Lessons Learned From Job-Hunting
- Renata Bernarde
- Jan 22, 2020
- 5 min read
Updated: Feb 27, 2024
Episode 15 - Seven Crucial Lessons Learned (The Hard Way!) From My Job Hunting Experience
This episode focuses on 7 crucial lessons I learned the hard way from my job hunting experience. I'm sharing this with you, so you don't have to learn it the hard way. And to get you into the habit of investing in your career, I've started a Reset Your Career project. Together with episodes 12,13, and 14 this episode is a companion to my 31 Days of Actions to Reset your Career. The goal of this project I've created is to help professionals take 1 day at a time to develop new habits and take actions that will positively affect their career advancement and job hunting prospects. It's an opportunity for you to press the reset button whenever you feel ready and incorporate these actions into your life. At least give them a try! If you want to follow the final days of the project day by day, follow me on Instagram, Facebook, or my Company's LinkedIn page (the links are above in the show notes!).
1. Appreciate what you have achieved in your career so far.
Please write it down.
Say it out loud.
Tell your best friend.
Feel that great feeling inside? That's your action done for the day!
2. Call or meet someone you trust. Discuss your career with them.
When we go out socially, we end up talking a little bit - or a whole lot! - about our work. It's a suitable venting mechanism. Your social network supports you, champions you, and sometimes even offers some "devil's advocate" views, which is all very well. But career advancement, career transition, and your search for better opportunities at work may require a more in-depth, sophisticated even conversation. One that leads you to some significant findings, clarifications, and even making decisions about your next steps. Telling and getting advice from someone also makes you accountable for your journey ahead. And this is very good! I'm happy to be that someone for you. Happy to have a 1-1. No charge, no commitment. A free mentoring/coaching for you. It's what I do, and I'd love to support you.
3. Consider the pros and cons of job hunting solo vs. engaging the help of a coach.
Well, you all think I'm biased!? And you are right. I was removed from my career coaching services because of all the cons I found as a job hunter. I don't believe it's cheaper, easier or faster to advance your career as a solo agent.
For that reason:
I offer free advice: follow me and see how much you'll learn.
I offer a weekly newsletter: you will have my list of great articles, free templates, guides, downloads, plus a new episode from The Job Hunting Podcast every week in your inbox.
I offer services at different levels to get the help you need at various investment levels. And payment plans too.
Talk to me about my exceptional 1-1 VIP support (for those who need an extra helping hand nailing that senior role or professional project), where I split the investment into a retainer and a success fee. Yep, that's right. And why not? It makes sense to me; I wish there was someone out there with that service model when I needed it!
4. Make Leave plans for the rest of the year: book vacations and time off.
Planning your rest is just as important as planning your work and career strategy. Don't neglect it, even if you are in-between jobs. If you are on a budget, book a stay-cation, but find ways to treat yourself to time away from the daily grind.
5. Review your living expenses and monthly budget.
If you're about to leave your job, have left already, or are in any type of career transition situation, this is a must: review your expenses and reduce your budget. I am not a financial adviser; please consult one if you must. This is just common sense: regardless of your levels of savings, or if you received a great severance package, still it's imperative to plan conservatively for your frictional unemployment period, which depending on your career, age, sector, and other circumstances, could vary from a couple of weeks (low chance, but it happens) to over 12 months (low chance also, but it happens especially if you are a senior executive).
6. Reconnect with 2 important people in your network.
Now is an excellent time of the year to reconnect with someone special to you. A mentor, former manager, professor, old colleague. Find the time to re-build meaningful relationships that inspire and motivate you. This is not about what you want to achieve, your next job, or getting something out of your meeting. This is about coming out of your shell, learning, giving, and having a good life by surrounding yourself with great people.
7. Are you sleeping 8 hours per day? If not, start now.
There is no point getting ALL THE RIGHT THINGS DONE for your job application, then missing out on sleep. It's unfortunately prevalent for professionals to sleep less than they should. And people in-between jobs as well, due to anxiety and stress. You need to trust my system, follow this step-by-step project, and know that I have your back. You can contact me anytime with questions. Just leave comments below or if you prefer, send me a private message! And they sleep well, knowing your new job is coming!
Resources mentioned in this episode
Transcript of this episode
About the Host
Hello, I’m Renata Bernarde, the Host of The Job Hunting Podcast. I’m also an executive coach, job hunting expert, and career strategist. I teach professionals (corporate, non-profit, and public) the steps and frameworks to help them find great jobs, change, and advance their careers with confidence and less stress.
If you are an ambitious professional who is keen to develop a robust career plan, if you are looking to find your next job or promotion, or if you want to keep a finger on the pulse of the job market so that when you are ready, and an opportunity arises, you can hit the ground running, then this podcast is for you.
In addition to The Job Hunting Podcast, , on my website, I have developed a range of courses and services for professionals in career or job transition. And, of course, I also coach private clients.
Contact Renata Bernarde
I’m determined to help you! I want you to feel empowered, nail your next job, and have the career you want.
My free resources for job hunters: The Optimized Job Search: Weekly Schedule & Masterclass.
Learn more about my services, courses, and group coaching: RenataBernarde.com