Myths & Realities of Career Search – Myth 1

By Clyde C. Lowstuter

Entering and ExitingOver the next few weeks, I’m going to be presenting a series of blogs about the myths and realities of the search process that will help fuel your own successful career transition.

Myth 1:  It’s far better to look for a job when you have a job.

The basis for this common myth is several fold:  there’s a belief that if you are employed you are more powerful and confident; you can be more selective because you will not be forced to accept a job if it isn’t the right fit; search firms have a bias against people in transition.  However, staying in your company does not always guarantee job hunting success. Some clients have deliberately exited their companies because their jobs or boss have changed, or they were miserable and ineffective as the political infighting and bullying was too oppressive.  Remaining in such an environment was exacting such a high emotional toll that it was immediately seen and felt by others as lack of confidence and credibility.

Reality:  It’s all about what you believe and how you behave.

The reason why this myth is so widespread has more to do with people’s sense of personal worth and value.

People take their cues from you.  If you behave in a bold, confident, and authentic manner you’ll clearly communicate that you currently have or can generate many options in the marketplace – employed or not.  Keep in mind, regardless of varied marketplace biases (real or imagined), you will be selected for a meaningful role based on your personal chemistry and competency – not your employment status.

We don’t believe in this myth . . . and neither should you.

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This Post Has 3 Comments

  1. Ed Kraus

    I needed to read your myth buster # 1. Occasionally I find myself internalyzing my employment status as a personal flaw.

  2. Clyde Lowstuter

    Greetings Ed – You are not alone. When in transition, the common reaction is to focus on the negatives and blame yourself. There is a significant difference between focusing solely on beating yourself up for your “failure” versus taking complete accountability for your condition. People are terminated not for the lack of competency (in the vast majority of cases), but rather they exit the company for the lack of personal chemistry or lack of widespread organizational endorsement. Complete Worksheet #1 – You’ve Created Where You Are in my book, In Search of the Perfect Job. FYI – worksheets are downloadable for FREE from the R|L website. You’ll discover that you probably had already left, but weren’t aware of it!

    Several tips: Be other-focused, not self-focused – help someone else in need. You’ll find that as you give, you’ll get a lot more in return. Make a long list of all the things you are good at. Make another, equally long list of all the things for which you are grateful. Get up and get moving – exercise is directly related to feelings of well being. I’m rooting for you! Best – Clyde

  3. Don Skelton

    Recently receive feedback from a former owner of an advertising agency identifying weakness associated with branding message carried on most CV’s and then reflected on profile page on LinkedIn, website etc. Getting professional help may be key to achieving career goals.

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