What do the job search & toddler snack time have in common?

Let's talk job search & toddler snacks - here's the thing… 

You can plan & plan & plan, but you can't control the outcome.

Again, You. Can't. Control. The. Outcome. 

Let's start with toddler snacks…

1. I know what's expected of me (provide snacks)

2. I know who I'm meeting with (my kiddos)

3. I know what they're looking for (their snack of choice)

I don't know…

1. What kind of mood they're in when I get to preschool pick up

2. What they already ate (even though I know the menu, I have no idea what they consumed)

3. How they got along with their friends

Now the job search…

1. You prepared & you know what they're looking for (read the job description & researched the company)

2. You know who you're meeting with in the interviews (and you looked 'em up on LinkedIn)

3. You practice & knock it out of the park in the interviews

BUT sometimes you don't get the job: 

• There's an internal candidate

• Another candidate has a skill you don't

• They decide filling the position's not a priority at this time

Whatever it is - there are SO MANY THINGS that are part of the job search that are out of your control. But those are the things folks get hung up on. 

Here's a few ways to keep your mind right  during the job search: 

• Check your mindset. What story are you telling yourself? One “no” does not need to be the beginning of a spiral.

• Remember. If you put together a strong application, showed up polished to the interview & networked a bit, then you've done what you could control to be successful.

• Use it as a learning experience. Think of this as a “not right now,” rather than a hard “no.” What could you do to strengthen your candidacy - is there a certification they mentioned that you don't have? Can you share a relevant article with the hiring manager & keep in touch? Or, did you learn something about the company that's actually a bit of a red flag “everyone's great & always pitches in with the last minute late nights!” ← listen to those alarm bells, ya'll!

Don't be shy, share this blog with someone who could use a pick me up during their job or promotion hunt!