Sometimes I get nostalgic. How did I get here? What have I learned? January is a perfect time to consider how to leverage the truths we can pull from life experiences.
So indulge me for a moment!
The two most important things I have learned in my career and after ten years with The Interview Doctor are that job search is not that different from having a successful career or business.
Job search is a transition from one successful (we hope) adventure to another. The same rules that apply in our daily lives and careers apply to job search. These rules also apply to companies recruiting people to join their organizations.
It is as simple as that. Since we are celebrating ten years of service to candidates and companies, let’s look at ten personal values that can serve you well in your career and in your job search:
1. Think about others, listen and pay attention. Making a meaningful life, career or job search is really about other people.
2. Believe in something that you are willing to stand for. Do not be afraid to take a stand. Wishy-washy people do not get far and do not make much of an impact or impression.
3. Have something to say. Don’t just yammer on about foolishness. Make what you say meaningful to the situation and to the person you are speaking with. And I am NOT talking about politics! We do not discuss politics or religion in public.
4. Say what you need to say in a respectful way that other people respond to. Message sent but not received does not count. You must make your message meaningful to other people so they can hear and respond.
5. Get closer to people who can help you and with whom you have something in common. Fortunately these are usually people you like too. Networking is about building relationships. Relationships take you to the next level and allow you to make a difference to others.
6. Put down your phone and stay in the moment. Texting and social media are nice but being in the moment is more important. I like to think about that eastern philosophy “Be here now”.
7. Put yourself in front of people who can help. Have something to say or offer.
8. Be nice, polite and respectful to everyone. That means the janitor and receptionist. Visiting a business? Say hello to everyone you meet while walking around. Have a big smile and look people directly in the eyes. You will be shocked how many people do NOT do that and what a difference it makes.
9. Be aware that social media is a direct reflection on you. Everyone is looking and making conclusions about you based on what you put out there. Be sure everything you put out everywhere makes a positive reflection.
10. Do a good deed every day. Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts have the right idea. Helping others not only feels good but returns abundance back to you often in ways you cannot predict.