Our lives are filled with pivotal events.
From the dawn of a new year to significant losses, disruptions, moments of inspiration, feelings of fear, unmet expectations, surges of hope, or a simple aspiration for a better life, these events shape our decisions. They often drive us towards a significant shift in our professional trajectory, leading to a new job, a different role, and a fresh chapter in our professional narrative.
The Daunting Task of a Job Search
In modern times, the task of job searching has become both an art and a science. As an Executive Coach and Job Search Counselor for the past 20+ years, I’ve had the privilege of guiding numerous individuals through this intricate maze. For some, it might be the first time after a long and storied career that they had ever had to actually conduct a search for a new role. As one tenured executive once shared:
“In my 30-year career, I have never had to search for a job. Every role that I have had has come to me. I have always been recruited into a role. But now I find myself without a job, 10 years from retirement and I am scared.”
Perhaps for others, the situation could be as I heard from a recent college graduate:
“I have worked so hard over these past four years in obtaining my degree, but now the market seems soft and I don’t even know where to start. I just wish our university had a course on how to actually conduct a job search.”
And then there are those who simply feel it’s time for a change:
“I have a job, but I am not pleased with the direction of this organization. The culture has changed and I don’t see a clear path for growth. It is time for something new.”
No matter your triggering event, level of experience, or tenure in your career, the decision to begin a new job search is an understandable daunting step to take. Conducting one is hard work and the courage to take that step, seek that change, pursue a new opportunity is to be commended and celebrated.
Burning Our Boats: Committing to the Journey Ahead
The concept of “burning the boats” is not just a metaphor but has historical roots that underscore its significance. In 1519, the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés landed on the shores of Veracruz, Mexico, with the intent of conquering the vast and wealthy Aztec Empire.
To ensure the commitment of his men and eliminate the option of retreat, Cortés ordered his ships to be burned. This decisive action meant that there was no turning back; the only way forward was to succeed in their mission or perish. This act of determination is a testament to the lengths leaders will go to ensure success.
As job seekers, adopting this mindset can be transformative. By burning our metaphorical boats, we channel our energies forward, focusing solely on the path ahead. This unwavering commitment becomes our guiding light, illuminating our journey towards professional success.
Perhaps as we embark on this journey, we can draw further inspiration from Paul Newman’s character in the movie classic, “Cool Hand Luke”, where he was encouraged to “Get your mind right”. Such a mindset is pivotal in ensuring success in our endeavors. And our mindset is the first and a very important step in moving forward. Once we have made the decision to seek that new role, that change, a new job, there is no time for looking back.
It is time to land on the shore, burn our boats, and move forward.
Let’s begin that journey together.
This is the first in a series of articles for my upcoming book, “How to Hack Your Next Job Search”. For my readers, I will be sharing insight, observations, and specific coaching on how best to conduct a job search. These strategies are simple, yet diverge greatly from most traditional approaches. It is my goal to share a proven process and cultivate a mindset that will elevate you into the top 5% of job seekers in any particular market or industry.
I. Deciding to Take Action | How to Hack Your Next Job Search
II. Approaching Your Search Like a New Job | How to Hack Your Next Job Search
III. Begin With Realistic Expectations | How to Hack Your Next Job Search
IV. Rethink the Resume | How to Hack Your Next Job Search
V. Uncovering Hidden Job Opportunities | How to Hack Your Next Job Search
VI. Addressing Gaps in Employment | How to Hack Your Next Job Search
VII. Ace the Interview | How to Hack Your Next Job Search
VIII. Defining Your Personal Brand | How to Hack Your Next Job Search
