It’s safe to say most people in the world prefer a better job than their current one. I know this because I’ve spent every day of the last dozen years or so asking people if they would.
Some folks seem to enjoy their jobs and aren’t particularly motivated to leave (even though our latest survey shows 91.6% would leave for the right opportunity). Others would simply like a better job. But, a great majority would love to land a job that excites them.
Perhaps you were so close, but didn’t get the job offer. Maybe you’re not sure where to start or aren’t appropriately credentialed. Have you ever paused to truly consider what to do when you can’t get the job you want?
I considered making this a “list style” post such as the Eight Things to Do When You Can’t Get the Job You Want! I think, however, it boils down to three major points related to your mindset regarding this issue.
It’s all about attitude, right?
I’m sure some smart, wise souls will tell you to adjust your attitude and (lower your) expectations. Forget that. Settling for average is a personal choice. You’re not average. You’re a winner. Keep your expectations high! Just make sure to maintain a positive outlook irrespective of the bumps and bruises you’re about to endure.
Settling for average is a personal choice. https://t.co/BAsw2E56KH
— Andrew LaCivita (@arlacivita) February 26, 2016
What do winners do?
Winners take action. They focus incessantly on what they can control and don’t waste any time on nonsense they can’t control. So, take action. Research the industry, companies, and credentials you’ll need. Map out and build your network, ask for introductions, and aggressively pursue any avenues to get your foot in the door.
Is that a building or a rocket ship?
The number one, most important aspect in this process is to realize you join a company. You do not join a job. Join the right company and there will be plenty of fantastic opportunities for you. Get a great job with a poor company and you’ll need to reread this post in the very near future.
Do whatever you can to get into the company that presents the best longer-term options for you. Perhaps start a rung or two lower on the corporate ladder. This is not settling. This is taking smart action to get onto the path you want.
You might be familiar with Sheryl Sandberg. She’s currently the Chief Operating Officer of Facebook and a fellow Virgo. She gave quite a wonderful speech a few years back to her alma mater, Harvard, where she recollected some excellent career advice Eric Schmidt gave her—if you’re offered a seat on a rocket ship, don’t ask what seat. Just get on.
There are several other, wonderful tactics I’ve outlined regarding an effective job search. Start with the Art of a Successful Job Search and go from there!
As always, I’d love to hear from you: What are your recommendations whenever you can’t get the job you want?
91.6% would leave to find a better opportunity. That’s a sad reality. The worst is that most of these people don’t try to find a better opportunity. They don’t step back and think about their career goal, if they have any. The world would be much better if most people are happy with their jobs. They can be more productive and build a happier society.
nice post. thanks for sharing.
Steve, thanks for the good thoughts and remarks. It is sad that so many are not–fully–happy in the current situation. I think that is mostly related to two areas. First, they are not spending enough time assessment themselves, their needs, and wants BEFORE they take a job (self-awareness). Second, they are not putting in enough energy to evaluate how to maximize their current situation. That is, what can I truly learn and experience on this given day, in this particular job, with this specific company? If people focused on asking these questions each day, they’d reap more benefit.
This is a good point, Steve. But really difficult to assess a new opportunity. The job application process is no way to assess the workplace culture – or the non skill-based requirements of the job. I have recently left a job I was learning a lot in because the culture was so abrasive. I have no knowledge of the place I have been offered a job in, but I know I want two things – to learn AND to be happy.
Good thoughts Charlotte and lots of luck on the new opp!
I’ve experienced having to take jobs I don’t really want to do nearly every time I’ve found employment because I either don’t get an interview for the jobs I really want, or when I do get an interview, I don’t land the job. As a result, I end up taking a job I don’t want because I have bills to pay. Most of these jobs are ones that don’t require any experience and usually last a matter of months, because they are temporary contract jobs offered by recruitment agents. I thought my luck would change, but now since I’m not working, I’ve been out of employment for 3 years. And I’m wondering how I’m ever going to get a job I want to do and pay my bills.
I have been trying to understand this for over 40 years of doing jobs that dont interest me, When I look back I realise that employers have actually robbed me of my life, they promise the earth at an interview yet deliver nothing in reality ,, we can do this for you we can offer you this we can give great career choices career development there is that promotion there is always good things here,,, dont believe a single word that they spout out its all rubbish employers only think of themselves they only want to make money out of your efforts and pay you peanuts like a monkey they only want what they can get out of your sweat blood and tears they are not interested in you as a human being … no employer gives a flying monkey about you only what they can get from you for their benefit and then when they are bored with you they can toss you aside like a piece of dung to rot on the heap with all the others they have used .. to rot with the rest while they summon up their next victim
Love this article, GREAT tips!!!
Thanks Ankita! So glad you liked it!
Thanks for the valuable information. Some of them were unknown. Keep your article flooded with such true information
Glad you enjoyed it!