop refreshing that inbox!). While persistence is key, coming across as desperate is a massive ICK! 8. 👻 Ghosting… it’s not big, and it’s not clever. Just don’t. 9. 🤔 Try not to overanalyse. Sure, when asked ‘tell me something interesting about yourself’, all you could come up with is ‘I was on Jeremy Kyle’, but hopefully they didn’t notice. (True story, but for the record I was in the audience, not hooked up to a lie detector…). 10. 💁🏼♀️ Enjoy the process! Everything in life is a lesson, so if it doesn’t work out, move on. Learn from it. And finally… They say ‘the one’ comes along when you stop looking… so if anyone needs me, I’ll be in the garden 🪴🌳🌸 #gardeningleave #jobhunting #marketing #recruitment #headofmarketing #gardenleave

Job hunting in Florida is a wild ride in this current market. It's been 4 weeks of actively searching, and I can tell you, it's like the Wild West out here. While the realities of this situation are tough, it's helpful to reframe it with some context. I was reminded of a desk toy with balls that knock back and forth, and it's a perfect analogy for this job market. In a stable market, the balls react proportionately to the force applied. But in 2020, all the balls were removed except for one, and a huge force hit that remaining ball. The ball won't return to normal, instead, it will swing violently until it loses momentum. It feels like we're on the downswing of the overcorrection from the 2020 blow, and it will take time to reach equilibrium. While it doesn't make our current circumstances easier, it's helpful to remove ourselves as a factor. I hope this analogy is helpful for someone out there. Remember, we're all in this together.