TLDR: Getting a job can be tedious and gut-wrenching. You are not alone. Your job search has similarities to a video game! Both have an end goal (getting a job), limited resources (time and financial pressures), and mini-bosses (rounds of interviews).
The Job Search Video Game
Treating the job search as a video game helps you see it from a different perspective. Why a video game?
Well, here are some similarities: here is the end goal (getting a job); there is time pressure (e.g., financial pressures from that home loan); there are the mini-bosses (interviews) that you need to get through; and you are constantly experimenting and changing tactics from unsuccessful tries till you succeed (get the job).
Background:
A change in management and corporate objectives resulted in a toxic work environment. I was placed on a performance improvement plan due to a disagreement with upper management.
It took me six months to get a job offer, four months of which I continued working at the company while applying and 2 months stressing without a job. Note that my experience comes from an Australian context, so feel free to adjust it to suit your situation 😊
How I played this game:
Step 1: Mapping (Understanding) the environment
The I.T. market has been challenging, with significant layoffs from companies like Meta and Google, as well as large consulting companies like PWC and Deloitte.
This has resulted in an increased workforce supply in the tech market. To understand the lay of the land, I researched core drivers such as the average salary and relevant skill sets required for the jobs I was applying for.
I also meditated and chanted regularly to have clarity of mind, allowing me to see my situation clearly before deciding to leave the toxic work environment.
I asked myself three questions:
1) Did I want to quit because I was lazy or could not handle work pressure?
2) Was there a way the situation could be improved?
3) Was the management trying to help me improve or push me out?
When I got my answers, I set up a rough action plan and started the ball rolling.
Step 2: Check on your Gold (finances)
The general rule of thumb for spending, recommended by the Buddha, is that 1/4 should be enjoyed, 2/4 should be invested in the business, and 1/4 should be set aside against future misfortunes. (D.N. 31, Sigalovada Sutta: The Buddha’s Advice to Sigalaka)
I used part of the last component to fund this period as I searched for a job.
I discussed my financial situation with my wife, who was wholeheartedly supportive throughout this ordeal.
With my final payout from the company, I immediately paid off three months of home loans and expenses to see my finances with a clearer lens and prevent overspending.
This also gave me a clear runway for how long I had to find a job, adding a sense of time pressure.
Step 3: The Golden Resume(s)
Like a game, you collect skill points and talents along the way. I was applying for two types of jobs and had a specific tailored resume for each.
In the age of A.I., keywords are crucial, especially if recruiters are using A.I. engines to screen resumes.
I optimised my resume with ChatGPT (e.g., search: Key Skills a Technical Business Analyst should have) and added the relevant skills to my resume. I also used ChatGPT for cover letters (e.g., search: Please combine the <Paste Job Description> and <My work experience> to write me a Cover Letter in British English that fits on a page).
Note: Make sure it is in British English, and rewrite it if it is too formal or rigid.
Review your resume every 1 to 2 weeks to improve. For example, I was in the top 3 for an E.V. charging company but did not get the job.
I followed up with the Talent Acquisition team, which mentioned that I lacked data skills compared to the other two candidates. To rectify that, I started to do a Microsoft-endorsed PowerBI course and added the skills to my resume.
Step 4: The warrior monk discipline
To deal with setbacks, I was fortunate to have a strong support structure. My wife was supportive and encouraged me to visit the monastery to change my environment and perspective.
Practising Caga (generosity) by gardening in the monastery and doing good deeds in daily life helped to put me in a positive mindset and lighten my mind.
My parents would send me YouTube Dhamma talks when I was unsuccessful at getting some jobs #AsianParentLove
Going to the gym 4 to 5 times a week helped to keep the endorphins flowing and maintain my motivation.
I set my own KPI of 5 to 6 job applications daily (adjust yourself accordingly, but remember, quality over quantity) and took weekends off. I was flexible but tried to stay as close to the goal as possible.
Step 5: The Bard’s Sitar
Remember to be kind to yourself!
A sitar player who had difficulty in his meditative practice asked the Buddha for advice.
The Buddha and he agreed that if the instrument were too tight, the string would snap; if it were too loose, no sound would come out. But a tuneful sound comes when it is not too tight or loose. (AN 6.55)
Getting a job is hard work, but remember to reward yourself too. If finances allow, have short trips in between. Remember that this is a period that you do not need to take leave for vacations. Silver linings, my friends! 😊
Step 6: The Network Web
Make sure you are in contact with multiple recruiters (I was working with 6). Keep in mind that they have to look at numerous resumes daily and may have a bit of a “goldfish memory: I would call or contact them weekly to stay at the top of their mind for potential opportunities.
Reach out to close friends and family to leverage their networks to connect you with potential job opportunities.
Make sure your referees are aware that someone might contact them. For example, I was blindsided when an old staff member of mine put me as a referee without informing me, and I thought it was a scam call.
Prepare your referees with a list of dot points on your projects together so they can reference it at a moment’s notice.
Step 7: It’s never GAME OVER.
I would reach the top 2 or 3 in interviews and kick myself when I did not get the job. Getting to such a position is an indication you are almost there.
Remind yourself to trust the process and update your learnings along the way.
I finally secured a job at the same company where I was unsuccessful for another role. I kept in touch with Talent Acquisition, and he recommended me to his colleague.
A few interviews later, I got the job! Luck is where hard work and opportunity intersect. Find different ways to source opportunities. Finding a job is one of the situations where you do not take “no” as an answer.
Some Game Stats:
143 Applications
6 Recruiters
5 Interviews with different companies
Wise Steps:
- Network Cultivation: Stay in regular contact with multiple recruiters and leverage your personal network. Prepare your referees with relevant information about your shared work experiences.
- Balanced Effort: Remember the Buddha’s advice on the “middle way” – don’t be too rigid or too lax in your job search. Take time to reward yourself and maintain work-life balance.
- Financial Dharma: Apply the Buddha’s 1/4 spending rule to your finances. Create a clear financial runway to understand your job search timeframe.
- Resilience and Persistence: View each interview as progress, even if you don’t get the job. Trust the process and continually update your approach based on feedback and experiences.
