Job Search and Your Inner 2-Year-Old

Sometimes I come across job seekers who act like a 2-year-old.  Because I’ve been through the ‘terrible twos’  I see these job seekers using ineffective strategies, not to mention, needing a personality transplant. (Yes, I have my judgmental moments just like you!)  What behaviors do these 2-year-old job seekers exhibit?

• They throw tantrums when things don’t go their way:  ”I can’t believe I didn’t get that interview/job!”  
• They are temperamental, rigid and inflexible: “I’m going to do this job search my way and I’m going to keep doing it my way until it works”
• They are demanding and want immediate gratification: “I want it NOW!”
• They have trouble focusing their efforts and their actions swing widely in different directions: “I going to look over here, no I’m going to look over there” 

So while I don’t recommend the above behaviors, there are some 2-year-old behaviors I recommend you embrace for your job search:

• Make your presence known!  You always know when there’s a 2-year-old in the room!  Job search today is about being found, so like a 2-year-old, make it easy for you to be found!
• Demand attention!  Well, maybe not so much demanding as focusing on creating demand  for you and your skills.
• If a particular action isn’t working for you, change direction!  Remember the definition of insanity: ‘Doing the same thing and expecting a different result’.  Successful job seekers are willing to try something new.
• Expect to get your way.  The Law of Attraction works, especially in a job search.

So don’t be afraid to utilize your effective inner 2-year-old behaviors and as any parent of a 2-year-old knows, this too shall pass and at least you don’t play with your food anymore!


Brenda