By J.T. O'Donnell
Two of my career coaching friends, Miriam Salpeter and Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter have started a program where a collective group of coaches can offer advice on a certain topic. This is the first question they put out there for us to answer, "What can job seekers do to avoid falling in the 'cookie cutter' job search mode?"Cookie Cutter Job Search..."What's that?"
It's when we are going through the motions without really stepping back and asking ourselves:
A) Am I doing this effectively (i.e. getting results)?
B) Is this technique even worth doing for my type of job search?
I think many of us coaches can agree that all too often we see a well-intentioned job seeker on autopilot. And unfortunately, in job search that leads to a crash landing. No two people are the same. Which means, no two job searches should be the same either!
To break out of a cookie cutter job search, I always suggest you start by changing your perspective. Here are several articles that speak to the need of reassessing your situation and trying new and/or better job search activities. Remember, just like anything, you want to work smarter, not harder!
My Response to An Angry Job Seeker: There's a Difference Between 'Following' and 'Learning'8 Golden Rules to Getting a Job in a Bad EconomyJob Seekers: Are YOU on a Road to Nowhere?!
For those of you guilty of the cookie cutter job search, I encourage you to identify 3 ways you can change up your approach in order to get different, and hopefully, better results.
AND, if you'd like to see how other experts answered this question, check out these posts below:
Conscious awareness and your job hunthttps://emergingprofessional.typepad.com/the_emerging_professional/2009/10/cookie_cutter.htmlJob seekers: Break out of the mold!Is your job search "cookie-cutter" or "hand-dropped"?Being a Cookie-Cutter Job Seeker is a MisfortuneHow Not to Be a Cookie Cutter Job Seeker
Bigstock
Everyone has heard of New Year's resolutions. You know, those promises we make to ourselves about things we'll do better in the year ahead. Sometimes these resolutions work, while other times we end up with gym memberships we never use! But have you ever heard of a career resolution? It's actually the same thing as a New Year's resolution, only career-focused.
However, with something as important as a career, you don't want to break these resolutions. That's why it's important to keep these goals manageable.
Here are four simple career resolutions that are easy to stick to and achieve.
Be Self-Aware Of Where You Stand In Your Career
BigstockBeing honest and self-aware of where you are in your career is the most important step in making strong career resolutions. If your career is going nowhere and you're unhappy, then it may be time to consider a career change, which will take you down a different path entirely.
But if you're happy and in good standing with your career, it's a lot easier to set goals for the year and build out a long-term career plan.
Find A Way To Grow Your Career
BigstockCareer growth is a very broad spectrum that means something different to everyone. It could be something as simple as improving on a weakness or building on a strength. It could also be learning a new skill or taking on additional responsibilities at work.
On a larger level, it could be seeking a promotion or moving into a leadership role.
Whatever the goal is, make sure it includes growing professionally. The worst thing you can do is stay the same! If you're not growing your career, you're dying—and becoming a lot less valuable to your employer. There are always ways to upskill!
Better Serve Your Professional Network
With current colleagues, former colleagues, and other professional acquaintances, you've probably built a solid professional network through the years. A strong professional network can come in handy if you lose your job or are looking to make a career change. However, you shouldn't just rely on your network when you're in need!
It's important to find ways to offer value to your network. This could include checking in with members of your network from time to time. Exchange messages on LinkedIn to see how they're doing or share relevant content of interest. If you can help someone in your network going through a career challenge, you should!
Maintaining a strong professional network is like an investment. If you want it to pay off, you have to put some time into it and be consistent.
Take Care Of Yourself
Bigstock
Working on your career is hard work! It's okay to be selfish sometimes. Whether you're working to grow your career or looking for a new job, it's important to find balance.
Your family and health always come first, so make sure your career goals don't interfere with that. If you want to set aside time during the week to work on your career that's fine, but don't miss important family events or milestones.
Don't let your career goals get in the way of your health goals. Go to the gym, take a walk, or go for a jog. Balance is key to maintaining healthy career and life goals. Sometimes you just need to adjust that balance as you go.
Need help sticking to your career resolutions?
Become a member to learn how to UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!
This article was originally published at an earlier date.
Read moreShow less