Let go of landing the ‘perfect job’ mindset
Q: I could use some advice on how to deal with disappointment. I have always been a positive person until a couple of months ago when my job search stalled. I have no idea why it is taking me this long to find a position when there are so many openings in the job market. Last week, I turned down two offers because they did not seem like a good match for my skills, and I do not want to accept a job for the wrong reasons. How can I restart my job search to land the perfect match for me?
A: Change can be challenging, especially if it is one that you did not ask for, such as conducting a job search. Too often, people carry around outdated mindsets relating to change, such as working for a company that will always remain stable.
Unexpected changes can undoubtedly be a source of stress, or changes can be viewed as positive in helping you discover how to market your skills. Holding out for the perfect job could take longer than you planned and can lead to a sense of frustration.
There is a correlation between candidates who have a good attitude and receive job offers versus those who are perplexed and avoid change. Consider taking a small step toward viewing change as a friend rather than an enemy.
One of the mistakes often made during a job search is acting without a plan in mind. For example, if your search is stalled, there is a good chance that you could be waiting on jobs to come to you rather than you seek the job you want.
The decisions you make during a career transition are often made to avoid feeling uncomfortable, such as delaying the start of your search or sticking with a job search plan.
A job search consists of two parts: technique and mindset.
The techniques you use can improve your chances of landing a good job; however, your mindset has to support your efforts. Feelings of desperation and fear will often influence your decisions.
Reach out to encouraging friends, read positive books during your downtime, and feed your mind on things that are true instead of the energy spent on wondering why. Focus on the skills and experience you have to offer to employers.
While it can be an excellent decision to decline a job offer, make sure you refuse for the right reasons. As the marketplace continues to change, make sure you are being flexible in accepting the right job for now rather than waiting on the perfect one to appear.
There is confusion in the job market with more job opportunities than job candidates. However, there are some reasons for this, such as not having the skills needed, low pay, undesirable working conditions, or not having your application make it passed the screening software.
On the other hand, it could be that you need to start connecting with people you know and dig deeper into informational interviewing. Restarting a job search can indicate you need a new mindset.