Say “YES” To Everything During Job Search

Based on the title of this post and having read this blog for a while, you may say:  “What?  I thought we were supposed to be smart with our time.  Efficient.”

All true.  You got me.

But this message today is a little bit different.  And it really hit me yesterday.  After I completed a presentation to the Career Coaching and Counseling Ministry at Saddleback Church on Monday night.

You see, efficiency is critical in job search.  You don’t want to be wasting time on efforts that have a low value or return (e.g. too much time scouring job search engines).  I’d rather have you out networking!

So is it wrong for me to suggest “say yes to everything”?  No.  And here’s why.

1.  Your ability to stay confident, focused and purposed in your search relies upon you having a lot of options.  If you really only have one solid lead for your next job, there is a risk you will be hyper-focused on that job, that company and that hiring team.  So much so that you might over-communicate and, worse, over pursue.  You know how much I warn against appearing desperate?  Only one lead and you are setting yourself up.

2.  You never know where your next job or next lead will come from, right?  So why not, at least initially, follow them all?  I’ll share a few examples below.

3.  It keeps you busy and distracted.  If you are following your heart and looking for “doors and windows” that are slightly ajar, you are less likely to check your e-mail every 5 minutes.  You will be investigating more life leads – not just job leads.  You’ve heard me say before that you cannot look for a job 12-14 hours a day.  So what else do you do during the day?  Try these.

So what I am saying is to have an open posture to ideas or opportunities that aren’t on your list.  I am not saying to apply to every job in your industry.  That is inefficient.

During my 2007 job search, once I had created my marketing materials, built my strategy, informed my network of my availability and refreshed my data with recruiters, I began keeping an eye out for opportunities.

Here’s just a few:

1.  I was playing baseball at the time in a local MSBL league.  And as a pitcher I always used an ice pack device to cool down my arm and shoulder after throwing.  Well, one day after a game I noticed that the manufacturer was right down the street.  So I called them.  Turns out it was a small operation run out of a neighborhood garage.  Well, we met and I proposed some consulting services from myself, a buddy who is a great athlete and a sales guy, and another friend who is a sports therapist.  While we did not end up consulting for them, I followed a hunch and got to use my brain for two weeks doing what I love – marketing and idea generation.  And who knows?  Maybe they learned something from me.

2.  A friend shared with me that an Orange County based gym (Mixed Martial Arts) was looking for a consultant.  Sure, why not?  Long story short, I ended up getting an office there and working for them for 8 weeks (a few hours a day).  I built a strategy recommendation for them that helped drive some new energy and ideas.  All for FREE.  When I am up in Irvine, I still stop in and say hello!

Did either of these lead to jobs?  No.  But while I was focused there I was not hyper-focused on the various leads or companies at various stages of development.  So I followed my gut, kicked open a few doors just to see where they would lead.  And you should too.

Need some more ideas?  Think about three local businesses in your area.  Perhaps it is a small coffee shop or boutique.  A small business you’ve frequented.  Start a conversation with them and maybe, just maybe, they could really use your help.  With advertising, how to network their computer, start up an e-mail newsletter. Maybe you get free coffee for life as your thank you.  Maybe you just get a hug.

But think of how thankful they might be.  How good it will feel to help.  And how nice it will feel to have a break from constantly wondering what’s happening on the job search front.

Now I’m not saying focus solely on free services.  You can certainly consult for a fee.  Nothing wrong with that, of course.  In fact, here’s a prior post that may help you think through the pros and cons of consulting during job search.

So listen to your heart and follow a hunch now and then.  Being open to new experiences and new opportunities made my 2007 job search a really great experience.  And it helped balance out the times when I felt less than my best self.

I suggest you start today. Will you?

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