“Comparison is the thief of joy.” ~ Theodore Roosevelt.
Is this why there are entire industries built around the idea of finding joy? Books abound on the topic. Obviously there wouldn’t be such a business around joy if there weren’t an audience for the message.
When you get on any social media platform it’s very hard not to compare. And comparison, for me, leads to a sense of fear and lack. What does it conjure for you?
While I’m scrolling I think to myself, “What have I done with my life? I had that idea! Why didn’t I take action?” or “How come they hired her? My experience is more relevant!”
By the way, I have this reaction whether I actually applied for the job or started writing the book, or began the business. I simply sit in the smallness that comes from comparison and wonder why I’m even on the planet. (Ask anyone, I’m quick to go to the BIG doomsday, not the little everyday doomsday about why my car is so old.)
This is a particularly prevalent feeling among the people I’m so happy to work with - they wonder why they aren’t “as good as” or “as accomplished as” or “as rich as” people that come up in their social feeds too.
When you’re looking for a new job, it can be particularly insidious.
As your bank account dwindles, suddenly EVERYONE (hyperbole much) is on LinkedIn announcing their new role at a new company. And you wonder why you didn’t even know about that company. Or that role.
Now is the point where I should just tell you to stop scrolling and stop comparing.
So. Do that.
And if that doesn’t work -
Take stock of how you can use your time online to do some research. The number one way to use LinkedIn as a job-seeker is NOT the easy-apply button.
The best way to use LinkedIn as a job seeker is to use it as a research tool.
Because, the more you know - the more you know.
Here are some quick ideas to get you started:
Create robust searches to find companies that fit the criteria YOU want for your next employer. Whether it’s location, number of employees or types of roles available - find the companies.
Research the companies you find - dig deeper by searching their profiles. Do they invest in their community? Are they in the news (and for what)? Do you see long-term employees who have grown in the organization or is their evidence of chronic turnover?
Search for people who have had the job title you crave at the companies you are interested in. Reach out, introduce yourself. Whether they are still at the company or have moved on, having a conversation with them will build your network and give you useful information.
Investigate the backgrounds of the people who have the roles you desire. Are your backgrounds similar? Are they completely different? Gauging the ‘resume’ of the company’s typical hires can give you insight about their hiring preferences. Are the majority of their Program Manager 1 hires straight out of grad school? Or do they hire people directly from their internship program? This type of intel helps you determine where to spend your energy as well as prepare you in the event of an interview.
Of course there are more ways to research! If you want help creating a process that’s right for you - let’s get you scheduled. I still have several $50.00 coaching slots left through August 15. Once you make your payment, I’ll send you an email (within 24 hours - most likely sooner) to schedule your time and then a zoom link. (very personal, not too high tech!)
Why me? I’m a certified career coach, and a retired professional recruiter - who has worked in both high-volume and high profile recruiting for manufacturing, pharma, IT and government organizations.
As always, thanks for reading.