Motivation,
supports, previous success, and perseverance.
Sometimes when
people are in a job search, they get caught up in the mechanics of
the task. Tangible items and activities, such as resumes, cover
letters, and networking calls are easy to see. Further, it is
deceptively easy to get caught up in doing only these activities.
Before beginning a job search, and at times along the way, I often
advise clients to step back a moment and think a bit deeper.
Human motivation
is a very broad topic, and far exceeds the scope of this article.
Here, I would like to ask the Reader to consider their their own
motivations, and how deeply those motivations go. For example, I
have worked with many job seekers who were motivated by external
forces, such as losing their house or car. While desperation is bad
in a job search, folks in this situation work hard to find a job
because they have to.
In contrast,
there are other job seekers who are looking for work because of
internal factors. Perhaps they are financially comfortable, but
would like to get out of the house, learn a new skill, or contribute
their talents. These folks are motivated internally, and seek to gain
a different kind of benefit from work.
The above
examples are not an attempt to imply that motivation is an either/or
situation. The motivations of most people are a mix of external and
internal drivers. The key point is that the Job Seeker needs to
understand what is driving them.
The
second intangible factor is that of supports. Supports come in a
wide variety of types, and for this discussion, I am going to talk a
bit about the support of people. Networking contacts are one obvious
source of supports, and make up about 60% of new hires.
However,
there are other people who factor into this job search. A supportive
spouse is an obvious support. What if the job seeker is a young man
who just graduated high school, and has his first 'real' interview.
The person who teaches him how to tie a tie is a support. Perhaps
the key support is a friend or neighbor who drops by for a cup of
coffee, and lifts your spirits when things feel rough. That's a
support. Look for, and enlist the help of your supports.
Next,
a history of success is helpful in a job search. If you have
succeeded before, then you have proven your capability to do it
again. Yes, things have changed. Technology is a major player in
modern job searches, and this may be a shocking change for some.
Many job seekers are used to a different approach-paper applications
and handshakes. Believe it or not, you learned a specific set of
skills back then, and you can learn a new set of skills now. At the
end of the day, you did this before, and you can do it again. For
the younger or inexperienced worker, I would like to add that
precious success is helpful,
but not required.
Everyone started with no experience, and worked through a 'first
time' (I meant job search, and I know what you are thinking, Reader).
Returning
from the gutter to intangible job search factors, let's discuss
perseverance for a moment. A jo search is actually a sales activity,
at least at the front end. A quick version of the old Salesperson
Story is in order. One day, a very successful, master Salesperson
has a rookie shadowing him. They do a sales call, and the master
Salesperson gets shot down. As they leave, the Rookie notices a
certain spring in the step, and a smile from the master Salesperson.
He asks why he is so happy, since he got shot down. The Master
Salesperson replies “It takes about 100 'No' responses to make a
sale. Now that that is out of the way, I am one closer to yes”.
So,
let's fast forward a few decades to today. Many hiring processes are
automated. Feedback is non-existent. Twenty years ago, even five
years ago, if you interviewed and did not get the job, someone
actually picked up a phone and told you so. You had an opportunity
to ask them what they liked about you, and why you weren't hired.
Those days are essentially gone.
What
is the connection to perseverance? Many job seekers will place 100,
200, or more, online applications before they hear anything. You
must be prepared to doggedly persevere. Develop the right sales
pitch, and keep going.
In memory of a
great Therapist and friend, Susan Miller, RIP.
Chris
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