A important career question – do you seek to transform or validate your your job search? The right mindset will totally flip your success ratio alongside stress levels and wellbeing.
But no beating around the bush, the mental and energy toll of seeking a new job cannot be underestimated for professional and executives.
I see it all the time when people fall into a pit of seIf-doubt and procrastination. It’s human nature to want to feel we are not crazy and useless and not paddling the job search island alone.
You need to do what you need to do to get what you need to get – a job you deserve!
So let me open that door handle for the elephant in the room to the 2 types of job search professionals:
1/ People who want to feel better not do better. They seek validation and comfort.
2/ People who want to do better & step up. They seek transformation and action.
The first group is looking for comfort, reassurance, and justification for why things aren’t working. The second group is open to change, feedback, and, most importantly, action.
⇒ How seeking transformation manifests
When you embrace transformation, you shift from passive frustration to proactive empowerment:
a/ Confidence Grows – You stop second-guessing and start presenting yourself with clarity and conviction.
b/ Action Over Excuses – Instead of dwelling on obstacles, you focus on solutions and next steps.
c/ Adaptability Muscle– You take feedback on board, refine your approach, and stay open to new strategies.
d/ Targeted Networking– You engage in meaningful conversations instead of waiting for opportunities to come to you.
e/ Stronger Career Brand – You craft a compelling, forward-focused narrative that showcases your immense career value. You are not scared of owning and championing your achievements proudly.
f/ Faster Results – Taking consistent, strategic action drives more opportunities and a shorter job search.
⇒ How seeking validation manifests & tips to address
1/ Endless Research, No Action Reading 100s of articles, watching videos and following every job search expert under the sun on LinkedIn. But never applying what you learn. Information overload keeps you in a cycle of preparation rather than execution.
Tip to smash: Pick just 1 strategy and implement it. Whether it’s a tip for you resume, LinkedIn profile or interview answer. Just bloody do some small action
2/ Cycle of Complaining You tell yourself all the reasons why you are not getting hired and stuck in a complaining cycle. You have your inner Doubt and Doom Squad voice on your head keeping you powerless
Tip to address : Shift your mindset from ‘candidate and cannot’ to equal business partner who can’: Yes I’m not discounting how shitty the job search and ageism and biases can be, but giving excuses and power to others stops the creative juices flowing.
3/ Over reliance on ‘the right time’
Ha the beast of self doubt and procrastination that waits for a better job market, recruiters to knock on your door magically etc. And then there are right times of when you are slimmer, fitter, have more time.
Tip to address: There is no fairy godmother and there will never be a perfect time. . You need to prioritise YOU and delegate and let go of things which you use to sap your time.
4/ Resistance to Feedback you want someone to tell you that your resume, LinkedIn profile, or strategy is fine as it is and you don’t need to make any effort
Tip to address: Look at what is holding you back from having an open mind. Be willing to adapt even if it feels uncomfortable initially. One small step builds confidence and that multiplies every time.
Pop on the big girls & boys pants
Your job search is in your hands and you deserve to hold your nerve and value. And if over 50, yes ageism will bite but it doesn’t have to define you or your job search.
If you’re tired of being stuck, don’t seek validation but pursue transformation. So pop your big girl or boy pants on and embrace transformation.
And as ever, always remember that: No one does exactly what you do in the exact same way you do it
If you have a transformation mindset, the Get Cracking Job Search Coaching Program may be perfect for you
Like to know more?
Then get in touch with Sue Parker via your preferred method of email or mobile
Phone 0416 385 779