It is absolutely THE most important key to a successful job search, and probably the toughest thing to actually do, what you SAY you’re gonna do. All those webinars, virtual networking events, support groups, all with incredible advice about your resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile that you STILL need to implement. I know you said you would, to yourself and others. So, have you?
The Ego Factor
One of the scariest moments for me was having my resume reviewed. And NOT by a resume writing professional, but by a group of my peers. You have no idea what your resume really says until you’ve had 10 or 12 professionals, across multiple disciplines, be brave enough to give you their honest feedback on what you are saying about yourself. It’s an ego check of the highest anxiety and only works IF you can tell your ego to take a hike. Listen to all the criticism, because it’s truly constructive.
The Fear Factor
Then there’s all those tips and tactics you’ve read about or watched over Zoom. You made copious notes. You might have even looked over your LinkedIn profile WHILE looking over your notes, but something’s stopping you from making even one edit. That’s because if you do, what you’re going through becomes real. For example, I know that before I was “in transition” I felt my LinkedIn profile was fine. Until I was told it wasn’t. And it wasn’t. So, I took my notes and took FOREVER to commit to even one change. The reality of my life’s situation scared the crap out of me until I pressed enter. And guess what, I press enter a lot faster now!
The Fear of Not Knowing it All
I’m getting good at knowing what I don’t know. The trick is, you need to be listening to know you didn’t know it. THEN you need to apply it! Not all of it, just the parts that made sense to you. The parts that made you go “ah-ha” when you heard them. When those moments happen, I’m to the point now of pulling up my resume or profiles and double-checking what I have and what I need to change. I’ve realized not to be afraid of what I don’t know about being “in transition.” I don’t have to have all the answers, I just need to be willing to try something different. And keep trying! The more I step into those fears, the easier I find it to step into ANY fears.
What You Change is NOT the Point
By no means should you infer that I’m “over” my fears. All I’m doing is making sure I make the effort. Sometimes, that can take a couple of days of talking myself into it, but I’m finding ways to make less excuses. And it’s not about the changes you make either. It’s about the effect. Because the overall improvements to your resume or profile are subjective. The one thing you WILL improve on is your confidence. Gaining confidence to step into any form of fear is the real point AND the outcome you should be striving for!
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