You have created a strategy to attain a new job, including building a beautifully worded, aesthetically current and well laid out resume. You have a CV and Cover Letter equally well constructed and have put together a brief catalog that includes detail of some of your successful projects and achievements to demonstrate that you are not just talking the talk but have the proof.
And yet – Crickets…
What is going on? You have the experience, you have the talent, and have built a strategy of attack on the job market that has you grounded in your approach. You are looking for roles at the level in which you have experience, nothing one or two levels above in a ‘reach for the stars’ approach that more likely would fall on deaf ears. Not you. You are being practical, fair, and honest with yourself and prospective employers. And yet, you are getting little interest. There has to be a reason, and there is, and it is more likely you. Hard to accept sometimes but important to recognize because you are the only one who can solve for it.
Can You be Found Online?
Have you avoided social media to such an extent that you seemingly do not exist in the digital world? That was fine when you were snug as a bug on a rug, tucked in your cocoon of a job you thought you’d be in through retirement. Not so fine when people look at the lack of available information about you online and are either suspicious or consider it a red flag that you may not be good with technology.
Do you have a good network?
Here again, much like the social media question, is where you need to examine whether you have prioritized having a close, private circle of trusted friends and family only. If so, you are behind the times, having not branched out to expand that network to those who can help you be successful. It is often that extended network of people who know the person who knows the person who gets you the next role.
Are Pride and Ego Helping You Achieve your Goal?
If the first two questions resonated with you then you know the answer to this question. The reason you stay off of social media and do little to build a network are often part of the same reason. You do not like to appear weak, needy, and certainly not helpless. Reaching out to ask people for help and support, to put in a good word or ask around, etc can be terrifying if you are filled with too much pride and ego. You would rather ‘look’ powerful and in control, even while feeling desperate inside, rather than let people know that you need help.
It’s All Fixable!
As you consider your answers to these questions, push yourself to be honest. Pride is a powerful thing and it wants you to deny that any of your, thus far, slow job search has anything to do with you. It is your mind’s way of protecting you from what you will perceive as a failure or flaw. Acknowledge it so you can overcome the feeling. It is yours to change, and you can change it. A few simple steps can get you there:
- Build an online presence. You know several of the key platforms that people use professionally and where you will find many people you know, even more that you don’t but could connect to, as well as family and friends. They are generally easy to join by setting up a profile, usually for free, and will make a difference in how potential employers will view you.
- Now that you are building your online presence, Use It! You can use it to connect and reconnect with friends and family you don’t see as much as you used to. And you can use it to help your job search. You will be surprised at those you know well or perhaps knew better once upon a time who happen to be at a company you are looking at, or who themselves have a great network of well-placed people in your industry. Friends, colleagues you’ve been close to throughout your career will leverage their network for you. You just need to ask.
- You are who you are, and do not change overnight. Having spent much of your adult life proud of who you are and what you have achieved is of course a great thing. When you lose the humility and awareness to recognize that you did not do it alone, it takes work to bring you back to that mindset you had when you began your career and has helped you to become successful. Share that success is through continued connection, be vulnerable, and properly thank those who have supported you along the way.
Shifting your mindset, then your tactics, does not have to take years. If you commit, it can take days, maybe weeks before you find yourself connected with many people – online, through social media, calling on the phone, or visiting in person. It will compound after your first, second, then your third connection. You will feel the power of connection, and no doubt see the fruits it yields. Break down that ego, swallow the negative feelings of pride that work against you. You will not just feel good, but you will immediately feel closer to achieving your goal. Only good can come from that.
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