Job Stickiness #5
a series to help you keep jobs or tips to make you sticky in the next one.
Today’s challenge was the bathtub drain, a reoccurring problem related to many factors: the normal hair, soap, and dirt that build up over time. A house perpetually under construction inhabited by remodeling contractors means more drywall dust and other debris gets washed down the drain.
More than one plumber suggested tree roots from our Linden tree contribute. Whatever the cause, the reality is that the bathtub drain was once again backing up and the swirling water around my feet was starting to get deeper every day.
Armed with a plunger, I bravely attacked the back up, getting an upper body workout in the process, but to no avail. I gathered the baking soda and vinegar and created a mini-tornado and plunged some more. The baking soda and vinegar were going into standing water, making my solution less effective. I gave up for awhile and walked away. Coming back to a drained tub with no confidence that I had solved the problem.
At that point, I realized I was wearing my new white sweater. Once in awhile, I actually plan ahead. I put an old sweatshirt back on, lined up a bigger bag of baking soda and the bottle of vinegar, and wiped up the debris created by my last plunging exercise. I covered the drain with baking soda once again and poured vinegar watching for the mini-tornado effect, followed by warm water and more plunging. Success!
The right tools, using them properly, and being prepared for the project helped make it go smoother. The job seeker often skips planning ahead, rushing to find opportunities without the right tools.
Examples:
- Any resume is good enough, after all, it is just a list of former jobs.
- Accomplishments, I don’t have any.
- Posting a resume online will solve the problem and land the new job.
- Networking doesn’t matter.
- I don’t have anything that even vaguely resembles a network.
- What hidden job market?
- Prepare for the interview, how?
- Send a thank you letter?
Success comes to those who plan ahead. Those that don’t find themselves watching other people succeed. It’s still a tough market out there but opportunities are growing for those that plan ahead.
You’re right, Julie — skimping on the steps that need to be done and not having the proper materials only hurts a job search.
Problem is, when there is a sudden change (like a job loss or stopped-up drain), the natural tendency is to jump in *right now* to tackle the problem, and logical rationale is not even considered. But, if a person pauses to think things through, s/he will understand why some time is needed to plan, get the right tools, and approach the situation properly.
Melissa´s last blog ..Being Prepared for the Unexpected
Hi Melissa!
If someone has just been laid off and they call me, I usually check with them to make sure they are ready to provide input. Every person handles stress differently, some feel like they need to act right away. Even with some of those, the first appointment may well end up more as a venting session than an actual career marketing material development session.
The other thing to note is that preparation while you are employed… like building networks, taking notes of accomplishments, all help to decrease stress if the sudden change happens.