If you do not know the person in the image I selected for today's blog, simply Google the name Stuart Scott and you will have plenty of options to choose from. Eulogies, tributes, reflections, pictures, and much more from some very influential people will appear in your feed. Sadly he lost his battle with cancer yesterday morning after more than twenty years as a sports' anchor for ESPN. The way he lived his life, and not just during his battle with cancer, serves us with plenty of good reminders about how we could apply certain concepts to a job search.
1) Every day I fight. In his infamous acceptance speech of an award last year at the ESPYs Stuart eloquently outlined that he was not "losing" his battle with cancer. Instead he chose to live every day knowing it could be his last. That enjoyment and joy was evident to all around him. Similarly you can apply this to your job search. Whether you are in initial phases and wading around in online ads, or trying to re-connect with everyone in your network, or maybe even in the final stages of an interview, always choose to fight. By fighting I mean striving to make a good impression, using good communication skills, being honest with yourself and others, and working toward the ultimate goal of getting that new job or being happy with the one you have.
2) Boo-Yow! This was one of many phrases that Stuart was the first to use on-air and has been used over and over again by many others. Many people thought it was Boo-Yah, but he wanted it to be even more unique and those around him knew it was in his notes as Boo Yow. The lesson here is to celebrate the achievements during your job search. If you made it past the first phone screen with HR, be jubilant. If you received the offer, regardless of whether you accept or not, pat yourself on the back. If as a hiring manager you source an unbelievable candidate for your opening, tell others about it and plan a strategy to ultimately hire that person. Put on your recruiting hat and make the hire happen!
3) Have a purpose. Stuart lived for his daughters, and in his words "fought like hell" to beat cancer so that he could one day walk them down the aisle at their respective weddings. Your purpose doesn't have to be grand, but it is good to write it down and make it formal. Perhaps it is more money to provide for your family. Or more flexible hours to spend more time outside of the office. Maybe you desire to be in management and no longer an individual contribute. It is time to make that leap to sales from client service and you need to adjust your spending habits with an income that may fluctuate in the near future. If all you are doing is "fishing" around to see if there might be something better out there you will never be fully prepared for the interview process.
4) Know you can't control everything. It is said that Stuart Scott never wanted to know what stage his cancer was in at any given time. He was afraid that if he found it was in final stages that he wouldn't want to fight any longer. He accepted that fate and decided to show up every day and give 110%. There were times during his fight where those around him saw him fading away. But the minute the cameras came on he was a consummate professional and was always on top of his game. Many viewers had no idea how bad his cancer really was because he always seemed to be the same on air. The same with a job search can apply - if you don't know where things stand with an interview you know you have to keep giving 110%. You never know what turn may come to swing things in your favor, even when things are looking gloomy.
I could go on and on as stories are popping up everywhere regarding Stuart's great past as a successful sportscaster and good human being. But I'll allow you to search the stories on your own and learn from his example. I will, however, leave you with one last quote from Stuart, "You beat cancer by HOW you live, WHY you live, and in the manner by which you live." Great life lesson for all of us.
I wish you all a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2015!
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