You see it time and time again. People who let opportunity pass them by simply because they were afraid. When looking for a job, many people have unintentionally let fear hold them back. They passed up an opportunity, or did not recognize an opportunity, simply because it was out of their comfort zone. Or they approach the entire job search process from a limited perspective.
A prime example of this is the middle aged executive who suddenly finds themselves out of a job. Their job search consists of looking for the exact same position they just left, often in the same industry, and they use the same job search methods they used twenty years ago to find their first job. The result? Long lasting unemployment.
It’s tough sometimes to step outside of your comfort zone. However, that’s often where the most promising opportunities are. Here are a few tips to help you look outside your own boundaries and structure to find your next great job:
1. Take an honest look at any job opportunity that comes your way – even if it’s something you’ve never done before.
2. Connect with new people in and outside of your industry.
If you’ve spent your life as a marketing representative for a software company, your marketing skills will likely apply to any industry and you may find yourself enjoying a different topic and group of people.
3. Take a different job just to try it out.
One of the reasons people stay inside their comfort zone is ego. They don’t want to do something different or ‘beneath them.’ However, sometimes any job is better than no job at all and there’s always something to learn.
4. Try a new approach.
If the old resume and cover letter to the classified ad posting isn’t working to get you a job, try a new approach. Register with staffing companies, volunteer, and network. There are many ways to find great jobs and most of them don’t involve classified ads.
5. In the meantime, do something you want to do.
What do you enjoy? What have you always wanted to try or learn? Do it now. For example, if you’ve always wanted to become a teacher, start volunteering at your local school. If you’ve always wanted to learn how to cook, take a cooking class.
Why? Because this is the first step to getting you out of your comfort zone. And because when you’re doing something you love to do, opportunities will come to you. You’ll meet people in that cooking class who know the perfect job that just opened up. You’ll be there and ready when that teaching position opens up and because you made such a great impression, you’ll get the job.
Stepping out of your comfort zone is more than a life experience. To get a job in today’s job market, it’s a survival tactic.
Step out of your comfort zone further and let us know how we can help you succeed. Visit our jobs page to see available positions, send us your CV or visit our Facebook & Instagram to keep in contact with our career advise related content.
Free eBook: 7 QUALITIES OF A GOOD EMPLOYEE AND CANDIDATE – The Business and Employment Centre