Focus on the "Now"

 A good blog from Kevin Kermes

Focus on the “Now”

Posted by admin on March 6, 2010 · 3 Comments

“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.”

The quote is from Buddha. While I am not sure if he experienced the frustration that can come along with a job search, I think his advice is very fitting. Clients constantly tell me how they feel like their search is taking too long, they are lacking focus since they are looking at so many different things or they simply do not think they are making process. If you are experiencing any of this in your search, here is some advice to help you focus on the “now.”
The Push and The Pull – Every search has a Push and a Pull. The Push is the reason you are leaving (or have left) your current (or past) job. The Pull is what is attracting you to your new job. Too often, by dwelling in the past you end up focusing on the Push. This is a lot like talking about an “ex” on a first date. A little bit can go a long way (in a bad way). Focus on the moment, which is the company you are pursuing and why they are a good fit for you.
Work in Blocks – Most people are looking at multiple opportunities across a wide array of industries – particularly if you are looking to change fields. It is typical to be left feeling a little scattered and without focus when jostling all these different positions in various stages of progress. Try breaking down your time into blocks. You can organize the time blocks by specific industry or by activity type (follow up calls, check-in emails, etc.). This allows you to get into a groove and get the most out of a set of like tasks, versus constantly shifting gears.
The Interview – Simply put, your job at each phase of the interview is to get invited back for the next interview. Do not worry about how many steps are in the process. Do not worry about compensation. Keep focused on stating your track record of accomplishments and the ROI the company will get by hiring you. This will put you in a position to not only be invited back, but in doing so you can figure out if this is the right job for you.
Patience – It isn’t a virtue, it is a requirement. The average job search is taking 211 days. Companies are taking their time to make the right hire which is resulting in a longer process than we have seen in years. Have a system to follow up and keep in touch with your prospective employer(s). Demonstrating patience will only help raise your stock, since your competition is likely not playing it as cool as you will be.
Sucking the Marrow – Be in the “now” for every call, email or meeting. You need to be constantly expanding your network, so whenever you are in communication with someone get the most out of that conversation. Who else do they know? Who is hiring? Get everything you can out of each interaction. And, always remember “give to get.”
This process is a marathon, not a sprint – particularly in this economy. Keep that perspective and focus on making forward progress every day. That may be a positive conversation that leads to a new introduction can be just as valuable in the long run as an interview.


Kevin Kermes publishes the ‘Build the Career Your Deserve’ e-zine with over 21,000+ subscribers. If you are ready to uncover the hidden job market and start pulling opportunities to you, visit him now www.kevinkermes.com