18 Things Your Mama Never Told You About Looking for Work, According to Those Looking for It

One of the things I love to do is make lists, jot notes and keep track of stuff. Yesterday, I was rummaging through my files looking for something and came across a file captioned Things Mama Never Told You 2009. In it, I found scribbles, notes, and thoughts that people had shared with me about the process of looking for work. Feel free to add your own ideas to those listed below:

1. That it will take longer than you think to discover a new opportunity.
2. That you may need to look to self to generate income by: starting a business; self-employment; independent contractor; accepting a straight commission job; moonlighting and/or starting a business on the side while working full-time.
3. That not everyone will want you, regardless of how educated, experienced, credentialed, talented or awesome you may be.
4. That you will be surprised by how much you get rejected.
5. That just because you think you had a great interview, it doesn't mean the employer thinks so.
6. That you may be asked illegal or inappropriate questions during an interview.
7. That you may take things way too personally when they don't go your way.
8. That you will need to have a laser-like focus and an open mind.
9. That people you thought would help you don't; that people you thought wouldn't help you do.
10. That hunting for work is like finding a needle in a haystack, so become an expert at hunting for needles in haystacks.
11. That technology is a tool and that people hire people.
12. That you may not find a good job; you might land an interim gig.
13. That you may work as an independent consultant, project-to-project for an organization, so long as your expertise is needed and there is funding to pay for it.
14. That you can never go back to what was; that you can only maneuver through what is.
15. That your patience will be tested, time and again.
16. 16. That a search for work will be as easy, or as difficult, as you make it.
17. 17. That you will need to acquire a well-developed sense of humor, should you not have one.
18. That you will need to be very creative in your thinking, resourceful, and self-reliant.

posted by: billiesucher

Comments

[dngrwill]

Here's my
#19. A job-search is NOT like a job - it is much more. Everything that happens depends on what YOU do, no one else. You can't just show-up. The buck stops with you and unless you plan it and make it happen no one else will. and remember to floss! :^)

[Forex Advice]

My #20. That non-traditional jobs can sometimes be more rewarding than blue collar, corporate works!

Take it from me.

[billiesucher]

Thanks for the additions of #19 and #20...on #19, I especially like "you can't just show up" & #20, appreciate your thoughts. Best to you both!
~ Billie Sucher

[Mike]

Good article. I watched my dad, who was a very skilled, knowledgeable and smart IT professional struggle to find a job a few times in the past 5 years. After a while, one wonders where the movie/tv-glamorized reality went. The one where you put out a few resumes and then you get a new job, and everyone is happy. Reality is far closer to your list.

[billiesucher]

Hi Mike...thanks for taking time to make a comment. I also hope your Dad found a new opportunity. When you have time, go to link below and watch this video...speaking of reality:

billiesucher: RT @paulsolman: Headline: Sudhir Venkatesh on the New Meaning of Recovery http://bit.ly/4EHqQi

Best to you, Mike,
~ Billie Sucher

[Lindsey Dean]

I love your list! It really hit close to home since I am currently looking for a job. Thank you for the advise, I could use it!!

[billiesucher]

Lindsey,

So happy you found the list of value...best to you in your job search! You might want to check out the e-books here on Career Hub...they're really helpful and packed with good information!
Thanks for your comment!
- Billie Sucher

[Megan Gentille, LaSalle Network]

My #21: You may need to take a salary cut. Start figuring out if you can afford it.

Salary cuts are never ideal, but in this market, they may be necessary.

[billiesucher]

Yes, that's a very good point you add, Megan. I keep hearing this more and more from my clients..."got a job, but for less than I was making before." Thanks for your comment.
- Billie Sucher

[Guy]

Nice post Lindsey.

As a veteran headhunter of more than 20 years I can confirm that the "people hire people" concept is not only true, but very important. Maintaining a conscious awareness of this contributes to the likelihood that candidates (i.e., job applicants) will use all opportunities (e.g., interviews, references, etc.) to consistently convey the right message(s) about their personal character. In turn, thinking about what "message(s)" to subtly/implicitly convey also serves as a form of preparation for tough behavioural/situational questions in interviews.

[billiesucher]

Wonderful comment Guy! Thanks so much for reading Career Hub!
~ Billie Sucher

[John McGill]

If you want a great job search site, and who doesn't these days, check out myonejob.com. This is what I have been wanting for months: all the job search sites in one place. Why didn't somebody think of this sooner?

http://www.myonejob.com

[billiesucher]

John, thanks for your post and the mention of myonejob!
Best,
Billie Sucher

[Generic Viagra]

damn....that is true I have live a lot of that!!
T_T
debra

[Rica]

Great Article... indeed search for the right opportunity requires a lot of patients and also a strategic job hunt.

[Jane]

yes very true... searching a right is really challanging for employers..