How To Make Your Job Seeking Process Less Of A Routine And More Intentional

If the title of this article struck a nerve then you’re probably in the right place. Remember the statement “Life doesn’t get easier, you just get better”? Well, I want you to think long and hard about it. Think about how you were looking forward to life after college and you had hopes and dreams that felt like they were just an arm stretch away. Here’s the reality, navigating life post graduation isn’t the easiest but it doesn’t change the fact that it is a crucial turning point for your career.

As you think about your career journey, it’s about time you thought of switching up the way you apply for jobs. Your mantra should no longer be: “One job application a day keeps unemployment away. Now, you should be repeating to yourself: “Researching one company and making one courageous connection a day gets you on your way to your dream career.

The fact is sometimes you’re simply applying for a job so that you can handle your bills, which is very much okay and understandable.No shame in the game! But if you’re looking for more than meets the eye, a fulfilling long-term career opportunity, seek your passion relentlessly and be a go-getter. Instead of having a feeling of uncertainty and despair career wise maybe it’s about time you look at opportunity and follow your journey to discover, connect and nail it!

Not everyone is lucky to land a dream career immediately after graduating and it can be somewhat frustrating applying to different job listings only to get no response. The routine becomes almost redundant.  Here’s my two cents on the matter, Instead of seeking the job post, applying, and getting the job and then getting to know the company, you’re going to learn about the company and potential future coworkers and assignments first before even learning what role you might play in the organization.

If you are looking for a gradual and more involving career journey consider these three aspects:

Step 1: Research

Every day look up one company or organization that you think sounds incredible.

Step 2: Connect/ Networking

Track down an employee who works there and connect courageously send that LinkedIn message and email.

Step 3: Repeat

Repeat, repeat, repeat. Every damn day.

With that, you’re ready to start developing your career goals from the ground up. Always choose to be ahead of the game by networking and researching. Professional relationships are typically stronger when they’re built on mutual interest and trust rather than urgent need. Once you have fully calibrated your job seeking strategy then you are ready to make a difference. Since we all have the free time due to coronavirus, you could bulk-up your research and courageous connections right this second, but do it as you undertake your current job, internship or volunteer work while giving priority to your ultimate career goal. You deserve the career you want, on your terms. It’s there for the taking!