Taking charge: Focus on what you can control in your Job search
Use your “available” options
This is it! Everything has been said in the title, article is over, end of story ;-)
I’m joking of course but what I’m about to share next is just to illustrate and to reiterate this main idea of maintaining as much as possible your focus on what you can control, what you can influence rather than according too much (and sometimes all of your energy and time) on what is out of your control.
In life, we often encounter situations that test our patience, resilience, and optimism. Job hunting is one of them. It's a path marked by uncertainty, competition, and often, rejection. During this time, it's easy to feel overwhelmed, anxious, and even paralyzed by factors beyond our control. However, the key to navigating this challenging period lies in shifting our focus to what we can control, rather than getting stuck by what we can't.
I coach and advise people everyday. People who are whether actively looking for a job, considering a career transition or simply exploring possible answers to their questions. And everyday this particular topic emerges at some point. I hope this article will benefit to some of you and help you in your professional journey.
Out of control - External circumstances
In the realm of job hunting, there are many external factors that we simply cannot influence. The geopolitical instability (I had to start somewhere ;-), the state of the economy, the number of job openings in your field, the specific preferences of hiring managers, the timing of your application versus the selection process, how many candidates will apply and be selected for interviews, the number of internal candidates, and of course the outcome of each application. Those examples (and many others) are all outside our control. Focusing too much over these aspects can lead to feelings of frustration, helplessness and depression. It's of course natural to feel disappointed when things don't go as planned. Especially when you felt confident and positive about one application, one informal discussion with someone from your network or one final interview round, and things did not turn out in your favour or did not bring any positive outcome. But there is a difference between being temporarirly disappointed and being stuck and paralyzed by those uncontrollable elements. On one side, you will move on and go back to your action plan and what is within your control. On the other side, you will “freeze” and this will of course slow down considerably your progress in what you’re trying to achieve.
“If you can’t do anything about it, don’t worry about it.”
Within your control - Your attitude and actions
Instead of fixating on these external factors, redirect your energy towards what you can control. Here are some actionable steps you can take to empower yourself during the job search process:
Stay positive: Easy to say of course but important to keep in mind. Affirm your strengths, stay optimistic about your prospects, remain focus on the process (your plan and KPIs) rather than the outcome (positive/negative/no reply).
“Don’t make assumptions”: This statement is the third Toltec agreement which I personnally try to remember every time I possibly can in my life. “Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings,…” And don’t lie to yourself about what you truly want.
Set realistic goals: Break down your job search into manageable tasks. Set daily or weekly goals, such as applying to a certain number of jobs or reaching out to a set number of contacts. I wrote an article about how to stay focused during your job search which tackles this part and provide other useful tips.
Craft a strong Resume and Linkedin profile: Focus on creating a compelling resume and cover letter that highlight your skills, experience, and unique value. Tailor each application to the specific job, demonstrating why you're the perfect fit for the role.
Enhance Your Skills: Use this time to improve your skills or learn new ones. Online courses, certifications, and workshops can make you more competitive and boost your confidence. And keep in mind the Skills’ landscape (source WEF) and what skills you particularly need to focus on.
Network: Who in your network you would like to contact? Why you would like to reach out? How do you think they might be able to help and what exactly you would like from them? And be creative in order to open new doors. Reach out to professionals in your industry, attend networking events, and engage in online forums. Building connections can open doors to opportunities that might not be advertised.
Prepare for Interviews: Practice common interview questions, research the companies you're applying to, and be ready to articulate how you can contribute to their success.
“Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life.”
When you focus on controllable factors, you not only enhance your job search but also improve your overall well-being. You start to see progress in areas where your efforts make a difference, fostering a sense of accomplishment and momentum. By concentrating on what you can control, you transform your job hunting experience from a daunting challenge into a series of achievable tasks.
Conclusion
Job hunting is undeniably tough, but it's also an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. By focusing on what you can control—your actions, attitude, and preparation—you not only increase your chances of success but also maintain your mental and emotional well-being. Remember, while you can't control every outcome, you can control how you respond to each step of the process. Embrace this mindset, and you'll find yourself better equipped to navigate the job market and seize the opportunities that come your way.
“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and freedom.”
Interested about this article? Feel free to contact me here.
I provide coaching and counseling to both private individuals and corporate clients on career, leadership, and development. I also facilitate group workshops with organizations and business schools
I also write blogs on critical topics such as internal mobility, navigating challenging conversations, providing effective feedback, job interviews preparation and personal development.
If you want to speak to me directly, book your free chemistry call here.
