These days, finding a job is hard. In fact, finding the right job is almost as difficult as finding the right life partner. Although people always want to offer helpful advice to those who are trying to find Mr. or Mrs. Right, like “There are plenty of fish in the sea” or “Well, you have to kiss a lot of frogs to find your prince.” These same gems can be used in relation to a job search as well.
If you think about it, dating and job hunting are fairly similar. Just like dating, you first have to go through all of the possibilities to find the ones that are best suited to your skills, interests and talents. Next, you can express interest and offer yourself for consideration. Then comes the sometimes almost painful wait for the phone call and the invitation to sit down and talk about the opportunity. During an interview or a first date, both parties are sizing each other up and trying to determine if the person sitting across from them is someone they want to know more about. If everything goes right, the interview will be followed by a job offer and everyone goes home happy.
Unfortunately, we don't live in a perfect world, and not every job interview or date goes well. Sometimes, you'll have a meeting where there is chemistry and rapport. Things go great and you leave thinking that you just might have found “The One.” You wait by the phone, hoping to get that important call, but instead find out that they decided to go in a different direction. Other times, you'll express interest or apply for a job and never get so much as a “Thanks, but no thanks.”
If you're looking for a job (or a life partner), it's important not to get discouraged. I know it's hard when you get excited by an opportunity, but remember that every interview is a chance to practice your skills. Sometimes, you'll go to an interview and realize that the job just isn't for you, and other times, you'll let nerves get the better of you and mess things up. Either way, don't be too hard on yourself. Just pick yourself up and keep trying.
Just like you have to kiss a lot of frogs to find the prince, you'll have to apply to a lot of jobs to find the right one. Remember that even if your next interview doesn't result in a job offer, you've had a chance to make your pitch and you've found one more job you don't want. With hard work and a little luck, you'll find the right opportunity for you and make a connection that will last.
What do you think? Have you had to interview at several places before you found the right fit? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
Image source: OpenClipArt
Become a member to take advantage of more features, like commenting and voting.
Register or sign in today!