Blog Post: Two Kinds of Job Search

The first type, the find-a-job-now search tends to happen as a result of change being thrust upon you, whereas with the second type, you are the initiator and have the luxury of more time.

Last summer when I delivered three workshops with two colleagues at the Jobing.com Phoenix office, we had people from both camps who participated.  It was challenging to address the needs of both groups at once, and yet, the point of intersection was no surprise:  answering the question, “What do you really want?”  And of course, your answer will be impacted by which Job Search Type applies to you at the moment.

The reason it helps to consciously identify which type of search you’re running is that it allows you to adjust your strategy accordingly.  For instance, if it’s Job Search Type #1 and you have an immediate and pressing need to find work, you’ll likely be more open to considering jobs that you wouldn’t have otherwise, perhaps taking a job on an interim basis, while continuing your search for what you ultimately want.  Your criteria list becomes simple, e.g., earn enough to meet expenses, can begin right way, lets me learn something new, etc.  It can actually take the pressure off to realize that the job you take on an interim basis doesn’t have to be for forever.  It doesn’t mean you are lowering your standards; it simply means you are employing a short term strategy.

Likewise, it’s helpful to realize if you fall into Job Search Type #2.  This also allows you to take the pressure off by declaring the search a worthy project and giving yourself the appropriate amount of time to explore without having to immediately evaluate the feasibility of every option.

Which kind of job search applies to you at this time?  It’s perhaps an obvious question, yet one that must be acknowledged in order to form your best strategy.