While we do not have control over every occurrence in our lives, we can be more successful in our search.
An Accountability Partner Can Improve Your Job Search
A brand-new year is full of unknowns. As a job seeker, your questions may include, “What doors of opportunity will open for me?” “What challenges will I face?” “Who will be the link to my next job?” While we do not have control over every occurrence in our lives, we can be more successful in our search. In my experience, finding an accountability partner was a very important step in landing a new position.
I happened to meet my job search accountability partner at my first Fairhaven Job Seekers meeting. Lori was a sweet lady working hard to transition to the non-profit world after having lost her job in a corporate setting. Lori and I exchanged job loss stories and quickly realized that working together in our job search would be a lot more rewarding than working on our own. So one day we sat down at a local restaurant, opened our planners, and put together a networking strategy. And it worked!
What lessons did I learn about the importance of an accountability partner?
An accountability partner keeps you motivated. Job seekers typically cycle through the five stages of grief. During the most stressful days of the job search, it can be difficult just to leave the house. But when you have appointments set on your calendar to meet your partner for a networking event, a meeting with a professional, or in order to work on your professional documents, you will be much more likely to get moving! I have written previously about the importance of a full-time job search. Your partner can help you maintain this full-time schedule by creating a plan together that works for both of you.
An accountability partner keeps you stable. The job search involves what I call the “emotional roller coaster,” often making us feel “up” one day and “down” the next. It is difficult to keep our emotions in check during the job search. An accountability partner can be such an asset during these times by acting as a “sounding board” and then helping us move on to the next step. When you do not “feel” like taking one more step, that person can take the step with you, giving you courage and confidence. What a winning combination!
An accountability partner helps you stay focused. The job search can be overwhelming, because it involves so many details. Your partner can help you maintain your focus and weed out the details that are not important to your search, especially if you meet on a regular basis. Your partner can more easily see obstacles and help you steer clear of them. You must, however, be willing to be honest and receptive! While this can be challenging some days, it will pay dividends for you down the road.
Career transition can be stressful and challenging, and we are not meant to “go it alone” during this time. If you are not presently accountable to at least one other person in your job search, begin working to find someone now. The ideal accountability partner is someone in the job search who is willing to work hard alongside you!
I will never forget the companionship, encouragement, and inspiration Lori gave to me during my job search. Lori passed away a year after we met, and I lost a dear friend that day. However, I find solace in the fact that she was the person who helped me obtain my current job, and her memory will live forever in my heart.
Now…work to find someone who will navigate the job search with you!
