I'm sure we can all identify numerous "keys to job search success", but I'm struggling to find one that covers more bases and is more important than the simple act of focus. Articles on creativity harp on the importance of "flow": that period of time when you are immersed in a project, fully concentrating, accomplishing your task at hand, and emerging with a sense of well-being and accomplishment. Time slips away and you develop insight when you are focused. New ideas emerge. But focus isn't just a mindset: it's also an action that, when used properly, can propel your job search. Here are five ways that focus can make or break your job search:
1. Focus your cover letter. There is simply no excuse for not personalizing your cover letter (even if it's just a "cover email" with your resume attached) for each position to which you're applying. Generic form letters are just that: generic. They don't impress anyone and they make you look lazy and not really interested in the position. I was on a search committee recently; we received over 250 applications. We decided to put the candidates in "yes" or "no" piles based initially on one factor: did they indicate the title of the position and/or the place they were applying to in their cover letter? We immediately reduced our pool to 52 candidates.
Seriously? Only 52 people bothered to even add "I am seeking a position in ____ at ____" to their letters? The rest of the letters were generic form letters. We were then quickly able to reduce our candidate pool to 15 by looking at the letters which matched their experience and education to the specific position. (I realize this may sound harsh to some of you-- but when employers are faced with stacks of applications they have to find a way to quickly get through them.)
It's OK to work from a general form letter you've created. But you must personalize it as much as you can. If you know the name of the hiring person, use it. If your skills match the position, mention that. (And don't say "I'm the perfect candidate for this position...." That's not your place to decide. The employer will determine that.) If you live in one location and the job is in another location, state how/why you plan to relocate to that area. Let the employer know you care.
2. Focus your resume. There's a saying in marketing: Find the one thing your customer is seeking and tie everything to it. Know what the employer is seeking in a candidate (the job description should tell you...) and tailor your resume to fit that. Do not waste valuable space with platitudes about what a "hard worker" you are or your "excellent communication skills" (says who?) but instead notice what the employer wants and make sure that you've tailored your experience section to fit those skills or traits. Most experiences can be tailored to focus on the skills which match the position you're seeking-- even if it isn't an exact match. Don't make the employer dig through your resume to find the gems: they don't have time. Your resume needs to stand out with the right experience and the right education immediately. If you don't have that exact match, use keywords from the job description. (For example, if you "taught" in a previous job, use the word "trained" for a position in a human resources office. Same skill, just adjust the language to the new field.)
3. Focus on your interviewing skills. When you arrive at the interview site, your focus needs to be 100% on the interview. Turn off your cell phone. Put away the IPod. (Yes, I have interviewed candidates who kept their Ipod earbuds around their neck throughout the interview.) Rehearse your stories of strengths, challenges you've overcome, etc. You can't control what questions you will be asked, but being armed with thorough knowledge of your talents, experiences, strengths, etc., will help you respond to most questions well. Be prepared for those general "tell me about yourself" questions. Know the type of questions typically asked in interviews for your field.
4. Focus your mind on the job search. The job search isn't much fun for most people. It's challenging, ego-bruising, and anxiety-ridden. You aren't in control for much of it. What you can control is your mind. Two interrelated mindsets which can be particularly helpful in the job search (and in life, for that matter) are the learner's mindset and choosing to be "curious" about a situation. The learner's mindset simply says "I'm here to learn." It is the antithesis of a judging mindset which says "I've already made up my mind about...."
What can you learn today? Can you read another job search book which might give you a new tip or two? Can you learn a better way to set up your social media profile? Can you discover a new networking source? Go everywhere with a learner's mindset. When you meet a new person focus on what you can learn about them. Be interested and curious. You might be pleasantly surprised when that neighborhood BBQ turns into a job lead for you.
How would choosing to be "curious" about something change your thinking and/or your behavior? Networking, for example, is not a skill that comes easily to many. Particularly if you tend to be introverted, you're probably about as excited about a networking event as your next dental appointment. What if you simply decided to try out the "curious" mindset? Like a detective, can you be "curious" about whom you might meet, or what conversation you might have, or what job lead you might uncover?
By the way, if you find yourself chronically discouraged, look into books which focus on cognitive behaviorism and/or positive psychology. Do the exercises in the books: taking an hour or so a day to build up your resilience (another great mindset) will help you get through what may be one of the biggest challenges you've ever faced. Here are some of my favorite books for attitude adjustment:
- Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy and When Panic Attacks by David Burns. Dr. Burns rocks. I don't know what more to say.
- Positivity by Dr. Barbara Frederickson. Dr. Frederickson conducts ongoing research about what actions and thoughts help us build and broaden our positive experiences. Her website offers a quiz you can take regularly to monitor your progress.
- A Guide to Rational Living by Albert Ellis.There's a reason this 1970s book continues to sell well. It's a classic and well worth reading.
Please note that if these books or other support systems aren't helping your mood,seek professional assistance.
5. Focus your behavior on the job search. Your behavior is also under your control, so how many hours will you spend on your job search today? And how productive will you make your time? Set a goal. And then set a timer for 15 minutes. See how much you can get done before the timer rings. And then set the timer again. And again. Give yourself breaks,but always start up again. And then relax and reward yourself.
Deceptively simple, yet imperative, the act of focusing can produce outstanding results in your job search.
©2011 Dr. Katharine Brooks. All rights reserved. Follow me on Twitter. Join me on Facebook.
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