Published: Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Surprise career opportunities: How to be ready
We have all heard about actors and models who were discovered at the coffee shop. Imagine the scenario. You order a double cappuccino and then dig through your pockets frantically, looking for a few bucks. A stranger taps on your shoulder, says something about working as a talent agent, hands over a business card, and changes your life forever.
This kind of chance meeting happens to regular people, too, not just movie stars. In fact, as a serious job hunter, you should be ready for accidental career changes and do everything in your power to bring these opportunities your way.
Unexpected job changes take many forms. They may crop up randomly, like in the above coffee shop example. However, they typically occur when someone observes your behavior over time. In most cases, you don’t realize that you’re being watched. All the while, this person (a prospective boss) surveys your actions, takes mental notes, feels genuinely impressed by your attitude or performance, and decides to approach you about a position.
Look at your life. Who sees you perform the duties of your job? Who watches you organize projects, meet deadlines and overcome obstacles?
Most of the time, clients (or customers) are the ones who witness your actions in the workplace. They watch you carefully because they benefit from your attention and knowledge. They appreciate your friendly attitude, admire your communication skills and value your ability to fix problems before they escalate. You may work all afternoon blending milk shakes at the neighborhood burger joint. Or spend your days managing million-dollar campaigns for a respected advertising firm. It hardly matters. When it comes to accidental career changes, customer satisfaction makes a difference. Happy clients may alter the path of your career.
If you don’t work directly with clients, don’t worry. You probably interact with people (such as vendors, shareholders or consultants) in some capacity during your work day. And don’t overlook interactions outside of the professional environment. Where do you shop? Eat? Walk your dog? Anyone who sees you on a regular basis can attest to certain aspects of your character, such as your consistency, dependability, energy, motivation, focus … the list goes on.
How do you attract unforeseen job offers? First, realize that your behavior (inside and outside of the workplace) influences your career. Second, think of every interaction as an impromptu job interview.
It’s similar to networking, but more subtle. You aren’t asking for ideas or referrals. In fact, you aren’t requesting anything of anyone, except yourself. You modify your behavior. That’s all. By doing so, you impress the people around you. Open doors and invite the unexpected into your life.
By all means, don’t stop networking. It’s essential to build relationships with individuals in your field. Just remember that less aggressive tactics are equally important. Everywhere you go, people are innocently observing your actions. Some of them are bosses themselves. They watch your behavior, and they’d love to have you onboard.
The bottom line is this: Take advantage of each opportunity, even the ones that haven’t materialized yet. You never know what surprises may come from the people you see every day.
Send your job search questions to Eve.GetAJob@gmail.com.
This kind of chance meeting happens to regular people, too, not just movie stars. In fact, as a serious job hunter, you should be ready for accidental career changes and do everything in your power to bring these opportunities your way.
Unexpected job changes take many forms. They may crop up randomly, like in the above coffee shop example. However, they typically occur when someone observes your behavior over time. In most cases, you don’t realize that you’re being watched. All the while, this person (a prospective boss) surveys your actions, takes mental notes, feels genuinely impressed by your attitude or performance, and decides to approach you about a position.
Look at your life. Who sees you perform the duties of your job? Who watches you organize projects, meet deadlines and overcome obstacles?
Most of the time, clients (or customers) are the ones who witness your actions in the workplace. They watch you carefully because they benefit from your attention and knowledge. They appreciate your friendly attitude, admire your communication skills and value your ability to fix problems before they escalate. You may work all afternoon blending milk shakes at the neighborhood burger joint. Or spend your days managing million-dollar campaigns for a respected advertising firm. It hardly matters. When it comes to accidental career changes, customer satisfaction makes a difference. Happy clients may alter the path of your career.
If you don’t work directly with clients, don’t worry. You probably interact with people (such as vendors, shareholders or consultants) in some capacity during your work day. And don’t overlook interactions outside of the professional environment. Where do you shop? Eat? Walk your dog? Anyone who sees you on a regular basis can attest to certain aspects of your character, such as your consistency, dependability, energy, motivation, focus … the list goes on.
How do you attract unforeseen job offers? First, realize that your behavior (inside and outside of the workplace) influences your career. Second, think of every interaction as an impromptu job interview.
It’s similar to networking, but more subtle. You aren’t asking for ideas or referrals. In fact, you aren’t requesting anything of anyone, except yourself. You modify your behavior. That’s all. By doing so, you impress the people around you. Open doors and invite the unexpected into your life.
By all means, don’t stop networking. It’s essential to build relationships with individuals in your field. Just remember that less aggressive tactics are equally important. Everywhere you go, people are innocently observing your actions. Some of them are bosses themselves. They watch your behavior, and they’d love to have you onboard.
The bottom line is this: Take advantage of each opportunity, even the ones that haven’t materialized yet. You never know what surprises may come from the people you see every day.
Send your job search questions to Eve.GetAJob@gmail.com.
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