Keep the Faith - Long Job Searches

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Host Sheila Boysen-Rotelli is talking about what to do when your job search process takes longer than you expected. It feels like a winter that will never end, but remember, there is a light at the end of the tunnel


Episode Highlights:

  • It’s very normal for a job search to take longer than you think, even though it is possible to land one in 1-2 months

  • The length of a job search depends on a variety of factors and is completely different for everyone

  • How much time you devote to your job search depends on a variety of factors

  • The size of the shift that you are trying to make in your career

  • It’s important to make realistic expectations, hoping for the best but planning for the worst

  • The bigger the change or transition that you are aiming for, the more money that you need to save to give yourself some cushion

  • Look for temporary opportunities that can provide you income while you transition to a new career

  • Networking is about more than just asking for a job, but provides you with the opportunity to learn about people and industries

  • Connecting with other job seekers can give you an outlet to vent about those dark days with other people who are going through the same thing

  • You can gain the comfort of company and get motivation by connecting with other job seekers

  • Uncertainty combined with the rejection that comes with the process takes a toll on one’s emotions

  • Learn to control the things that are in control and let go of the idea of perfection in your jobs search

  • Don’t get too attached to any job or organization as it will only make the process take longer

  • While networking can give you an advantage in the interview process, you cannot control whether or not you get hired

  • You can control your effort, attitude, and resilience

  • Resilience is key, especially if your search takes a long time, as it will bring you the energy to keep going

  • It won’t be pleasant or fun, but the job search process will teach you valuable things that will help you grow

3 Key Points:

  1. It surprises people that a realistic timeframe for a new job search is 6 to 12 months long.

  2. Tapping into your network ASAP will help speed up the job search process while expanding your networking skills.

  3. The job search process inevitably comes with a certain amount of rejection, so it’s important to learn how to let go of what is out of your control.

Tweetable Quote

“How long your job search will take is highly individual and it depends on lots of different factors.” - Sheila Boysen-Rotelli

“As hard as it can be to be successful in the job search, you have to ask for help.” - Sheila Boysen-Rotelli

“One of the hardest things about the job search is the uncertainty.” - Sheila Boysen-Rotelli

“Make sure you’re building the time to do the things that bring you energy.” - Sheila Boysen-Rotelli

Resources Mentioned: