Writer, Agilist, Elder Geek
One thing I rarely talk about – probably as it seems obvious – is there is one thing you have to have to move forward in your career. There is one key, one power, one trait you need to cultivate and use.
I don't talk about it nearly enough.
That trait? Imagination.
We all know the story – Networking is the best way to get a job. Indeed every study I've seen indicates this is true. I know people whose jobs have come from networking – in some cases, people I helped out.
So you know the drill, Networking good.
However, I also know people that have gotten great jobs via want ads, the whole standard mail a resume thing. Good jobs. Career defining jobs. The majority of their jobs.
So I asked myself about why some people really DO make want ads pay off again and again, and I've come to the conclusion that there's a Want Ad Paradox – and some people manage to navigate it.
The Paradox of Want Ads in a nutshell is this:
So the paradox is one of inefficiency versus ease. In short, Want Ads are inefficient, but easy to use.
People effective at using Want Ads are people who have perfected the search process, have a good resume or set of resumes, and a good cover letter or set of cover letters. In short, they overcome the inefficiency of want ads by being able to get good resumes and cover letters out fast and efficiency.
I'm still big on networking, and frankly think that it's going to get more important over time. But the Want Ad search, done right, has a place in people's career searches – if they know how to make it work fast and efficiently.
ADDENDUM: I'd also note one advantage of the Want Ad search is you'll meet many recruiters, whom you can network with or find out about unposted and new positions. That may up the value of the search for people – and ironically turn it into networking.
– Steven Savage
Everything comes and goes in the cycles of life. We, careerists and professionals, are used to trying to figure these cycles out to ride them – or run from them.
Now and then, we end up at a difficult period in our lives when the various forces in our lives are at a crossroads, things end, and we're trying to get a handle on what's next.
So today's challenge? Ask yourself what is on hold in your life – and that should stay on hold.
Take a look at your career goals – what is on hold now and why? Of these events on hold, what are ones where you need to apply timing – to wait for an economic change, someone to return from a trip, etc. What parts of your great life plan just happen to be caught up in the cycles of change.
Now for a second part – what of these "on hold" goals should you NOT try and tackle? Are there things that, if you try and ram them ahead, you'll only end up in trouble?
What in short, are you just going to be bet off waiting on? As much as people that try and encourage others on their career (like me) push you, sometimes you gotta wait.
– Steven Savage