Embarking on a job search or considering a career change?
You might feel short on finite resources like time, money or energy. But one thing you’re sure to find in plentiful supply: advice.
Well-intentioned advice isn’t always good advice.
Family and friends might confidently offer strategies, tips and advice that worked for them. But that doesn’t mean they’ll work for you. Advice can be outdated, irrelevant or flat-out wrong.
How can you sift through all the tips, advice and strategies — both in real life and online?
Filter Through a Lens of Perspective
Family and friends want to help. They want to see you land a job in a career you love. Usually.
Sometimes, though, their own agendas get in the way. A parent might encourage you to take a job — any job — to get you off their “payroll.” A spouse might push you to accept a job because it offers excellent health insurance benefits for the family. A friend or former colleague might urge you to consider a career that would allow you to spend more time together.
Related: Parents: Get Out of the Way
Their fears or jealousies might also interfere. People who say “You’re too old” (or too anything, for that matter) are usually projecting their own insecurities.
Put what others think in the passenger seat; remember, you’re the driver. Only you know what’s right for you in a job or career. While people might offer advice with the best of intentions, you can appreciate their desire to offer help, but you’re under no obligation to take it.
Don’t Believe Everything You Read
The same goes for content you find online. Some advice might bode well for people searching for jobs in specific industries or geographic locations, and not others. Some authors might be more qualified than others to offer effective tips and proven strategies.
If you’re looking for sound advice from credible experts, the Internet is full of it — so long as you know how to separate them from the influencers and wannabes. The rise of social media has brought fame and fortune to influencers in just about every field. But the size of one’s social media following alone doesn’t necessarily translate into expertise.
Here are some things to consider in vetting job search and career advice from online experts:
Credibility — Who’s the author, and are they qualified to address this topic? If you’re reading material on an expert’s website or social media page, check out their bio. Are they credentialed and/or experienced in career coaching, resume writing, assessments, professional networking, recruiting or human resources? Is there a not-so-hidden agenda, or is the content truly aimed at educating and helping readers? And can you easily find valuable, relevant testimonials, either by peers, industry professionals, or satisfied clients?
Visibility — Does the author have a strong online presence? Reputable experts don’t hide. They usually have a website and at least some digital footprint. Although social media followership on its own isn’t an accurate reflection of credibility, experts in job search strategies and/or career exploration will likely be active on LinkedIn at the very minimum. Do a Google search and see what other articles, references or websites come up for the author’s name.
Timeliness — New information is published every day, but that doesn’t mean the outdated stuff goes away. Some job-search and career-related advice stands the test of time, while some quickly become outdated. Be especially careful with tips relating to constantly evolving technology or standards such as resume best practices or LinkedIn guidelines.
Welcome Support
Sometimes it’s not advice you need most, but rather, support. Family, friends and people in your professional community can be wonderful sources of:
Emotional support — Job searches can be an emotional roller coaster. Those close to you can help you ride the waves of excitement and disappointment, sometimes by just being there for you with a real or virtual hug, reassurance of your value, and encouragement to carry on.
Objective feedback — Need another set of eyes to proofread a cover letter or something you’re posting to your LinkedIn profile? Asking someone you trust to take an objective look at anything you send to a prospective employer (or put out there in the world for anyone to read) can help you avoid embarrassing mistakes like typos or misspelled words.
Subjective feedback — Former colleagues, associates and teachers or professors (depending on the stage of your career) can shed incredible light on your strengths, often in a way that can be very validating … and sometimes surprising!
Networking opportunities — Sometimes it’s not what — but who — you know that lands you the job, or at least gets you in the door for an interview. Research estimates that somewhere between 60 – 80 percent of jobs are found through networking. From circulating your handbill to facilitating an informational interview, family, friends and people in your professional community can exponentially expand your network. The bigger your network, the greater your chances of learning about an opportunity before it’s posted online.
While making heads or tails of job search and career-related advice can be dizzying, becoming a discerning consumer of information is a highly valuable skill. Consider it one that will serve you well, beyond job search or career change.
As you selectively listen to or read advice from others, allow yourself to be open to possibilities. Read about, listen to and learn from others’ experiences. Even if a particular strategy isn’t relevant or helpful, it could spark an idea that could work for you. You never know what you might discover … or where it may lead.
A sound strategy is the foundation of a successful job search.
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