Ever Try To Put A Sock On A Wet Foot?

So, the other morning I had an experience that I hesitate to share with you.  It is a bit embarrassing.

But here goes. Because, yes, there is a job search lesson involved. So despite any disfiguring impact to my character, I will share it. My sacrifice for you.

It all happened about 3 minutes after completing my shower. I did everything correct up until one critical mistake.  You see, I did a very poor job drying my feet.

How did I figure it out?

It felt like someone had stapled the top of my sock to my toes. I could not get the sock beyond my mid-foot (I’m sure that is called something else) and getting the sock to my heel was looking next to impossible.

I tried all the logical things to fix the problem:

1. I pulled like crazy.
2. I jumped up and down (violently hitting the dresser).
3. I twisted the sock left and right (after all, that works to get two buckets unstuck).
4. I tried to quietly inch the sock slowly up over the toes
5. I asked my daughter to try from another angle

Of course, this was a complete failure.  And at this point, I’m spent.  Arms are tired, sweating at the brow and somewhat unhappy at my inability to perform a basic task.

I must be getting old.

But the reality is that I already knew the solution.  I knew it the second I pulled on the sock for the first time.  I needed to dry my foot.  Buy that would involve giving up.  And I don’t like to give up.  I’m stubborn.

So the lessons here are:

(1) Avoid doing things the hard way.  If something feels really hard, stop doing it and think about a better way.

(2) Think of a more efficient way.  Choose to do things that deliver value each and every time you do them.  And if the value isn’t there, stop it!

Now some examples of where you might be trying to “put a sock on a wet foot” in job search:

1. Applying For Jobs When You Are Not Qualified

When you do this, your resume stands out in the wrong way. It is among the many that were obviously sent without the candidate reading the job description.  How else could the resume be such a poor match for the job?  Of course, you can look to adjacent industries and identify jobs that are one concentric circle away from your strengths and experience.  But venture too far away and you are wasting everyone’s time.

2.  Applying For Jobs That Aren’t There

I’m all for networking into target companies and looking for opportunities to do informational interviews.  Those are great ways, especially early on in your search, to set the stage for jobs that come up down the road.  But if you are sending resumes out to companies that do not have a job for you, is that really a good use of your time?

3. Stretching The Truth On A Resume And/Or In An Interview

I know you want to sound more complete.  More experienced.  You really wish you had a big achievement at your last company to scream about.  But maybe you weren’t there long enough or it was not a good experience.  So what do you say when asked about your accomplishments there?  Can you embellish a story to look just a bit better?  Can you add yourself to a successful project when you were just a bystander?  No, you can’t.  It will be uncomfortable – especially if a smart interviewer asks a few tough questions.

4. Attending Networking Events That Just Aren’t Working

If you are not building new relationships.  If you are not meeting quality people.  If it is really more about socializing and drinking.  Don’t go.  Stay home with your family.  Find a place where you can become a part of the fabric.  A place where you can volunteer and help others.  A place where new members are always joining and looking for networking partners.  A place where people will hold you accountable.

5. Looking For A Job Exclusively On Monster.com

No one still does this, right?  Literally? No.  But there are some I’ve spoken to who admit to spending the better part of a morning “surfing for jobs”.  To me, that’s close to “exclusive”.  Because it creates a hermit-like environment.  If you start your day in very passive way, you’ll likely end it that way.  I’d rather you do your internet work in the evening.  Instead, start your day with a run, a kick boxing class or a 7:00 AM coffee meeting.

6. E-mailing Recruiters Every Week To See If There Are Any New Jobs

As I’ve said before, recruiters perform a vital function for companies.  They are experts in finding talent.  And they will find you if they need you.  Through referrals, an internet search or a random phone call (especially if you are working).  You marketing to them does little good.  Now, getting in their database is another source of leads for them.  So be sure to do that.  Once complete, however, back off and don’t be a pest.

There are many other examples of where you can follow a stubborn path in job search.  You may have a few of your own.

If you have identified some you’ve followed in your past or have one that this article exposed, share it with me as a comment below.  I’d love to hear from you!

Oh, and remember to dry your feet.  You’ll thank me later.

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