By Linda Van Valkenburgh, MS, CCMC, CJSS, CSMCS, CELDC
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindavan/
[email protected]
There is quite a bit of planning involved in the process of a career search. You need to tap into your network, spend time optimizing your social media profiles and your resume, researching relevant companies, preparing for upcoming interviews, and much more.
Sometimes getting caught up in the rigmarole of a career search can cause you to miss opportunities.
Today, many positions are being filled without ever being advertised. If your head is always down and you cannot spare a moment to look up, you could end up letting some on some great opportunities pass you by.
So, when should you stop planning? How can you stay in the moment? What can you do to capture opportunities that come your way? Here are some moments to consider.
You Have Completed All the Homework
Your resume is on point. Your social media presence is impeccable. You have done your homework and you are ready to move into a new position. You might even be getting a few calls for interviews at this point.
Finding a job today can be a long process – especially when both parties are looking for the right fit. Even if you are getting calls back, there are no guarantees. The interview process could go on much longer than you might expect.
Clearly, you are doing something right if you are getting calls for interviews. After some time of waiting with no job offer, you may begin to think you need to revisit your resume and social media profiles for another round of editing, but you don’t! All you need to do is keep doing what you are doing.
Keep an open mind and allow yourself to go down a few rabbit trails when they present themselves. You never know where they might lead.
Allow Space for Synchronicities to Happen
It is common for highly driven people to think “if it’s to be, it’s up to me.” It is good to have that attitude, as it puts you in the driver’s seat. You are in control of your destiny, and you are willing to do whatever it takes to make your dreams a reality.
Although there is a time to put your blinders on and get to work, you might be surprised by the synchronicities that can occur if you just allow them to happen.
You might bump into an executive or decision-maker while you are out having lunch. You might get an email from an old friend who tells you they have found the perfect job for you. You may randomly come across a company on LinkedIn that is engaged in work you would love to be a part of.
The perfect opportunity can land in your lap. This is not to suggest that it will, but if you keep doing the work and remember to stay in the moment, you could see some amazing things happen.
Keep Asking Questions
What many people are looking for is a listening ear. If you make it a point to ask more questions as you go about your day to day, you might be surprised at the connections you make.
You cannot be fully engaged in a conversation if you are not in the moment. You will miss important details and potential opportunities if you are not actively listening.
Great networking moments can happen if you are willing to engage in conversation. Your passion and knowledge will come across in the questions you ask, which could end up impressing the right people.
Keep asking questions. You will be surprised by how much more charisma you will emanate if you are the person that cares for and listens to those around you.
Final Thoughts
It is important to maintain balance during a career search. You need to do the work. But you also need to remain mindful and present.
Sometimes, the answers come to us when we are not thinking so hard about them. In the same way, sometimes the best opportunities come to us when we are busy doing something else.
Let’s get to work!
If you have questions about your executive career search, please contact me at 203-323-9977 or [email protected].