Landing the Perfect Job

In previous posts, I wrote about the following:

Your engagement level at work (“I Hate My Job”)
Top reasons people are disengaged (“Why People Quit”)
Things to consider when leaving (“How to Quit Your Job”)

Now I will provide foundational tips to ensure you land the perfect job.

Tip #1 There is no such thing as a perfect job

You might be saying, “Shawn, I know there is such a thing as the perfect job because I have friends who have them and they are very happy.” You may have even had a perfect job yourself, at one time. I’m here to tell you it wasn’t the job that was perfect…it was your attitude. You told yourself enough supporting evidence to confirm you were in the right place, making the right money, working for the right manager, receiving the right benefits. This is known as confirmation bias. The truth is, God puts us exactly where we are supposed to be at just the right time, every time…even if the job doesn’t seem so amazing at first. Consider the power of gratitude and look for how you can transform your thinking in order to transform your life. A great job is waiting for you.

Tip #2 God is with you – ask for wisdom

This is such a prominent theme in the scriptures I won’t write out the passages but I will give you a few of my favorites to reference. Read these often and take them with you on your search for that exciting new role.

Joshua 1:9
Deuteronomy 31:6
Isaiah 41:10
Psalm 23:4
Zephaniah 3:17

And don’t forget to ask Him for wisdom along the way (James 1:5).

Tip #3 It’s a numbers game

In my three-part blog “Career Breakthroughs: Is Prayer Enough?” [here] I discuss the importance of Asking, Seeking and Knocking. I show how this teaching from Jesus demonstrates activity, vigilance and focused effort. Too many times we Christians sit and wait for God to drop something out of the sky into our lap. We let fear take control as we tell ourselves things like “there are not enough jobs out there,” or “I don’t have the skill set to demand a higher salary,” or “the only way to get into this company is if you know someone,” or “no-one is going to hire an executive who just got fired,” etc. These thoughts don’t serve you well. Look for the job you want knowing that God has given us an abundant economic marketplace. Not only is there something ideal waiting for you, there are dozens of ideal opportunities. Go get one.

Tip #4 Be energetic and confident throughout the interview process

If you’ve seen the video on the front page of my website, you know I reference Warren Buffett, a prolific entrepreneurs and business magnate. He says one of the most important qualities he looks for when interviewing someone is a high level of energy. Companies want professionals who are confident and energetic steering their ship. Be confident as you look for the right career. Use great eye contact. Give a firm handshake. Smile as you meet each new interviewer. Show them you are excited to be with them.

Tip #5 Use the best resource available – the internet

Google is your friend. Ask for help. (It can be a different search engine other than Google of course.) Type any question you have about anything related to anything and you will get some great results to help you. If you are not sure where to start searching for a job, type it into Google, “Where do I start searching for a job?” If you want to know the best ways to network that will improve success, type it into Google, “How do I network to increase my chances of getting a job?” If you want the best resume possible, type it into Google, “What’s the best resume format available?” People everywhere successfully change careers and write about it. There are books and blogs and papers and articles galore. This is “seeking” in the Ask-Seek-Knock directive from Jesus.

Tip #6 Make sure your image is attractive

When I say attractive I don’t mean in a sexual way. I am talking about making sure your brand (how you appear professionally to the world) is a quality brand in all the ways you want quality from the products or services you consume. Make LinkedIn and your resume sharp and clean (and that includes a quality photo). Take down any posts (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Vine, Flickr, Google+ etc.) that paint you in a negative light (although as Christians this should not be that difficult.) Ask people for feedback on how you come across in person and on line. Dress professionally with modesty and clothing that not only fits but is current.

Tip #7 Use a tracking tool

Knowing it’s a numbers game means it can get pretty confusing trying to keep every application, reference or network connection straight. Use a simple system that works for you. Track the jobs you want by company name, job title, date you applied, where you found the job, link to the job description and notes about the job. Since I always recommend electronic tools, this can be done using Excel, Google Docs, OneNote, Word, Pages, EverNote, Zoho, etc. When you start getting call-backs, you can quickly reference all the details you need.

Tip #8 Consider a Career Transition Coach

This is not a shameless plug for Motivationeer™. This is a reminder that coaching is not just for athletes and musicians. There are people like me who are experts at helping people like you ensure success. As a Christian Executive Coach I keep the focus on God’s plan and honoring Christ throughout the journey. The return on your investment, especially when looking for a new job, will be easy to calculate too. If you are interested, go to the Contact page and send me a note.

“Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name be the glory, because of your love and your faithfulness!” – Psalm 115:1