Think of the last time you were bowling: on the second ball, some frames only have one pin left while others have all 10. Bowling depends on the player, too. Some of us are semi-pro bowlers with years of experience, others throw the ball with two hands at a riveting two mph. Whatever your circumstance (how many pins you have remaining) and your skill (what you bring as an individual), aiming and changing your technique is an absolute necessity in the successful job search. In honor of National Bowling day, we’re giving you three quick tips to aim and change your technique in the job search.
Recognize your pins
Know where you stand before you begin your job search. Do you already know multiple people who work at the organization? Did the hiring manager seek you out to apply for the position? These circumstances would indicate that you don’t have too many pins remaining in your frame. If you want to break into a new industry, change career trajectories or move across the globe, you might be facing all ten pins. Knowing your circumstances allows you to determine the amount of work and time that you need to dedicate to your successful job search.
Adapt your style
Do you throw the ball as hard as you can and hope a couple of pins fall down, or do take your time, line up and examine all of the different options? If you have all ten pins, you should change your style and knock down as many possible. This is going to look very different from a job search with only one pin, which requires a more concerted, focused effort to be successful.
Remember there are 10 frames
Yes, you should focus and pay close attention to your job search, but try not to get frustrated if you don’t get offered each position you interview for. You have multiple frames and multiple circumstances to secure your next position. Take your time and focus on each one with a fresh mind. For every gutter ball, there is a perfect strike on the way.
Recognize your pins
Know where you stand before you begin your job search. Do you already know multiple people who work at the organization? Did the hiring manager seek you out to apply for the position? These circumstances would indicate that you don’t have too many pins remaining in your frame. If you want to break into a new industry, change career trajectories or move across the globe, you might be facing all ten pins. Knowing your circumstances allows you to determine the amount of work and time that you need to dedicate to your successful job search.
Adapt your style
Do you throw the ball as hard as you can and hope a couple of pins fall down, or do take your time, line up and examine all of the different options? If you have all ten pins, you should change your style and knock down as many possible. This is going to look very different from a job search with only one pin, which requires a more concerted, focused effort to be successful.
Remember there are 10 frames
Yes, you should focus and pay close attention to your job search, but try not to get frustrated if you don’t get offered each position you interview for. You have multiple frames and multiple circumstances to secure your next position. Take your time and focus on each one with a fresh mind. For every gutter ball, there is a perfect strike on the way.