When involved in any venture we have control of many things. We for example may choose whom we want to be part of the process with us, our networking support group. Developing a schedule of activities, and determining which ones we might want to do on a particular day or time of day we can control. Additionally in the field I am in such as job search, the job searcher has the accountability for developing their resume, highlighting the accomplishments they want to present, and structuring the wording of their written and verbal communication.

When the job search crosses the line in contacting others, asking for whether it be a job interview or even an informational conversation, our ability to control every aspect of the process begins to dissipate. With an informational interview, we often need to be respectful of the other person’s schedule, and time they can give us for a conversation. When it comes to a job interview, we are at the mercy of the interviewing process of the company to which we apply. Some companies may ask us to endure a process that has us talking to 5 or 6 different individuals along the way, before a decision is made on providing us an offer. Others may choose to interview us in a one-to-one format, while others may choose to use a panel format. The timing between discussions most often is in the hands of the hiring company, who may be juggling to speak with many candidates for the same position, or looking to fill many positions at the same time. Those working at the company doing the interviews are often fitting in the interview discussion between a host of other duties.

When pursuing something one really desires, whether it be for the fact that they need the opportunity for cashflow, or even as simple as it is something which will help them build themselves up for future opportunities, the traits of patience and persistence go hand and hand in the process. Let me offer some thoughts on each area.

Patience does not mean just waiting around for another to follow-up with you, and not do anything in the meantime. One of the first lessons I learned in my training with the Five O’Clock Club on the subject of job search was that the job searcher who had a strong search going had anywhere from 6 to 10 opportunities in the works at any one time. The reasoning behind this thought was simple. Job opportunities could fall away through no fault of the job searcher. The budget for the job opening was pulled, so the company no longer had resources to fund the position. A company, even though the job was posted, decided to go with an inside candidate they already knew. An influential person inside the company forced on the hiring area a candidate who was to be hired as a “personal favor” to the higher up. The list of reasons goes on.  

For the one on the outside conducting their job search, the message is clear. Go in with the mindset that they are not controlling the pace of the process. In some instances, there could be delays between contacts. At other times, suddenly 2, 3 or more opportunities present themselves at once, meaning that one must prepare for multiple discussions within a short time of each other. Additionally, one’s abilities at the process (in this case interviewing) actually improve as they are doing a process more and more frequently. Lessons are learned, observations are made, so that when one is faced with similar questions from other companies, one may be better prepared in how to best answer that question to show the value they will bring to a company, and be less concerned about how the question actually reflects on them and their ability.

While patience is one virtue to apply during the process, persistence is the other. So, just what is meant by persistence. Keep in mind the following. The one pursuing an opportunity is the one with the responsibility for “following up” on the progress of how the process is moving along. That means, checking in to see where the hiring company is in the hiring process, if any new criteria has emerged in terms of what the company is looking for in the person they are hiring, if perhaps if one is no longer deemed a candidate for one position, are they possibly a candidate for another.  
Persistence does not mean calling every day, or calling and leaving 10 voicemails at one time. It does mean, building a smart follow-up schedule. It means when closing out one discussion, getting understanding and agreement on when one might hear back from the other person, or when it might be best to reach back out. It is making a schedule of follow-up calls to make, and posting it as a regular portion of one’s calendar. It can mean checking back in terms of the opportunities at an organization that may have rejected you for one opportunity, and following on another that meets your talents, and not having the attitude of “they rejected me once, why would I think they would want me now?”

Neither patience nor persistence are easy virtues to apply in one’s life. There will be frustrations along the way that may impact one’s ability to apply them on a particular day or time. When one feels frustrated, it may make sense to take a step away, be by oneself in thought, or even go for a walk away from the area where you are doing all your planning and preparation. However, if one truly wants to accomplish a particular item or task in their life, especially one that is worthwhile, may take time to achieve, and may have some stumbling blocks along the way, they are essential in implementing into your process for moving forward in trying to achieve that objective you seek.

March 2023 - Closing Thoughts