Career Concepts logo (white)

What You Can and Can’t Control in Your Job Search

Most of us have gone through a job application process where you think you are perfectly qualified and say all the right things in the interview, only to end up being passed over for someone else.

It’s important to note that trying to get a new job isn’t like buying a car or booking a trip! All the research and preparation in the world won’t always result in you getting exactly what you want. There are so many things outside of your control in the typical job search, including the kinds of jobs available, competition for those jobs and even your interviewer’s mood on that day.

Therefore, its best to dedicate your time and energy to parts of the process you can control. Here are a few things you can stop worrying about on your next job search:

What jobs are out there

Occasionally, the exact job opening you’re looking for will be available at the perfect time. Other times, internet job boards will only have outdated postings while everyone in your professional network says no one they know is hiring. The fact is that you can’t will the perfect job opening into existence.

However, you can make progress in other areas of your search and prepare for an opportunity so you’ll be ready when one does come along. Updating your resume, refining your LinkedIn profile, networking and gaining valuable skills all put you into a better position than just sitting on your couch and lamenting the lack of opportunities out there.

Sometimes, your competition for a job is simply more qualified than you, and other times you might be over qualified. Perhaps you applied to an entry-level job despite having years of experience simply because you were looking for a foot in the door and the hiring manager didn’t think you’d be challenged enough. Or, the person who got the job had a friend within the organization who gave them a glowing recommendation.

Your area of expertise

While you can’t control who gets picked for a job and who doesn’t, stressing out over the competition isn’t productive. Instead, focus on being the best applicant you possibly can! Prepare and practice as much as possible. Get used to talking about yourself in a way that feels natural, highlighting your experience, interests and examples of past successes.

And if you don’t get the job, ask the hiring manager for constructive feedback so you can learn something for your next interview. Don’t take this criticism personally!

At Career Concepts, we work with job seekers to locate job opportunities and prepare for in-person interviews. Please contact us today to find out how we can help your career.

Blog published date

Oct 05, 2017
Share this blog
Categories

Career Concepts Blog

Business employees engaging in a meeting
19 Mar, 2024
Learn essential strategies for setting clear and realistic expectations in the workplace. Enhance communication, productivity, and team dynamics effectively.
HR manager talking to an employee
05 Mar, 2024
Explore the essential functions of HR. From talent acquisition to employee development and support, uncover the pivotal role of human resources.
Share by: