Ten workers enter the job market on the same day. All 10 have lost their jobs due to company restructuring, and all 10 are looking for positions similar to or one level above the jobs they’ve left behind. They’re all adequately qualified, experienced, educated, and motivated.
A few months later, three of these candidates have found ideal new positions and are thriving. Two have settled and accepted less-than-perfect offers. And the remaining five are still submitting resumes, skimming job boards, leaning on their networks, and crossing their fingers. What do the first three have that the others don’t?
The answer is simple: smart habits. Here are some of the small details that separate these happy, employed workers from their struggling counterparts.
1. They’re Flexible
The three candidates who found jobs right away weren’t afraid to cast a wide net and step into unfamiliar corners of the professional world. They were willing to engage in any conversation with any new person, and they stayed open minded and curious. These were the job seekers that started the search thinking thoughts like these:
“I’ve always been in marketing, but that doesn’t mean I have to stay there. I could go into development, or even sales. I could even get into show business. Why not?”
“I just met this guy at this party, and he seems like a wild card, but I’ll ask him what he does all the same. I might learn something!”
2. They’re Confident
Successful job seekers know that career building is a game—and they have every right to put on a jersey and step out onto the field with everyone else. They don’t go on the defensive during interviews, they aren’t overly apologetic, and they’re proud of what they’ve accomplished and what they have to offer—even though they know plenty of other candidates can offer more. They have inner monologues that sound like this:
“I don’t have every single one of the 10 required credentials for this job, but I’ll submit my resume anyway. This seems like a great company to work for!”
3. They Take Breaks & Enjoy Unemployment From Time to Time
The job search is a full-time job in itself. But like any full-time job, it comes with lunch breaks and occasional evenings and weekends off. Smart job seekers recognize this, and they set healthy and productive limits.
“I’ve submitted five resumes today, and even though I’m not working yet, I need to get outside for some fresh air and maybe get a drink with a friend. I need to remember that there’s a world outside of myself, my search, and my worth as it’s measured by potential employers.”
4. They Set the Terms
Effective job seekers know themselves, they respect themselves, and they don’t accept positions that they know they don’t really want. If a salary offer is too low, it’s too low. Either the employers will raise it or the search will go on. If a certain job is outside of commuting range, or the employers won’t make reasonable accommodations, the deal is off. A better offer will be waiting right around the bend.
5. They Communicate Constantly with Their Families & Friends
Successful job seekers know that the job search involves serious life decisions, and no serious life decision happens in a vacuum. At all times, smart job seekers keep the larger context in mind. They stay open to outside perspectives and advice, and they keep their friends and family in the loop.
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