3. How to Deal with Uncertainty

The job search and applying for jobs can be an overwhelming and emotional task if you aren't properly prepared.   You need to manage your expectations and set yourself up for success. In this episode we share tips on how to approach a job search, from the tactics to the mindset necessary to stay positive and focused.

To learn how to ace the interview take the Boost Your Confidence Course BeConfident.me

Transcript

A big part of job searching that people rarely talk about is how to deal with uncertainty and the waiting game that comes with applying for jobs.   You want to set yourself up for success so you don’t become a victim to the emotional rollercoaster that is waiting for responses and dealing with rejection.   This can be a very emotional time if you aren’t prepared.

You want to build the skill of resilience.  When you are resilient you are able to stabilize your emotional responses so that you don’t overreact.   The second part of this is that you need to practice patience, regardless of how impatient you may be feeling.  Remember that these are circumstances outside of your control so focus on what you can control.

Applying for jobs is a waiting game and a numbers game. 

If you go into it knowing that  by following these tips you will increase your likelihood of getting to the interview, but, you are still up against significant odds,  you will not be surprised.   Knowing that you are in the same boat as so many can also be comforting.    If you are not hearing back or getting to the interview it means that hiring teams are busy and there may be more qualified applicants than you. That doesn’t make them better than you, just more qualified for that given position.  

It can take a while before you hear back.  You can look at the job application date and it will typically show when the job application closes and from there you can expect to wait another two weeks or up to a month to hear back.  If they include a target hiring date then that should give you an indication of when they want to fill the role.   Typically you can expect that a job search can take anywhere from 3-6 months before you find another job.  Hopefully it is a lot faster than that but go into the process with your eyes wide open and manage your expectations.  Financially you also want to plan for this as getting a job always takes longer than planned.  Minimize your expenses where possible and plan for making your dollar stretch so you aren’t dealing with unnecessary financial pressure on top of other things.  You could even consider taking on a part time side hustle or gig job on upwork or find another part time job to help make ends meet while you job search. Remember, multiple income streams are common now and there are so many ways to make money online.  Think of this job search time as a great way to experiment with a side hustle. 

While you are waiting you should treat the job search like a job.  Every day you should be applying for new jobs, tailoring your resume, reaching out to target contacts, setting up calls and meetings and building your connections in LinkedIn.  It is really important that you try and apply early when a job is first posted as sometimes hiring teams will review applicants in batches, weekly, rather than wait until the application close date. If they find a great candidate they can advance that candidate sooner.  Where possible set up notifications on all of the job boards that you have added your resume and profile to.  Refer to Lesson 1 for a full list of job boards if you haven’t listened to the “The conventional job search is dead” lesson.

You can also use this time to perfect your profile, your career support tools like your video intro and work on your personal brand.  Give some thought to what you are really good at and what you want to be known and recognized for.  Talk to your friends and work peers and ask them how they would describe you.  Work on your interview preparation and how you would answer key questions like “Describe your strengths”, “Tell me about yourself” and “Why do you think you are a fit for this role.”  You want to have a strong and succinct description of yourself and this involves really getting to know yourself and your personal brand. 

Go to Coursera, Youtube and other sites that specialize in learning new skills.  Take a free course that relates to that job skills that you are applying to.  Keep adding new skills and credentials to your resume as you go and continue to build your skills and stay relevant. There is so much to know and learn and things are changing quickly.  More about that in lesson 5, turning AI into a personal advantage.  

And work on your confidence and communication skills.  This comes with practice.  Practice mock interviews and talking to peers about yourself. Work on your breathwork and delivering information confidently and with conviction.  You want to avoid tentative and hesitant communication. Work on eliminating minimizing words like; sort of, kind of, like and filler words like ums and ahs.  You need to always keep up your self esteem and hold yourself in the highest regard. You are THE IDEAL candidate.  You need to believe that despite the waiting game and despite any rejections you may have received.

This is just a numbers game. It is not personal and you are not the only person searching for a job. Dedicate 3-4 hours a day to you job search, applying for jobs, networking and connecting and upskilling.   Practice self care, get out and exercise and attend meetups and networking events where possible to make as many connections as you can. You never know where these connections can lead.  This will also help you practice your pitch and your communication and confidence skills.   If you go into this uncertain stage with the right expectations and preparation you will be able to manage your reactions and remain even and level headed so you can dedicate the necessary energy and positive attitude to the task at hand.  Give yourself every advantage you can and remember this is one of the more stressful and uncertain events that you will face, so take care of yourself.

See you in the next lesson!