Why your job search shouldn’t be a rush to the finish line

If you are in the midst of a job search, you may feel a sense of anxiety and urgency. Even if you are currently employed, you may feel the same.

Maybe your new boss isn’t as nice as your former boss, and you feel less secure about your future as a result. Or you and your colleagues may feel disturbed by a recent acquisition and don’t know what to do next.

Whatever the reason, if you let these feelings get the best of you, you may lose sight of best practices for career planning. In doing so, you rush in hoping that if you just push hard and fast, the finish line will show up.

But as most people find during their transition, speed is not their friend. If you move too fast, you haven’t clarified where you want to go, and therefore you may end up back where you started, or worse.

Below are the top three ways that rushing your job search can derail your results:

01.your career portfolio is out of date.

You have arranged the perfect interview through someone in your network. Because you rushed, you don’t have an up-to-date resume or LinkedIn profile. So you craft something that drips with clichés describing you as a seasoned professional and quick learner in a fast-paced environment.

Your unique value is nowhere to be found.

While this little document may seem insignificant at first, especially if you were recommended by a friend, it may very well make the difference to the executive or board member reviewing your resume.

02.your interview skills are rusty.

When the question “Tell me about yourself” is asked, start with a five-minute speech detailing your recent projects, but fail to explain why that experience is relevant to the company’s needs. Research possible questions before the interview and practice your answers.

03.you are not emotionally prepared for the change.

If you rush the process, you have not taken the time to go within yourself and clarify your thoughts and feelings. By going through a preparation process that includes articulating your goals today (compared to five years ago) and highlighting your successes, you will refine your thoughts. In this way, you can steer yourself and your career conversations in the right direction.

Go to https://findmyjob.lk/ to find recent jobs openings.