"There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so." Shakespeare, Hamlet
Are you familiar with the term “thinking errors?” If not, you can read more here about how common thinking errors can “skew your judgment and make it hard to appraise your situation realistically.” When I heard the term used earlier in the week, my mind immediately shifted to thinking errors as it relates to job seekers and job search. Here are a few “thinking errors” to ponder if you are in the midst of a job search in today’s uber-competitive market:
?That the place to start a job search is by whipping up a résumé when you have no clue what you want to do occupationally. Reality check: Develop a professional résumé once you have explored realistic career options.
?That a cheap résumé will open doors for you. Reality check: If you are really lucky and the moon and sun and stars all align in your favor, then maybe, just maybe a ‘cheap’ résumé will open doors for you. However, if your lucky charms are failing you, consider investing in a well-built résumé that reflects quality, compelling evidence and your remarkableness.
?That looking for work requires a little bit of effort a few hours per week. Reality check: Value your job search with deep regard, steadfast commitment, and an ongoing investment of your time and talent to produce the best R.O.I.
?That hopping online and blasting your application and résumé into cyberspace is the w – a – y to get a j – o – b. Reality check: People hire people.
?That a Hiring Manager/recruiter/HR pro will spend 10 or 15 minutes absorbing your résumé. Reality check: If you were a Hiring Manager/Recruiter/HR pro, how many seconds would you devote to a 2, 3, or 4 page résumé?
?That “copying and pasting” a résumé from a “free sample” you found online is a good idea for you. Reality Check: Invest the time it takes to copy and paste into creating a unique, distinct résumé document that is a one-of-a-kind, amazing original creation that captures the essence of you in support of your candidacy.
?That “just because” you are a good talker you don’t think you need to practice prior to a professional employment interview. Reality check: While interviewing is a business conversation with a purpose, for many job seekers -- of all ages and abilities – practice pays in many ways!
?That “going to market” before you are ready will result in a desirable outcome. Reality check: Know with clarity and certainty your product’s most valuable features and benefits to derive the greatest return on your product offering.
?That “more is better” – more words in your emails, résumés, and interviews will deliver more of an impact. Reality check: Less is more. Think: tweet.
?That a prospective employer will listen intently to a protracted explanation of your work history, starting from 1978 forward. Reality check: Compress your words into bite-sized chunks of solid evidence directly aligned with your target job to keep the listener engaged and the conversation flowing.
What, if any, “thinking errors” have you experienced only to discover that your thinking wasn’t working to your advantage in this competitive job search world? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
cross-posted billiesucherblog
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