A Successful Job Search And Guns N’ Roses

If you are not a Guns N’ Roses fan or if you are not even sure who they are, this band had a huge hit in 1989 called “Patience”.  The song, written by rhythm guitarist Izzy Stradlin, made it to #4 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Now before I go on, I realize that some of my posts are different from the traditional posts (titles and content) that you may find on all the great job search sites out there.  In search of a way to be a bit different, I am always looking for ways to “bring these concepts home”.  That’s what made job search fun and interesting for me last year and it’s also what makes writing this blog so much fun.

So back to patience.

I was driving in the car near work a few days ago and came upon a yellow light. Being the safe and reasonable Dad with three kids and a wife who loves me, I stopped.  Well, the person behind me must not have had the same considerations because, according to my rear view mirror, she was like an angry bunny (hopping mad).  In fact, she was clearly beside herself, even to the point of angrily gesticulating (painful as it may sound).  The instant (literally) the light turned green she was on the horn.

I thought to myself – “we are in two very different places right now”.  A very zen moment, don’t you think?  She’s in a rush and I’m not.  She’s impatient and I am OK with waiting.

Then I thought, the shoe was on the other foot last year when I was interviewing for jobs.  There were times that I was highly impatient.  I had expectations that weren’t being met and, even worse, there was often no tangible evidence as to why.  If I look back now on those times and on the many years that I have been and continue to be a hiring manager, I have always been quite patient.  While I would like to get the new position hired, I know that I can wait until I find the right person.  Plus, I am distracted by a whole slew of meetings and to do’s.

This is often not a luxury enjoyed by the job seeker.  Especially if money is running out.  I get that one.

But patience is of high value to the psychology of a successful job search.  The benefits include:

1. a calm and cool demeanor - expresses a confidence
2. negotiating strength – positions you as an equal partner in deciding your next role
3. positioned as a sought after commodity – you have options

In the end, patience sets you apart in the mind of the HR folks and the hiring manager because you are, uniquely, not calling every day and e-mailing with a status request.