Is it a long job search OR just a communication challenge?

In the circles I walk, it is a common sentiment that if you go to several career counselors you will often get several versions of a resume. Depending on who you talk to, they may offer you multiple versions that are supposed to prepare you for any situation or job prospect that you may be presented with.  While this approach certainly has proven itself to assist in landing people their next position – I tend to disagree.

Without exception, after you choose to look for a new career OR that decision is made on your behalf, this phase is a good opportunity for self-reflection. Determine what you enjoyed at your last position and what was what may have caused this shift in your professional career. I think you then should assess where you want to spend your next few years, research job titles, and be realistic where an individual with your experience, education, resume, etc. can end up.

It is my firm belief that communication and the ability to connect is what help people land the opportunities that they want. This logic often holds true for both the job search and for business owners looking to close deals. In a future post, I plan to write on some communication ideas for people that may not be as socially adept.  There are so many tools, like LinkedIn, to assist you in finding the connections you are looking to make. The challenge is that in this day and age, so much technological communication takes place (I am certainly guilty of this) and the ability to schedule meetings or connect in-person over coffee is discouraged.

My suggestion is to set your mind to something and then try to pursue it all the way. Be realistic and not too specific. If you find that your first meeting did not quite go as planned, make sure you have a “buddy” that will stick with you through thick and thin to help you debrief, do mock meetings / interviews, and assist you in landing the job or deal you are in pursuit of.