The Ultimate Career Coach Job Search Strategy
You feel stuck at work. Colleagues at your company are moving on to newer, better roles while you sit stagnant. Or, maybe you are feeling undervalued at work or have a lack of autonomy and just wish that your role meant more.
You are not alone. According to a Gallup survey, only 15% of employees are engaged at work.
If you are in the 15%, the reality of your situation can change. Our list of ideas to help you improve your career search can help if applied with the right technique.
Click “Apply” even if you are unqualified
It sounds counterproductive, but it is common for employers to hire people with a lack of skills that can be improved through training or on-the-job experience. At the same time, pay attention to the job posting requirements because this tactic could really annoy recruiters.
If it doesn’t work out, your resume will remain in the company’s database for about six months. It can potentially turn into an opportunity if the qualified hired candidate leaves the company. Also, it can make you feel confident in the job search process when an interview is received.
Design a career blueprint
What is a career blueprint? Take out a piece of paper or turn on a computer. On the top of the paper write down a list of five jobs that will make you happy. Here is how you can start the process:
Change directions
Is you are interested in completely changing industries, it’s important to do your research and find out a transferable career you can transition into that is consistent with your education and experience. Make a list of all of your relevant hard and soft skills. Make a list of jobs that could be a good fit, as well as a list of companies of interest in those fields. Then you want to set up informational interviews with professionals at those companies of interest to gain more insight into the day-to-day and figure out if you have enough skills for that role or if you need to return to school or take additional training in order to be qualified.
Professional development
Do you have a success-driven mindset? I recommend that you improve your career coaching game by developing your professional skills. The reality is a person can work their way into a new role. However, it might take personal and professional development to maintain it.
To be successful, often a mentor, career counselor or extensive education is required. It might take a shift in the way you perceive success and failure. Here is a list of benefits to personal and professional development:
- Facing adversity: It will train the mind to be solution driven when faced with adversity.
- Networking: You will attract like-minded people that can enhance your career,
- Positive mindset: A set back will be not be considered a mistake, but a learning lesson.
- Preparation: A mentor can teach common pitfalls to avoid.
The quote “No man is an island†by John Donne is the truth. You cannot rise above a situation to transition into a new role if your skills and mindset are not developed.
Lifestyle considerations
I believe the workforce creates an inclusive opportunity for all people to pursue a career goal. However, we need to be realistic.
There are executive positions that are preferable for people that do not have children because traveling or working 12 hours a day is required. An introvert may not want to act like an extrovert in a customer facing role like sales, public speaking or working in front of the camera on television.
Think about your lifestyle. Here is a list of items to consider:
- Is traveling ideal? Traveling to multiple countries sounds fun.
- If you are in a relationship think about how it will impact the other person.
- Do you want to work overtime? If a position requires you to work after hours while the team is relaxing at home, think about your spouse or people in your life it will affect.
- Morals/ethics: Certain roles that require a person to do things that are the opposite of their religion or personal beliefs. Do some soul searching to determine if this is what you truly want to pursue.
A balance of personal and professional life is important to maintain one’s mental health. Before you decide to walk away from a career, consider these points.
Final thoughts
Eternal happiness comes from within. A new job will not erase problems at work. If you are running away from an issue at one company, if it is not addressed, it will follow you to a new organization.
A new direction requires personal and professional development. A career blueprint that is realistic to achieve and determining the real motivation for the change.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Even the top career coaches need a mentor to succeed. There are people in senior roles that will be happy to be a mentor for someone that is ready to step outside of their comfort zone. Good luck!
Thinking of hiring a career coach to help you find your dream job? Browse our directory of career coaches and get a FREE consultation or request a personalized coach recommendation!
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About the Author Makeda Waterman
Makeda Waterman is a professional writer with an Education in Journalism, Mass Communications, and Public Relations. She writes for Huffington Post Canada and Glassdoor on career advice with the goal of helping people improve the quality of their lives.