By J.T. O’Donnell
In CAREEREALISM University, we teach participants the new rules to job search in today’s changing professional landscape. The step-by-step process includes video segments where we outline key learning points. The segment above is a crucial one for those who are looking for a job. Like all of our education tools, it’s honest and direct. I decided to share this clip so our blog readers could get a taste of what CAREEREALISM University is all about. We are a no-nonsense program. So, if you are looking for a pat on the back and for me to say things like ‘you can do it‘ and ‘it’s not your fault’ – I’d skip watching. (But then, you read our site and know what we’re about…which means you are all so much smarter than that!)
If you are brave enough to take 13 minutes out of your day to watch it, I promise you will be glad you did!
In this, I explain why:
1) ALL career roadblocks (past, present and future) start with YOU.
2) There are 2 main reasons why you are the cause of these roadblocks.
3) One of the reasons goes back to your childhood.
4) The other is a result of your selfishness.
Wow! How’s that for a punch between the eyes!?
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15 Comments
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! JT. This is brilliant, practical wisdom.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! JT. This is brilliant, practical wisdom.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! JT. This is brilliant, practical wisdom.
JT,
Great video and very true stuff! I loved the NLP explanation and how you approached it. You made a believer out of me.
Thanks Keith! I'm glad you like the NLP explanation. When I first started learning about it in my certification, I was thinking, “Oh no, are they for real?” But after reading and studying it first-hand, it's pretty incredible!
Glad you stopped by the site and I hope you find some other content you enjoy!
JT- I loved and hated this article(but of course even the hated portion helped me). Specifically, I followed the advice on being less selfish and started thinking of my resume as being less of what I've done and more upon what I can do for them. I would say realizing this is actually the biggest reason why I've been rejected at every turn(well haven't heard back-but that mightaswell be the same thing). But herein creates an “I Can't” scenario. I realistically don't have enough experience in this field (social science research) and can't offer my “expertise” to anyone. The only solution I can come up with is volunteer research(which will take months or even years to build up expertise in…)
Do you agree with this solution to this problem(ie being proactive in fixxing the I can't into I can) ? Would you add anything to this for someone else that has a “true I can't”?
Thanks for asking that question! Yes, when you hit a true 'I can't' it means you need to do some research. I tell clients to become a reporter on the subject. Think of your goal as writing a story that would show someone who thought they'd hit a dead end find the way to get their foot in the door. I'd set up informational interviews with 3-5 people in your desired field. Tell them you are researching ways to get into the field and want to discuss routes. It's important to connect with these people and tell them “I see you as an expert, I want to hear about you.” This will help you get answers, I promise.
I had a young woman do this recently. She wanted to get into a field in which she had 0 experience, no degree to match, and 1000' of people competing. By taking the reporter approach, there was no pressure on either end – just a chance for two people to connect. Well, guess who ended up having a position created for her because they loved her so much but she didn't fit the job description?
It works – but it takes effort and no NST!
Best wishes and let us know how things go. The fact that you watched and took the advice in the video to heart already tells me you are on your way to better times professionally. That much I know for sure!
Well I did something along the lines of what you said but perhaps a little more:
Background: a firm finally responded to me after a month(Does it usually take this long?).. says they received 1000+ applications for the position.. they then wanted a writing sample to weed out people(like me)..
I follow the conventional “just go for it anyways” advice and said I was no longer interested even though I am…
Instead, I said in an email to the HR director “Is there anything I can do to make myself more successful in applying for these positions?” She was nice enough to go into exact details and told me exactly what kind of writing samples would land the interview. Now I want to thank her so much! Does giving her this random comparison report on retention of employees and students in school (they are an education research firm) count as to the “not selfish” concept or is it too random of a “thank you”?
I know this is more specific but since getting hired is probably the biggest roadblock for most people, befriending HR director (and I kind of did it on accident)can be very valuable! Also note the “these positions”, it doesn't mean outside their company but it also doesn't limit you only to the particular company.
It is not to random of a thank you at all! This is the exact kind of effort I'm talking about. You saw the report and thought of her. Definitely send it and explain one or two items in it that made you think she might be interested in it.
And to your point, making friends with HR is very important. While they would not be yoru direct manager, they have a large say in hiring decisions and can be a gatekeeper for the company.
The fact that she was willing to advise you after over 1000 resumes came in for the position says she liked your communication style. (FYI – yes, it is normal to take a month to hear back. Think of how much time it takes to go through all those resume and do the rest of your job.)
I think you truly have made the most out of getting rejected. But then, I tend to have a bit of a zen mindset on this anyways. No one fails. There is an equation to a successful life that looks like this:
Experience = Learn = Grow
Sounds like you just had that happen.
Thanks for sharing on the post and good luck!
Ok i'll shut up after this one I promise…
I should probably add that this “report” was actually more of a boss's idea (highlighting key phrases)at my internship and I simply copy and pasted it into the computer. Even if my old boss didn't specifically say that the “report(or more like random note-taking, as none of the phrases in this document is our original ideas or words) was confidential, can I still give it freely to people?
I'm glad you mentioned it because, based on what you explained, no – you cannot give it away. If your boss has openly claimed it as 'confidential' and he ever found out you circulated it, you could get sued.
I'd suggest finding another item. Better still, invest some time into creating something of value on your own that you can distribute. ie. a collection of articles that you feel are worthwhile reading, etc. and share that.
Confidentiality is a tricky game in business, so unless you have the money to secure a lawyer for this kind of thing, I'd wouldn't risk it. With the economy the way it is, more companies are getting serious about enforcing non-competes and confidentiality clauses.
good one…it’s really helpful in doing a thorough introspection, which is so important for a successful career..
Thanks for this video, J.T. It's kinda crazy how writing something down can really affect your commitment to making that happen. I think this will be an excellent exercise, and I'm excited to do it (for me career and possibly some other arenas)! I also love your comments about giving, because I know how much it means to me when others generously offer themselves to me. I'm always more motivated to give back—and this can only continue an awesome cycle of helping others out.
Karianne Salisbury
skariann.blogspot.com
Thanks, Karianne!
You've hit it exactly. There is a 'cycle' that occurs when we give our professional selves to others. Maybe not with every person, but you've got to play the %s. The more you give, the more you get!
Excellent Article + Video… So true…. Sincerely, Brian-