In sales, they say you pitch a hundred times and most of the times you get a "no." So it seems with job hunting. Luckily, in job hunting you only need one "sale" to go through, and then you pause on "pitching" for a while.
Although, that said, you're always building your network, and setting yourself up for the next step in your career. You're keeping your marketing materials ready and you have a good interview suit in the closet. You keep up on the latest in your industry and function, because that's just part of your day to day.
And yet, pitching is something you do less frequently than salespeople in general. So "no" feels a little more personal at times, than you'd like it to feel. I've now applied for over 50 positions, some of which I thought I was ideal for. Some I thought were a stretch (rejection on those hurts less) and many that I thought, "I've done exactly that already and it'll serve as a platform for growth in the company." I had one interview for a place I LOVED.
All the communications after have been in the realm of, "after thoughtful consideration of your credentials, we decided to go with another candidate." Ouch. Even the form emails sting. And yet, the only thing to do, is to dust off, look at the listings again at target companies, look at the aggregated listings, research the companies, and fill out the 20 minute questionnaires, customize the cover letter and resume and submit again and again. I notice at least 2-3 opportunities that I like each day so I'm reaching out.
And, I try to identify someone in my network who might be able to put in a word with the recruiter at that company in charge of screening for the role.
I've never worked so hard, and some days it's just plain challenging. Yet I think of the end result and try to enjoy the moments. It's fun learning about companies and catching up with people in my network. And this dark night of the soul will be twice brighter once I have a new full-time role.
Here's to your job hunting.
Although, that said, you're always building your network, and setting yourself up for the next step in your career. You're keeping your marketing materials ready and you have a good interview suit in the closet. You keep up on the latest in your industry and function, because that's just part of your day to day.
And yet, pitching is something you do less frequently than salespeople in general. So "no" feels a little more personal at times, than you'd like it to feel. I've now applied for over 50 positions, some of which I thought I was ideal for. Some I thought were a stretch (rejection on those hurts less) and many that I thought, "I've done exactly that already and it'll serve as a platform for growth in the company." I had one interview for a place I LOVED.
All the communications after have been in the realm of, "after thoughtful consideration of your credentials, we decided to go with another candidate." Ouch. Even the form emails sting. And yet, the only thing to do, is to dust off, look at the listings again at target companies, look at the aggregated listings, research the companies, and fill out the 20 minute questionnaires, customize the cover letter and resume and submit again and again. I notice at least 2-3 opportunities that I like each day so I'm reaching out.
And, I try to identify someone in my network who might be able to put in a word with the recruiter at that company in charge of screening for the role.
I've never worked so hard, and some days it's just plain challenging. Yet I think of the end result and try to enjoy the moments. It's fun learning about companies and catching up with people in my network. And this dark night of the soul will be twice brighter once I have a new full-time role.
Here's to your job hunting.
Comments