Job Search Objective II
Rebuilding your career after a major setback can be overwhelming. With so many options and obstacles, getting lost or discouraged is a real possibility. Simply put, it is easy to become a distracted buyer, chasing the next shining object rather than a discerning seller of (your) service. To avoid losing your way, you need a compass. You need to define your Job Search Objective (JSO).
Your JSO is your north star. The job market can be murky and turbulent for anyone, especially someone reentering with background baggage. The fix? A specific, achievable career goal to aim for in the short term, which aligns with longer-term aspirations.
So, what does a well-defined JSO look like? First and foremost, it's specific. "I want a job" is not a JSO. "I want a job as a dental assistant in a pediatric practice" is. The more clearly you can articulate your aim, the more focused and effective your job search will be.
A good JSO is also realistic and achievable. It considers your current situation, skills, and experience. Given that you are reentering or starting over, your JSO might be an entry-level position that will give you a foot in the door. If you’ve got years of experience but have background issues limiting your ability to pick up where you left off, then your JSO must lead to the most likely re-entry point.
Defining your JSO is a process of self-reflection and research. It starts with asking yourself some honest questions:
What is my longer-term job/career goal (say, in five years)?
What are my strengths and skills?
What are my limitations (related to skills & experience AND background issues)?
What kind of work do I find meaningful and engaging (where I will stay)?
What is the best entry point NOW as a first step toward my longer-term goal?
Once you define your JSO – STOP!
Take note that you have just established two things:
The type of job/work you will go after
The type you WON’T go after
The second one (what not to pursue) is a biggie. It is just as crucial as your defined JSO. And why so, you ask? The reason is simple and often overlooked. You have to know where not to invest time, energy, and effort to avoid the black holes created by chasing after jobs far outside the bounds of your JSO. Full stop!
Then, it's time to hit the pavement (or the internet) and start your search. Proceed methodically. Be selective, but don't be afraid to think outside the box. Your JSO doesn't have to be a traditional job. It might be a freelance gig, a part-time position, or a role close to your JSO that utilizes transferable skills and provides a path toward your eventual goal.
As you engage in the search and have tested the waters a bit, refine your JSO into a clear, concise statement. For example, "My Job Search Objective is to secure a front-of-the-house position in a fine-dining restaurant, utilizing my work ethic and people skills to deliver top-notch service.”
Write down your JSO and put it somewhere you'll see it daily—on your bathroom mirror, fridge, or computer background. Use it as your touchstone and filter for every job search step. When deciding whether to apply for a position, ask yourself, "Does this align with my JSO?" If not, drop it right there.
When crafting your resume (and cover letters), highlight the experiences and qualities most relevant to your JSO. The same goes for interview prep; practice discussing how your experience and aspirations connect to your JSO.
Having a clear JSO will help you stay focused, motivated, and resilient in the face of the inevitable challenges and rejections of the job search. It will help you communicate your value to potential employers and make more strategic decisions about where to invest your time and energy.
Most importantly, your JSO will give you a sense of direction and purpose in your career journey. It's a reminder that your past does not define you and that you can set your course and make your way.
So, take the time to define your Job Search Objective, and let it be your compass as you navigate towards a brighter future. You've got this!
Onward!