In a job search, it is easy to become
overly-focused upon job search techniques, crafting the 'perfect'
resume, or polishing interview skills. While these are all important
activities and skills, there is an underlying foundation that
requires attention.
That foundation is persistence. I
believe that this is one of the most difficult times to job search in
the last 50 years. Beyond the economy, today's job seeker receives
very little feedback. Previously, a job seeker would commonly go to
a business, request a paper application, and turn it back in to a
human being. They could get commentary and opinion about their job
prospects by asking, or by looking at subtle cues like body language
and tone of voice. Today, applications are submitted online, and the
only responses are automatic emails. The job seeker is often
stranded in an electronic desert.
This situation only enhances the need
to be persistent in a job search. To do that, begin with the end in
mind. Set a goal, and write it down. Take your larger goal, and
break it into manageable parts. Commit to making steady, consistent
progress, and don't forget to take (small) breaks along the way.
Reward yourself when you complete a step.
Another important part of maintaining a
persistent attitude is getting support from others. Let the
appropriate people in your life know what your goals and plans are.
Not only can they offer encouragement, they also provide
accountability.
Now, everything will not always be
smooth. Be prepared to be flexible, and remember that flexibility
and stubbornness are two different things. Learn to adapt, and when
you get knocked down, pick yourself up and start again. Analyze the
problem, and adapt accordingly.
In conclusion, I suppose that my
message is to set goals, work toward them consistently, and keep
going. Winston Churchill was a rather determined an persistent
person:
“We
shall go on to the end. We shall fight in France, we shall fight on
the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and
growing strength in the air, we shall defend our island, whatever the
cost may be. We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the
landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we
shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender...”
