In times of extreme pressure and stress, it is normal to kid yourself about the state of your job search. You might convince yourself that going out to see your friends is an important networking opportunity. Or that tidying your office is a productive use of your time. Lies can be a nice distraction from the real pressures of job search. Here are 4 of the most common lies you tell yourself during your job search and how to ignore them.
1. “My Experience Isn’t Relevant”
If you’re not any response to your applications the chances are that you’ve not done the work to make it clear that you’re a fit. All experience is relevant if you spin it the right way. What experience does the job description actually want? Think about exactly the skill the employer is looking for and tailor your resume accordingly.
2. “I Nailed the Interview and Got the Job”
Have you walked away from an interview with a glowing feeling? The conversation was flowing, the interviewer was engaged and interested, you answered and asked all the right questions. It was a dream. Naturally, it is easy to think the job is in the bag and you can wind down your job search. Wrong. It is likely the interviewer had more than one interview that went well and competition is still rife. You need to continue acting like a prospective candidate. Send a thank you note, but also keep your options coming in from elsewhere. There is nothing more attractive than an applicant in high demand.
3. “I’m waiting for them to get back in touch”
The truth of the matter is that a long delay getting back to you is rarely a sign of a prospective job offer. Rather, it is a sign that they haven’t found what they want and are looking for something better. Don’t stop your job search waiting for one employer to respond. Keep generating new opportunities for yourself. A good tip is to ask the interviewer before you leave how long they will take to get back to you. If that period of time has lapsed, it’s better to consider this opportunity dead and move onto the next.
4. “Any Job Will Do.”
The “I’ll take whatever I can get” attitude is not the answer. Rather it is a one-way road into another job you’re dissatisfied with. Any job will NOT do. Refocus your efforts and your energy into finding a good job that you do want. Desperate career moves will only put dents in your career and inevitably dump you back into the job search in not time at all. If you can’t find the job you want, ask mentors, friends and/or colleagues for some constructive feedback. Everyone has blind spots in their approach. Maybe a fresh pair of eyes will be useful.