Let’s Eat, Grandma held our second meetup of 2024 on April 18 at Capital Factory in Austin, TX. About 25 job seekers from a variety of industries attended the event, which was hosted by career coach Dr. Benjamin Ritter.
In his presentation, Ben discussed how job seekers can avoid common mistakes that may be hindering their progress toward landing their dream job.
- Trying to be everything
- Winging it
- Playing it safe
- Giving up
In the pursuit of career advancement, many professionals find themselves overcomplicating the process and underinvesting in what truly matters. The key is to streamline your approach, focus on what makes you unique, and pursue opportunities with precision. Here’s how you can do just that:
- Define Your Ideal Career Path: Envision a world where work is optional, and identify activities that not only interest you but also contribute positively to society. Use this vision to shape your career objectives. Remember, your next job doesn’t have to be the only thing you’re going to do for the rest of your life.
- Compose Your Mic-Drop Introduction: Start strong in interviews and networking with a focused and compelling elevator pitch that encapsulates your qualifications, direct skills, and enthusiasm for the role. A targeted intro will allow you to position yourself not just as a candidate, but as the candidate. Remember, the key to landing your dream job doesn’t lie in trying to fit every possible role but in clearly defining, articulating, and pursuing your unique professional path.
- Practice For Interviews: It’s surprising how many people don’t adequately prepare or practice for interviews. You can use AI tools like Chat GPT to generate potential interview questions from the job description. Practice will also help you learn to articulate your experiences compellingly. Try using the Context, Action, Result (CAR) method to organize your achievements and make a memorable impression. People only know what you tell them!
- Engage Through Networking: With a significant percentage of jobs filled through referrals, networking is more crucial than ever. Get out there, and be fearless! Reach out, make connections, and don’t hesitate to follow up. Use LinkedIn and don’t just lurk — like and comment on posts; connect with and send messages to employers at companies you’re interested in.
- Don’t Give Up: There’s no way around it — searching for a job is difficult. Stay positive and committed to the process — the only way to not get a job is to stop looking for a job.
Watch the full video below (the presentation runs from approximately 14:00 to 55:00) for practical tips to help you streamline your job search, gain motivation to pursue your goals, and invest more effectively in your career journey.
View the presentation slides here:
About Benjamin Ritter:
Dr. Benjamin Ritter, founder of Live for Yourself Consulting, is a leadership and career coach, L&D director, values geek, international speaker, podcaster, author, and mentor. His mission is to guide and empower leaders to take charge of their careers and build professional lives they love.
With over 10 years of experience working with clients from companies such as Amazon, Coursera, DoorDash, Google, Fiserv, Northwestern, Pinterest, and Yelp, Ben understands how to navigate any career path you decide you want to travel.
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