Job Searching & Not Settling

whitneysavageau
Sep 21, 2020
3 min read

lets face it, no one likes filling out applications or doing the same thing over again countless times. most of us, would like to just want to snap our fingers and have what we want (I know sometimes I sure do). But we do have to recognize that the work does eventually pay off.

I figured, since i'm out looking again for another position and going through job loss (a second time, covid having a lack of positions, and the stress of finding something you actually care about) that i would write more and maybe help some of you out as well. or at most, get my thoughts out so I can reflect on this again.

Prevention from getting overwhelmed

- when applying for jobs keep it to a couple a day.. filling out countless applications and writing cover letters can get exhausting and overwhelming.

- if you fill out multiple in a day, take the next day to review them to make sure the information is correct and its personalized how you want it.

- get it done while or right after you have your morning coffee; getting it done in the morning will help you feel more accomplished.

- don't leave it till the end of the day, when you want to relax and watch a movie is the last time that you want to be filling out and writing applications.

- ask others for help, if you need it. have others review your applications/cover letters

- don't forget about other connections or reaching out on social media, explaining your looking for a new position and are open to other opportunities

The Search

the amount of positions out there are endless (if its not something you really want anyway). the key is to narrow down at least a few things you'd be okay with doing. for example: i want to do something with art and design, that is a huge range of things. from interior design, to graphic design, showroom sales, kitchen and bath design, (i could go on..) but once you narrow down just a few positions, it can help you focus on what you would actually enjoy. make a list of the jobs that have openings that you think you would like and look up the company, see if its one you and your values agree with.

tip: if you don't care much about writing a cover letter for the position and aren't excited to get into a new position/office, that one might not be for you. trust your intuition.

What to/ Not to accept

if the position you applied for is not the one you end up interviewing for. (or in my case, was changed 2 more times after you go though the interview) that seems as a red flag. don't be afraid during the interview to ask if the position is still available or if it is at a different location. if you know you will be unhappy, don't take the position.

if you have a position that offers you a little less money than the previous one at the start, but you'll enjoy it, its still okay to take it. always ask if there are other promotions down the road or schedule a timeline to talk with your supervisor about raises at quarterly /yearly discussions.

tip: being upfront about compensation and growth in the company during the interview process is never a bad thing.

Not getting stuck in a position

getting into a position that you might take as 'part time till you find something else' is easy to get stuck in. or even if its a position that you want to just grow and gain experience from. make sure you set yourself a timeline or a reminder on your calendar of your goals and where you want to be. if you need to get a job you don't love because you need to pay bills, its understandable, but don't stop looking at other positions or job opportunities in other places.

tip: set reminders on your phone or calendar. give yourself a timeline, how much/ what you want to accomplish before moving onto another position. ask someone else to help hold you to your word about not staying somewhere you don't want to 'be forever'.

Starting over VS Settling

"Starting over" happens. that's how I feel now. although I am aware I have past experience and skills that have advanced, when you get let go from a job sometimes it feels like you have to start over. (or even if you're leaving a job that no longer suits you. sometimes, like myself currently, you need a job because you're not getting unemployment and you need to pay bills. take something part time, part time positions are helpful when it comes to not getting stuck.

tip: find similar positions or internships that help you advance but don't make you feel like you can't leave or get to something you really enjoy.