3 Small Ways to Make a Big Impact on Your Job Search
Hustle beats talent when talent doesn’t hustle
- Ross Simmonds
Every day, but right now in particular, there are 2 main camps when it comes to the job search. The “Wait & See” camp & the “Hustle” camp. I understand many reasons why you may feel that you can’t be in the hustle camp. Let me just throw out a few…
There are so many uncertainties right now.
I don’t want to waste my time.
I can’t find another job that pays what mine does.
No one is hiring anyway.
I’m too busy.
I’ll wait until…the pandemic is over, I finish this project at work, I decide what I want to do…
While those may feel like valid reasons for you, they don’t change the fact that the hustlers are out there making moves right now while you’re waiting. You could be the most talented coder, the most engaging trainer, the most creative marketing director, but if you're not hustling right now then that hustle will beat you out. I know this can be an overwhelming shift, but even small actions can move you closer to the hustle
Here are 3 small ways to make a big impact on your job search:
Reconnect with Your Existing Network: Reach out to 1 person each day who you don’t talk with regularly. It doesn’t need to be for anything profound - just say hi and ask how they’re doing. Think about your college roommate or the mom from mommy & me a few years ago who was the director of marketing at a studio. If you know what direction you’re looking to take your career, lean into that, but if that feels too big just start reconnecting with your network.
Update Your Resume: Bite off little chunks day by day. Is your current/most recent position on your resume? If not, just start there. Other items to look at each day: the format, education, your “additional information/skills/misc” section. Do all of these areas best represent the professional you are now and the direction you’re heading in?
Think Positive: If you’re overwhelmed or unmotivated by the job search, this can make the biggest and most immediate difference. Instead of saying “I’m too busy,” say “I have so many new skills & experiences to contribute.” Rather than “I don’t want to waste my time,” say “This is a new opportunity and there is value in whatever I learn from it."
