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- 10 habits of successful job seekers
“You can’t buy that.”
When I was young, my mom would never buy me the shiny new toys I wanted.
I would watch my friends with envy as they got everything I could never have.
It was the same when it came to the job search. Everyone was celebrating work anniversaries on LinkedIn, and I could only watch with envy.
But after talking to hundreds of successful job seekers, I’ve uncovered the secret habits that helped them land the job.
Looking back, I noticed I got a job within weeks of applying these habits.
Psst: the last tip is my favourite! Read til the end to find out why.
This week’s newsletter is inspired by EntryLevel’s job search checklist, which guides you step-by-step through your job search. Grab it for $5 USD here: https://entrylevelprograms.gumroad.com/l/jobsearchchecklist
☀️ Daily habits
1. Share 1 new thing you learned every day
Tweet it, post it on LinkedIn, or put it on a private blog. It can be something small or a big project. It can be learning from a success or a failure.
2. Get 1 thing done that’s aligned with your goals
The EntryLevel team agreed this is a key habit of successful job seekers. Here’s why 👇
You get used to a “work” routine.
You do something to improve every day, instead of just staying stagnant.
If you’re a perfectionist, consider this quote:
What’s scarier? Staying the same 1 year later, or putting imperfect work out there so you can improve with feedback?
〰️ Weekly habits
3. Connect meaningfully with 1 new person
Your network is your net worth.
Build relationships every week. Connect with someone - whether it’s through LinkedIn, an event, or a WhatsApp group you’re in.
4. Send at least 1 message in a community
Joining a community related to your industry helps you learn faster with:
Expert advice
Feedback on your work
Accountability partners
And more.
Alexa recommends the All About Data community for Data Analysts.
🗓️ Monthly habits
5. Attend an event (online or in-person)
Events are a great way to network and build relationships. If you attend a workshop, you’ll also learn new things and stay up to date with the latest trends.
6. Catch up with a mentor
Every month, set a goal with your mentor. In the next month, report back about what you learned - whether you met that goal or not.
🌓 Quarterly
7. Take a course
Tech is always changing. Take a course to ensure your skills are up-to-date.
8. Do a portfolio project
EntryLevel’s programs are 6 weeks and have a portfolio project component built in to guide you through it.
🤝 When you get an interview
9. Ask for feedback
Got rejected?
That’s okay. Have a growth over goals mindset and focus on getting feedback.
Learn and improve yourself based on the feedback you get.
10. Tell a story
My favourite tip.
Storytelling may be the key to landing your next job.
Stand out from other applicants by focusing on a theme you want the recruiter or hiring manager to remember.
Example: as a Product Manager, you want to be known for being creative within the constraints given.
All your experiences can be framed in this context - even if you don’t have previous experience.
Talk about how you created a unique product without paying anything to build it.
Talk about how you created a fun toy made completely out of paper as a child (which is what I did when my mom wouldn’t let me buy new toys).
If you can’t think of any experiences you have, refer to tip #2: take action to reach that goal.
Summary
Do these 10 habits and you’ll succeed:
Share 1 new thing you learned every day
Get 1 thing done that’s aligned with your goals
Connect meaningfully with 1 new person
Send at least 1 message in a community
Attend an event (online or in-person)
Catch up with a mentor
Take a course
Do a portfolio project
Ask for feedback
Tell a story
Did you learn something you'll use in your life? |