What Job Seekers Can Learn from the College Search Process
Over the past couple months I have been taking my son, who is a senior in high school, on some college visits. This is not my first rodeo, I took my daughter to visit colleges several years ago (she is a junior at Bates College in Maine now). I love visiting colleges with my kids. First of all, college campuses are magical places. Gorgeous quads, frisbees, hammocks, laptops, a place full of life, youthful energy, learning and growing. I love watching my kids as they take everything in. When they hear something during a tour that resonates as they try to imagine themselves in these buildings, on this grass, with these people. It takes self awareness, mindfulness and reflection to calculate one’s comfort in a school.
When working with people on their career, I try to tap into that same excitement and self-reflection. Searching for jobs can feel so dry, I like to bring in color, texture, and excitement into the process.
When working with younger clients, I use career websites that remind me of college admission websites. With lots of colorful pictures of the workplace. Videos of employees talking about their experience on the job. Write-ups about the culture of the workplace: What do they value? Who do they hire? What is it like to work there? These are similar to the questions you ask when looking at a college. Will I fit in here? Will I grow here? Do they care about me and my experience? Using these websites helps younger applicants feel at home and familiar. The process doesn't seem as daunting anymore.
Finding a “right fit” job comes down to very similar things as a “right fit” college. Location, distance from home, size, community, growth opportunities, intellectual challenge, quality of life.
With clients who are a bit older, I encourage them to reflect on what they want NOW in their life. This may differ from what they wanted years ago or there may be some overlap. My goal is to help job seekers reconnect with what they love and their values. We focus on the job description, their colleagues, the leadership and the company's culture. All of these play into the work experience as well. What you do at a job is important but where you are and who you are with can be even more critical.
And, importantly, I encourage my clients to continue asking these questions while employed. Unlike college, jobs can last more than four years, working often does not have a set end point. That doesn’t mean you need to stay. As your needs change and as the company changes, continue to re-evaluate. When work doesn't work for you anymore, begin looking elsewhere with the same energy and reflection described above.
If you want to learn more about how to have a fun and effective job search, schedule a free consultation with me here.
