If you’re looking for a new job — maybe you’ve been laid off, or it's time for pastures new — here’s something to bear in mind.

Most of what goes on in the world is beyond your control.

Yes. You can polish your resume, apply to roles you think are a great fit, research the company in question, show up on time, and come up with smart questions to ask.

But you don't have any say over who the other candidates are and their relationship with the decision-makers, your chemistry with the people who interview you, their exact hiring criteria or process (they might think you are over or under qualified), the political landscape at the company, whether they have a sudden headcount freeze…the list goes on. 

Seen in this light, it becomes obvious that what you can control pales into insignificance compared to what you can’t, and this has a big implication I’d like to draw your attention to.

If you apply and do not get the offer you hope for — even if it happens over and over again — you must realize that this is not an indictment of your abilities, skill or value as a person. It may just be the hand you’ve been dealt. 

The best salespeople, the best entrepreneurs, the best sportsmen and women often get rejected, fail, or lose because they face similar uncertainties. It’s normal. No top performer has a 100% success record or even close. Reminding yourself of what is and isn’t in your control liberates you from endless hand-wringing and rumination.

Focus on what you can do — brushing up your skills, building your profile, finessing your technique, expanding your network, sharpening your resume, taking expert advice on where you can improve — and keep trying until the outcome takes care of itself. 

Good luck! 🤞

See this post on LinkedIn