Lessons come in different sizes. When we’re talking about a job search, a lesson might come in the form of a bad career move or the loss of a good chance to network. Ideally, a job search makes you stronger because it gives you a sense of independence and the vulnerably you need to ask for help.
A job search is a dance of balance.
The lessons you experience firsthand usually make the most impact — just ask anyone who has made an honest mistake in the workplace.
A couple of months ago at a seminar, I overheard a group of job candidates talking about their job search. All sorts of lessons were coming out the conversation. One candidate said she could do better at reaching out to others rather than relying on applying for positions. Others agreed and made similar comments, but one participant shared his surprise at getting a job lead while waiting in a long line — from a person he didn’t know.
His lesson came as a complete surprise, because he was not looking for a job.
One day, while waiting in a long line, he overheard a stranger in front of him talking about the economy and the latest statistics on the workforce. They exchanged pleasantries, which lead to question: Where do you work?
The job candidate answered with an introduction that focused on the field he was interested in.
The surprise part? He was exchanging pleasantries with a manager who was getting ready to hire for next year and … you guessed it … was looking for someone with the candidate’s background. Business cards were exchanged, and a meeting was planned for the following week.
His story might sound like one in million, but it actually happens more often than you think. In fact, leads happen when you least expect them.
The biggest lessons for job seekersinvolve keeping an open mind, realizing that job searching happens where you least expect it and being prepared for those opportunities to for conversation.
Here are some things that can be learned from the experience of the man waiting in line:
• Informal meetings are powerful and can happen anywhere — even in long lines.
• Be willing to listen and add to conversations.
• Be prepared to present a career direction.
• Long lines call for patience, and patience can be sensed by those around you. (Stress-interview settings strive to get reactions like this from potential candidates).
• Have business cards on hand, and be adaptable to an unexpected meeting.
• Job searching happens when you are not focused on the search. This can be counter intuitive.
• Be open to using more than one job-search method. What worked for you in the past might not work today.
What job search lessons would you like to pass on to others?
