Making your Job Searching Goals Stick for 2022
It’s that time of year again, a time to set new goals. Maybe you are ready for a fresh start in 2022 and looking for a career change, or perhaps circumstances have meant you are seeking a new job? Whatever your job search reasons, below are some strategies to help you to stick to your job search goals, even if you are struggling to find the motivation.
Discover your why
Before deciding on what actions you might take to find a new job, think about your current situation. What are the benefits of staying where you are, and what are drawbacks? Then consider your future aspirations and think about the pros and cons of making a change. This can help to give clarity on whether change is something you are ready for. Your thoughts and actions have helped you to this point in life, so exploring the decision-making process that led to where you are can help you to think about possible steps to take control of your future.
I had a client who was undecided whether or not to stay in his current job. He liked his team members, it provided financial security and he was seen as the expert in his field, but the downside of his job was that he had outgrown his role. It no longer challenged him and there was no opportunity to progress. By exploring their reasons for wanting to change jobs, clients can decide whether or not to pursue their aspirations, or whether they could meet their needs in other ways. This client realised he could volunteer or have a side hustle job that would meet his need of being challenged without having to make a drastic career change. When we engage in self-analysis it can help to reveal the underlying values, passions and needs that are present within us but aren’t easily seen without pausing for self-reflection.
Setting goals
Unlike setting a goal of getting fitter in the new year, where your actions have a direct correlation to the specific goal of getting fit, setting the goal of getting a job with a new employer by a specific date isn’t a guarantee, because it is dependent on others as well as yourself to determine the outcome. Set the intention of a specific outcome goal such as getting a job by a certain date, but focus on setting yourself process goals that you have ownership over to help you achieve the outcome goal. A process goal might be to commit to applying for three jobs per week. An example of the exercise is below:
Outcome goal: secure a marketing manager position within the manufacturing industry by 31st April 2022.
Process goals:
1. Apply for 3 jobs a week
2. Approach 5 recruiters a month to find out about opportunities
3. Identify contacts and reach out to individuals to see if there are opportunities
4. Every Monday, on a weekly basis, identify if there are any events you can attend to develop your knowledge
Be specific on the process goals, and each time you achieve a process goal, you could congratulate yourself on completing it, or choose to reward yourself after achieving a set number of process goals. Regularly review your goals to see if any adjustments need to be made. It can also be helpful to have a friend, partner or coach to hold you accountable for your actions. Here are some questions to get you thinking about your process goals:
- What goal/s can I set that would challenge me?
- What goal/s can I set that would excite me?
- What would I need to do towards achieving my outcome?
- How would I know I’ve achieved my goals?
- What would get in the way of me achieving my process goals?
- How can I overcome the obstacles that might get in the way?
- How would I feel once I’ve achieved my outcome goal?
Making a career transition can require you to learn new things. For many people when learning something new, self-doubt or critical thoughts can occur, as you might question your ability to learn new skills, to secure a job, or make a career change. An exercise you might like to try is to commit to 24 hours of recording your mental chatter. Jot down any thoughts you have about yourself, whether it’s out loud such as “I need to do better” or comparing yourself to others. Jot everything down and then at the end of the day notice in what ways you encourage yourself and what ways you discourage yourself. If there are more discouraging thoughts or remarks, what empowering statements could you adopt instead? What ways could you learn to appreciate yourself, rather than see yourself as not good enough?
Recognise that unhelpful thoughts can creep in — especially when people step outside of their comfort zones — and acknowledge that they’re opinions, rather than attaching yourself to the negative thoughts. This stops them from becoming beliefs and helps you to focus on your goals and make them happen. Give yourself encouragement along the way, or think of what a best friend or your favourite person might they say to keep you motivated towards that goal?
