First date.. Career… You heard me correctly!
Do you manage your career like a first date?
I remember what it was like to be single. That was over thirty years ago but I remember the awkward feelings of trying to find someone who would just go out with me on a date.
When I graduated from high school I was 6 feet 4 inches tall and a mere 145 pounds. I had a big head of red hair. I was no chick magnet!
I was an awkward nerd.
I tried to make myself attractive to the opposite sex. I picked clothes so that girls would notice me.
Now you wordsmith your LinkedIn Profile so that recruiters will notice you. You are establishing your brand just like I was trying to be stylish.
When I asked a girl out, I was just hoping not to be rejected. You submit your applications and pray that the recruiter calls you.
When I got a date, I was just trying to make a good impression. Was she the right girl for me? I was not worried about that I just wanted her to like me. When you go for an interview you are just praying that they call you back for a second interview. You just want them to like you.
Does this sound familiar? It should because this is how many of you manage your career.
- You scour job boards looking for a date…. oh I mean a job
- When you find a girl…. a job that meets your requirements you send in your resume and pray you will hear a response
- When she calls…. I mean the recruiter calls you put your best foot forward hoping not to get rejected
- When you get the first phone interview you try to sound like a nice guy… I mean like a experienced professional but still hoping not to get rejected
- When you get the first interview you put you really try to show your stuff off… I mean you try to demonstrate your outstanding skills and talents
- When you get the second interview, you are thinking will I get to second base with her… no I mean get an offer.
Are you concerned that this might not be the job for you? Heck no! You just want to get the next step!
You should be concerned on whether there is the right chemistry between the boss and you. Are you going to be happy in this next position?
Your job search is just like dating! You have to date to get married. Not every date turns into marriage. In the job search you have to interview to get the job. Not every interview turns into a job. Half of all marriages end in divorce.
Your career is very much like a marriage. It is about finding common ground, compromises, happiness, successes,….
Have you gone on a date that you just wanted to walk out? I hear there are strategies for that now.
Have you gone into an interview prepared to ask all of the right questions? Is this the right job for you?
Do you even know what the right job for you is?
What kind of boss do you want?
What kind of team do you function best on?
How do you want to be rewarded? Most of us want a combination of the following:
- The bonus check
- Public recognition
- Pat on the back from the boss
- Pat on the back from your team
- Pat on the back from your client
How much variety do you want in your day?
Do you know what you need in a work environment and then how to determine whether you are going to get what you need?
Have you taken a job and suddenly said — what have I gotten into!
Finding your next job is serious business just like finding a spouse. There must be the right chemistry to make the relationship work… oh I mean the workplace fun and rewarding.
Go find that perfect match. Go find the perfect job for you. One that meets all of your requirements and reject those that do not.
