Finding a Job Is Like Finding a Man: Be Selective

Today was one of those days where I wonder if I was thorough enough in my job search. There’s only so much you can discern in the interview and companies (like men lol) can hide their crazy until you’ve signed and returned the offer letter.

Back in 2014 I accepted a wonderful position with a major healthcare company and I thought it was going to be my forever job. I was spoiled. They were super organized, generous in their compensation, excellent benefits and other perks. Then in 2016 I was contacted by a trusted recruiter about a “great opportunity” in a different industry. So, in the best interest of my career (or so I thought), I took the new job. It was a step up and the compensation was sweet!

The company was a disaster. They sold a great product, but the leadership was trash. The company had been through bankruptcy, several members of leadership resigned over the years, and they were so disorganized it’s not even funny. I tried to hold on, I did.

The employees were sweet and really cared about the company, but leadership was so profit driven that they drove some of their best talent away.

Fast forward to today. I’m back in healthcare. I made a lateral move (but more $), and this company is showing the same symptoms as my previous employer. Disorganized, not following policy and procedure, high turnover, and weird office politics. The difference is I knew this company was possibly a trainwreck because the CFO was super transparent in the interview.

So why did I take it?

I was desperate. I really wanted to leave my previous employer so I basically went from the frying pan into the fire.

Which brings me to the point of this post, I’m not going to jump ship (yet), but I am going to be strategic about my time here and where I’m headed. I’ve learned that (like with men) you can’t be desperate. You make back choices when you’re desperate. I know this isn’t my forever job/choice of employer; that was the first thing I had to admit. Here are a few things I’ve been thinking about and been meaning to jot down to ensure my next move is my best move:

1. Identify the companies I’m really interested in; be selective

2. Create job alerts for those companies I’m really interested in

3. Keep my LinkedIn profile updated and interact with connections

4. Connect with recruiters of the companies I like

5. Be a boss in my current role: aim for exceptional performance (will come in handy in case of references)

6. Keep resume updated

7. Keep a journal of accomplishments, projects, initiatives, etc.

8. Transform myself into a superstar candidate that employers will be looking for

9. Take some courses (I’m not going back to school though) related to my field

That’s all I’ve got so far. I’m not going to make the same mistake I did before. Maybe this can help you too!

#career #passion #wealth #jobs #employment #linkedin #unemployed