Resolutions

So here we are, 2013! January and time for resolutions- just like every year... we get a clean slate to start over.  I came across a set of advice for businesses for their new years resolution, and while I read it, I thought "this could be applied to job seekers".  Now that I think about it, searching for a new job is SO MUCH like running a business.  So I thought I'd share my version of suggested resolutions for job seekers (the order doesn't make as much sense but each piece is important):

1. Embrace flying in the red zone – in business world "taking risks" is easy... what's the worst that can happen, you don't make the money you expected? But when you're searching for a new job, taking risks is a little bit harder because instead of "some company's bottom line" you're talking about your life! What if this job doesn't lead to my dream career, what if I can't be successful? But really- no risk= no reward. If you are searching for a new job because you're not happy, but not looking outside of your comfort zone- you could find yourself in the same situation months down the line. In the job world, you have to have faith in yourself to take big risks, to really land something GREAT! Challenge yourself to make the best of any situation you're in, and you'll never actually be taking a risk... just giving yourself another chance to be great!
2. In gathering collaborators and support, focus on “what’s in it for them” – in anything- interviews, phone calls, resumes, you have to think about how you can help someone looking at you as much as you think about how you can benefit from any interaction
3. Be authentic and have your feet, tongue, heart and wallet all going in the same direction – this piece is so important to hiring managers... your whole presentation has to match up with itself... If you're in it for the culture, don't balk at an offer "because of the salary" or vice versa. Make sure you have fully explored what you're looking for (every aspect of the search) and be consistant. Some times this requires a little self-reflection, and a bit of a "mental marketing plan" but it needs to be all true and honest.
4. Be interactive – you can't "passively look for a job" or "pursue a job". There is a need for A TON of effort on your part to be successful in your job search. Before an interview you have to research, and prepare questions. Before an application, you should tailor your resume, or network. There is ALWAYS something you can be doing to better your chances and your success in this search, so if you've found yourself with nothing to do- you're doing it wrong, or you're just not going to get a new job.
5. Share success – with your family, with your friends, with your manager. Firstly, everyone loves to be brought in to someone else's success- or at least those close to you, or invovled in the new job hiring process.  Secondly, those who know you the best, are probably the best sounding board for big decisions in your life. If you're doing this search on your own, you may never be completly sure about the move, or you may make the wrong decision by not looking from a few points of views to get a really clear picture. Talk it out, share your thoughts, and then when you get hired TELL THE WORLD! :)
6. Be generous– and gracious, and flattering. All those manners tips your mother taught you are true--- I've heard so many times from companies that they won't bring a candidate back because one of these mistakes. Be polite, and then only your answers will decide if you get brought back- or the job.
7. Be a challenger to your own incumbency – if that means reading a book about a new industry or taking a typing class- you always have to be seeking to improve yourself, not resting on your laurels.
8. Use the emotional resonance of purposeful story telling with the facts and information embedded inside, as your secret sauce to create memorable and actionable results –the best answers in an interview are drawn from actual experiences, but you have to tell the story in a convincing way that draws in the hiring manager to really understand what you're trying to get across.
9. Embrace failure – you're gonna get a no... that's going to happen. But if you stop after the "no".. you'll never get the "yes".
10. Habituate yourself to success – maybe you have friends who are getting new jobs, or maybe your company is hiring others to join the team... keep your ear to the ground and find out what makes other successful- or what has made you successful in the past- it can't all be dumb luck! :)