Happy Job, Happy Life!

I am not one to share a lot about my personal life online, but I recently found the topic of reflecting, researching, and planning to be very relevant. You see, my lovely fiancé and I are currently in the stages of wedding planning! And given what I do for a living, I could not help and see parallels between planning a job change and planning a nuptial celebration. Both are HUGE life steps, and both require making important decisions … If you are considering making a job change (and/or planning a wedding-- I don’t suggest you do both at the same time!!), check out the following high-level steps to take:

Reflect, Reflect, and Reflect!
Due to some inner-reflection, I realized that I wanted to fully share my life with my now-fiancé...When it comes to your career, take the needed time to figure out who you are, what you want, and what is missing in your current professional situation?  As Sally Bill, founder of ‘Engaging Minds’ says: “What’s important to in your professional career? What energizes you professionally?”

Make the Time & Emotional Commitments… and be Patient!
Boy, has our patience been tested in the last few months! From picking out a venue (that didn’t work out at first) to flowers, to photographers …Job-hunting will also prove to be a roller coaster of activity and emotions. Some weeks will be filled with emails, calls and interviews, and others--crickets!  [Ahem, I happen to know the name of a greatrecruiter/firm who can help speed the process along.]

Do Your Research
My fiancé and I practically consider ourselves experts on wedding reception venues in the Tri-State area! As a result, we really know what we like and want for our special day ... List all pros and cons about your current situation, and figure out what is missing and what the “must-haves” are for your next opportunity. The list should include: Your strengths (and weaknesses), accomplishments, interests, likes, work style, culture fit, etc.

Prepare Your “Toolbox”
Pinterest, wedding magazines, notebooks – my fiancé is armed and organized! …Your own “toolbox” should include: an enticing, chronological career elevator pitch, an up-to-date resume and LinkedIn profile, cover letter, references, and any other documents that will help while interviewing. Whether you are a veteran in planning a job change or not, be sure to use every resource available.

Plan of Attack
This is where the fun begins! … Start scouring the internet for roles and companies that are hiring professionals with your skill set. Search job boards, LinkedIn, company and recruiter websites, career centers, etc. Take the time to dig into the companies and their employees, be sure your findings match your wish lists. Yet, it is also important to be flexible when considering applying to ‘somewhat’ matching employers.

Persistence
My fiancé did not find her wedding dress on her first (or even second) try... A successful job hunter is consistently filling out applications. Be professional but also persistent. The biggest mistake here is applying and then passively waiting for a response. Follow up is a vital part of a successful job search, and is undeniably critical to getting an interview.

Planning is definitely underrated. I look at my bride-to-be and sometimes think “look how far we have come!”… We certainly would not be where we are today without some major reflection and planning. As they say – “Happy Wife, Happy Life”!

I hope your future is bright and happy too!

-Nick