Today was one of those days when the roller coaster was sliding downhill. Not a freefall, just a slow slide. I had a lot to do and not enough to do - meaning a lot of stuff but nothing that felt like I was moving forward. So I listened to my own advice and went for a long walk with a friend who is also a fan.
The conversation led to what felt like a mantra - Give it a try. What's the worst that can happen? This is really important as we negotiate through a challenging job market.
At one point most career counselors I know would advise people not to waste their time on job fairs. Now we tell clients to give it a try. What's the worst that can happen? You'll walk around the floor and talk to some people and possibly connect with someone from a company or a search firm. You might meet someone you know who is also involved in job search and go for a cup of coffee and get some support. Re-frame it as creating the opportunity for something to happen.
Today too many people are using the internet as their only means of finding their next position. Should you use the internet as a tool? Yes. Should you use it to network? Yes. Should it replace face to face meetings? NO!
Networking is something too many of us avoid. It's not necessarily the most comfortable or easiest thing to do. You need to reframe networking as a business reality. Something you need to do. And, Give it a try. What's the worst that can happen? Someone doesn't take your call or isn't willing to meet with you. OK, so that's why you never make one network call at a time. Make 10 and if you're lucky you'll land 2 meetings. That's a good day. You've created some new opportunities for something to happen.
Another reality in career transition is that the path to your next job generally looks like this...
No, No, No, No, No, No, No, No, YES! I know the No list may be even longer in today's marketplace. The No list can rob you of your self-esteem. You have to tell yourself that every NO is taking you one step closer to that YES!
This all loops back to that roller coaster. The NOs in job search can lead to the downhill slide, whether they come from a negative experience at a job fair or no response from someone you're trying to network into. You have to remember that you have demonstrated skills and experience to offer your next employer, someone who will be very lucky to have you on board.
And when you forget, when you begin to doubt yourself, call that fan and go for a long walk. Give it a try. What's the worst that can happen? You just might feel better!
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Beth,
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful blog - and so timely. my agency where I've worked for over 18 years is going thorugh a major reorgnization and downsizing and my position was eliminated. I'm disappointed, of course, but also proud of all the achievements I've been a part of from running an operational surplus in each of the years I was Deputy Director, to growing the programs and establishing new project helping inner city youth. I wish them the best and am looking forward to new opportunities to use my skill set. all the advice you're giving I am doing and have also started to reinvent myself; a tough task, but doable. good luck with this blog and let's stay in touch.
Chip Madsen