Have You Considered Your Job Search as an Opportunity to Learn, Change, and Grow into More of Your Potential?
By Sandy Prock M.Ed., JCTC, Co-Owner of www.ExpertResume.com

“To exist is to change; to change is to mature; to mature is to create oneself endlessly” – Henri Bergson

A perfect example of changing and continuously learning and creating yourself is our niece Talea. She is a new Mom. Last night she said, “I am CONTINUALLY researching articles and blogs online as to how to raise a healthy happy baby. Every day I have twenty new questions and I am always turning to the Internet for answers, advice, opinions, and other mothers’ stories.” Searching for answers happens to be one of Talea’s natural strengths, however we can all learn from her. She is doing what Henri Bergson talks about “to mature is to create oneself endlessly.”

As far as your job search, have you considered doing what Talea is doing and continually research articles, and blogs. In addition, consider going to the library or your local bookstore and check out the latest job-search strategy books. Have you considered going online and researching the companies you are interested in working for? Have you considered researching current salary information? Have you considered taking free tests online if you want to discover more about your personality? Have you considered researching to find the answers to your questions about landing a job that suits you and that you will love?

For instance, today online there was an article listing the best companies to work for in 2011 and why they are the best. Looking for a job is a skill. Have you considered tackling your job search as a learning experience, as an opportunity to change and to contribute to your process of continuously creating yourself?

Information is available and ready for you to devour. Next time you have a few minutes Google your questions and see what you can learn. When the student is ready, the teacher arrives. If you are wondering what your natural strengths are, consider buying the book “Now Discover Your Strengths” by Marcus Buckingham. It has an online test. The information is great.

If you happen to feel scared or anxious as you set out to look for a new job, remember that is a normal feeling. Courage is not the absence of fear, but moving ahead anyway. Also, remember it is totally normal to feel fear of the unknown. That is why researching and learning is so important. It chips away at your fear and gives you inner confidence. This I know for sure!

Knowledge can empower you. It can offer you comfort and real guidance, especially if something is brand new.

Talea is a brand new mother. She is in the process of learning all kinds of new things as she faces the challenges of motherhood on a daily basis. She dives in, searches and finds the answers she needs. She recently solved a current issue. Good job Talea! We are proud of her!

Good job to all of you as you dive in and learn all you can as you face the challenges of your job search. May you continuously become all your potential and land the job of your dreams.

Make sure your resume, cover letter and other job search documents are in tip-top shape! They must represent you well. They have a job to do, an important job. Give yourself a competitive edge.

Bob and I wish you the best in your career and personal development!

Sandy Prock M.Ed. (Masters Degree in Education), JCTC (Job and Career Transition), Co-Owner of www.ExpertResume.com