I recently had the privilege of connecting with my former manager turned mentor, Gregory Krupkin, and our conversation sparked some valuable insights as I navigate my next career move. I realized that one key aspect I needed to address was maintaining focus throughout my job search journey.
You see, Greg posed a thought-provoking question: “Which companies do you truly aspire to work for?” Initially, I didn’t have a concrete list, but upon reflecting that evening, I recognized that I did have a mental inventory. However, I hadn’t made the effort to consolidate it into a tangible document that would help me stay on track.
Lack of focus has always been a challenge for me—I affectionately call it “squirrel vision,” much to the amusement of my wife, who believes it also affects my various household projects. (Perhaps I inherited this trait from my grandpa Jack Jones!) It’s that uncanny ability to start one task, spot another that demands attention, and abandon the initial project to pursue the new one. Before you know it, you’re left with a collection of unfinished endeavors and a family left somewhat exasperated by the ongoing home improvement chaos. (Well, maybe not that dramatic, but it adds a touch of humor, doesn’t it? 😊)
Now, you may wonder how this relates to my job search. Well, when you have pressing deadlines looming, such as the need to secure employment and meet financial obligations, it becomes all too easy to let emotions cloud your judgment. However, emotions, other than passion, are the last things you need in your search.
The key is to narrow down your options. Whether it’s because you genuinely believe in the products a company offers (take, for instance, Axon and their invaluable work with our first responders) or because they have a role that perfectly aligns with your customer-centric interests (as demonstrated by Perficient and Presidio), you need to create a targeted list. This way, you can focus your efforts and avoid the scattergun approach of mass application submissions and generic resumes. Instead, concentrate on those specific companies, network with individuals who can connect you to them and their hiring managers, and embrace the adage of quality over quantity.
Greg’s advice resonated with me profoundly. Although it may seem simple on the surface, it truly helped me tune out the noise and zero in on the direction I want to steer my career.
So, as you embark on your own job hunting journey, remember to stay focused, drown out distractions, and pursue your desired career path with determination. Wishing you a successful search and an exceptional day ahead!
Best regards,
Jack
#jobsearch #stayfocused #squirrel
Originally posted on LinkedIn on June 14th, 2023
Image credit – https://unsplash.com/@vincentvanzalinge
