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Did you know CASY was named best in class by the Call of Duty Endowment?
same place as our impatient online dater: You just want to have an in-person conversation with someone that goes somewhere (in this case, an interview that ends in a full-time job with benefits and a good paycheck, thank you very much).
1. Navigating this process will depend on your resiliency. When you first start getting replies, it
will be tempting to think that your work is done. Once you’re no longer excited about logging in to see if you have any interest, keep at it and remember that finding the right job is a process. You will be more successful if you are strategic rather than applying sporadically.
2. Get comfortable with fluid situations. At some point, you’re going to have connections in the works and applications in for multiple positions. You will feel the urge to commit to one job or one networking opportunity, thinking that if you give it all of your time and focus, it will pan out. This is not necessarily true. Keep track of your connections and applications, but don’t put all of your eggs in one basket unless you’ve got an offer and have signed the paperwork.
3. Know that it’s not always up to you. As with dating profiles, there’s someone on the other end reading submissions. Sometimes you’re applying for a job that has inter-office competition, and the company decides to hire from within. Sometimes, you aren’t going to be the person they are looking for, and that’s okay. Because at some point, you are going to find your “yes.” Until that point, sharpen your skills, and take steps toward pursuing your goals each day.
4. Bad behaviors aren’t limited to online dating. Sadly, fake profiles and fake jobs do exist—if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Before you send any personal information to a website, email, or job post, do your research. Additionally, “ghosting” (disappearing without an explanation after expressing interest) and “mooning” (you keep reaching out but you hear nothing back) are frustrating but existing practices in the online job market. Remember tip number 4 and keep moving forward.
Looking for a job and looking for a relationship are processes that engage our emotional interests. We want things to work out, we want to be able to hope, but we also don’t want to end up hurt or feeling stupid. No matter your situation, the solution is the same: Start small, one application at a time. Do your research, and know that your break is coming—you just have to keep reaching for it.