It’s February, otherwise known as job search and selection month! In my personal opinion, it is one of the most exciting, yet exhausting times of the year for everyone (both employers and job seekers). Here are some of the most important tips I recommend in getting through it:
Think about and decide what you really want in and out of the job:
It sounds simple and easy, but I cannot stress enough how important it is to figure out exactly what you want when it comes to the factors of the job and factors that are outside the job.
Factors concerning the job itself are things like:
– Department
– Salary
– Will you feel supported by the department and university?
– What does your professional development look like there?, etc.
Factors that are outside of the job include:
– Urban vs. rural
– What is state budget like?
– How long do you see yourself there?
– How does the job fit into your long term goals?, etc.
For those professionals that are in relationships (such as myself), communicate with your partner early in the job search about what you both want.
“WE ARE TALKING ABOUT PRACTICE!”:
Seriously though, practice is such a key aspect in being successful with interviewing. Even when you land the job you want, continue to practice. I still practice all types of interviews (Skype, phone, and in-person). Now I will say, practice will not make you perfect because perfect does not exist. But practice will help make you sharper in your answers. For example, even though I have been working in my current role, I still do mock interviews with a professional friend. I have done four mock interviews with her over the course of one year and today they told me that my mock interview today has been the best one so far. Practice makes a huge difference. I highly recommend making time for it!
Make time to have fun during your job search:
Me with the FARH 2017 delegation from UNF
Job searching is a very stressful time. It is also a LONG process (the majority of the time). In times of stress like this, it is so important to make time to have fun while going through the process. When you have fun, it will even show to the employers on who you are. Make time for the things that you enjoy doing. For me, that is reading books, listening to music, and trying new foods and drinks. I have a dream to visit various major cities and try the unique food and drinks in those cities. So really think about what you enjoy and hang on to them!
In the end, good luck to everyone in the process and stay positive. Everything works out one way or another. That “another” may become the best thing that happens to you.
This post is part of the Emerging SA Pro series following 4 awesome people: Aracelis, Emalie, Felicia, and Patrick, as they blog monthly about 1 year of their journey as either a new SA Pro or SA grad student. We are proud to help them share their stories as they break into our field.
