Importance of goal setting in a job search

When is the last time you set out to accomplish something and actually sat down to outline a strategy?  A plan that has achievable goals and steps to consider in some sort of linear progression.  Whatever that goal was, I bet it was something that was satisfying upon completion.  Similarly, you should really sit down and clearly identify your goals when considering a job search or career move.

Yesterday I got up early, went to downtown Des Moines with my family, and watched my brother-in-law and business partner run a marathon and half-marathon respectively.  It was inspiring, especially considering I had my children there who previously had no concept surrounding how difficult it might be to train for such an event.  I am also a realist and looked back to what the past six months must have looked like for them, along with the other 10,000 runners.

First, I am confident they made a conscious decision to push through any pain that might occur in early training or even the day of the race when they hit the proverbial runner's "wall" where you think about quitting.  Similarly you must enter a job search knowing there could be some pain.  It could come when you realize you have to leave an employer that has been pretty good to you for a number of years.  It could be when a current boss finds out in the middle of your search that you are considering leaving.  It could even come when you resign and your boss and colleagues are extremely disappointed that you have left them down in some sense.  Keep in mind that to really achieve your goal you may have to overcome obstacles.

Secondly, I know that more than just going out and running more was part of the preparation for these runners.  They incorporated good nutrition, rest, weather forecasts, and general work/life balance into their training regimen.  It may sound silly, but all of these things matter during the course of a job search as well.  Get good rest the night before an interview.  Plan out your meals the day of an interview, especially if it going to spill over a normal meal time.  Prepare accordingly if you have a before work or after hours interview to accommodate hiring managers.  You will have to do things that take you out of a normal routine during a job search, and it will be important to think of that before, during and after the actual interview process.

Next, you can see from the photo above that we had made some clever signs to wave in the air when the runners we knew went past us.  We were hopeful that would be encouraging and remind them that they have fans that wish them well.  You may want to consider having a cheering section for your job search as well.  Again, don't laugh.  If you don't have some trusted advisers (spouse, parents, friends, former colleagues) that can help you through, you might really be missing out on some key advice.  I actually think having a third party recruiter holds a ton of value here as well.  We can listen to how things are going, help prepare for tough interview questions, and even look over any materials you plan to present during the course of the interview process.

Lastly, remember to not give up at the end.  I have seen countless interviews that were going extremely well turn into a candidate fearful of making a change.  Or an employer just not quite ready to pull the trigger on an offer.  If any of the runners yesterday were hurting toward the end of the race, I am sure they looked back to everything they had done to prepare for this moment and persevered.  You must do the same if you are in an interview process and doubt creeps in.  It is unlikely that the reasons you considered leaving an employer have changed at all.  So if you don't get the exact raise you were looking for or a better title, that doesn't necessarily mean you shouldn't cross that finish line.  Always remember to take a look at the bigger picture as the framework for making that final decision.

What goals do you think are important during the course of a job search?

How to balance multiple interviews

I don't know if you are anything like me, but most days it is difficult to balance a schedule.  Between internal and external forces there is always something demanding your time and energy at work.  Which means things naturally get turned upside down when you add in the idea of interviewing for another job.  Then it is compounded when you decide to interview with multiple companies at the same time.  So how do you balance it all?

The first thing I usually tell people is to clearly communicate your goals regarding timing.  While you cannot completely control timing in an interview process, it is fair to go into a job search with an end date in mind.  If you cannot express this then it is likely that different companies will move at a different pace for their interview process.  And the end result may be your first offer coming from a place that is not your first choice.  Then your hand is forced to make a difficult decision earlier than expected.

This becomes even more critical once you get into middle and final phases with a few of your interviews.  If you need to adjust, be sure you communicate the change to everyone.  You may have had a 60-day window of time at the outset of your search, yet find yourself nearing offer stage with a couple of companies after only 20-30 days.  It is okay to adjust, as long as you fairly communicate the adjustment to all parties.

The other thing to keep in mind is being fair to your current employer.  Most people are not going to tell their boss that they are interviewing for other jobs, but these interviews cannot become a full-time obsession.  Unless you are willing to quit your job before taking another job.  Which is not a good idea.  Besides, the conclusion of a search may show that where you are at is still the best place for your career at this time.  I always encourage candidates to think like that.  The grass is NOT always greener on the other side of the fence.

Finally, if one opportunity is clearly becoming the favorite it is okay to admit that to everyone involved in the interview process.  Candidates are usually reluctant to tell me as a third party recruiter that another option not represented through me is becoming the most appealing.  I would much rather know about it during the interview process than find out about it after the candidate has accepted an offer with another company that I didn't even know about.

Have you sensed a trend here?  Communication is everything.  Be honest, be focused, and be consistent.  That will help you juggle the daunting task of interviewing with more than one company at the same time.

Anyone out there had to balance a demanding interview schedule with more than one employer in the recent past?  What helped you through the chaos?