6 kick ass mindset career search questions! Or - what is your WHY?
I believe we have the narrative ass-backwards when it comes to our career and job search. Traditionally we spruce up our resume, optimize our LinkedIn profile and then start firing off our resumes into the big black HR void. Sometimes we may connect with someone in our network and try and enter a backdoor in or set up a coffee meeting but more often than not, we just spruce and fire into the void.
Spruce & fire. Spruce & fire. Spruce & fire…..
The first place you should stop and consider in your plan is how to work on your mindset. All that ‘sprucing & firing’ will wear you down and your mindset will definitely be impacted.
Think of your job search like a roller coaster with many ups and hills and quick switch backs to the swift downs and stomach lurching blackness of a tunnel when the search drags on and you hear nothing or receive nothing back. Ok so sometimes this is not the case but sometimes it is - so why not set yourself up for resilient success and do some mindset work first? When you manage your expectations and cultivate a positive career search mindset you will achieve what you set out to do.
Positive thinking and seeing the bright side of things greatly increases your success. I know overwhelm is a tough cookie to beat when months have passed and you are batting pretty low - but remember you are in control and when that self doubt creeps in and begins to nag at you - acknowledge the wee bastard and don't dwell on it. Make a list of all the great things you have done in your life and career to date, the successes and wins. Stop kicking yourself for something you did in the past - that is the past. Focus on what you have done right, learn from the mistakes, stop being self-critical, silence the mind gremlins and for the LOVE OF PETE, please kick those limiting beliefs to the curb where they belong.
When you get stuck in a negative feedback loop, close your eyes and imagine the outcome you want. Replace that non-helpful monster chit chat with positive thoughts and keep rewinding your reel where you beat the odds and kicked ass. When you feel anger let it go - look for the silver lining - you were not meant to work there, that is not the boss you were meant to have, the work environment may have been toxic, etc. You are your best advocate and your mindset drives this bus - so advocate away and remember you are worth it all.
So before you start sprucing & firing off into the job bank void do the following:
Get into mental, emotional and physical shape - don’t neglect your health and well being - eat an apple a day and go for a walk!
Figure out your WHY - why are you changing jobs, why do you want to make more money, why do you want to change careers or go back to work in your 50s? What is your WHY?
Put a proper plan together to increase your confidence - write it down - follow it - treat it like a job
Limit exposure to toxic folks and situations - walk away
Celebrate the little wins
Questions to ask yourself when you have some new shiny career goals to move you from a negative mindset to a growth mindset?
1.What can I do to grow my knowledge around my new career goals?
Confidence is your best friend outside of new education and skill development - spend some time here first and develop a positive mindset
Think about doing a career SWOT and determine your strengths and what your weaknesses are and then work on them
What are your career goals? Outline them and make a solid plan
Who can you talk to who is in the industry to help you understand it better? Make a list. Contact them
2. What can I do to grow my skills for the career I want?
To be the best candidate for the job you want you need to understand the skills you will need - make a list of what is required and make a note of the areas you will need to improve on
Be prepared to go back to school, take courses, workshops and independent learning and remember your WHY
Research if you will need any specific licensing or specific credentials and start to work on them
Remember your WHY!
3. How the heck do I tap into or grow my network to rub elbows with the people who will help me reach my goals? (Hint - LinkedIn is a great start)
If word of mouth is King/key to getting a job than NETWORKING is the Queen and the one you want to cosy up too
Research the field and make a list of the key players and start connecting with them
LinkedIn is a great place to start but check out industry events, early breakfast meetings, trade shows - start to connect and ask for another connection referral at the end of the conversation to keep the ball rolling
If you don’t have a mentor perhaps now may be a great time to seek one out - remember your WHY and your passion for this change and find someone in alignment with your goals to be your mentor
4. How do I boost my confidence and interpersonal skills?
Outline your personal strengths and weaknesses - did you do your career SWOT? If not do one and discover your areas to work on
What is your WHY
Have you worked on your positive growth mindset?
Questions to ask yourself are things like - do you like working with a team or independently; are you comfortable with public talking; how is your self esteem and mindset?
Become super clear with what you rock at (are good at) and focus on those traits
A high self esteem will boost your confidence which in turn will boost the odds of getting that interview and wowing the socks off of them
5. What can I do well - what are my unique characteristics and skills that I bring to the table? Make a list for both you and your future employer.
Start by asking yourself what you like about you!
What makes you, YOU?
Make a list of what others like about you
You are unique so what unique traits do you have to offer?
The things you listed that both you and others like are the traits that your future employer will also like
6. Who can be my reference? I know I need references - so how do I grow my reference base for letters of recommendations etc? Start compiling a list!
All of those great relationships you have already forged is a great place to start - make a list of who these folks are and how to contact them - how you interacted with them and the possibility of them standing up for you - ask away!
If you are currently working than keep those relationships solid - especially in the face of your upcoming resignation - you want to make sure that you are not burning any bridges
Make a list of past bosses, supervisors, HR contacts, colleagues, clients, internship supervisors, professors, volunteer connections - start connecting with them by checking in to begin the process of asking for a reference, especially if it has been a while since you connected
Find several strong connections on LinkedIn and get them to post a ‘Recommendation’ on the platform for you
The foundation to a killer job search/career transition begins with your mindset. Work on this first, become clear on your WHY and overcome your gremlins and limiting beliefs. Once you have this solid positive platform to firmly stand on you can make your plan and begin working on that dream you have been holding on to.
As always feel free to reach out if you want to talk about your career and life!