The surest way to find a better job faster (Hint: It’s not networking)

If you want to find a better job faster, focus on your attitude before you start networking.

We’re going to kick things off with something controversial: When you’re looking for a new job, networking should not be your first step.

Imagine you get an email from a fellow professional asking you to meet for coffee to talk about his job search. You want to be generous with your time and resources, so you say yes. You’re excited to help someone out and make a connection. You sit down with this potential new friend and say, “Tell me about yourself.”

Immediately, he launches into a sob story.

He begins by explaining all the ways his last employer wronged him and why his old boss is a jerk. He talks about how many resumes he sends out every week and how few calls he gets back. For ten minutes, he goes over every miserable detail without taking a breath.

Once he reaches the end of his monologue, how are you feeling? Are you thinking of all the people you can introduce him to?

Or are you ready to cut and run in the opposite direction?

The emotional cost of the job hunt.

None of us want to be that guy. But the truth is, looking for a job is stressful and exhausting, and it can take a major toll on you. That’s normal, and we are highly sympathetic to that feeling. But if you’re mired in negativity, networking isn’t going to do you any good.

When you’re looking for a job, you become fertile ground for a huge range of emotions. The online job search is inherently disappointing, and spending day after day filling out applications without any follow-ups can crush your self-esteem.

This can easily lead to negative self-talk. The lack of results can deplete your motivation, too, which can make you feel guilty. The disappointment and the rejection can lead you into a downward spiral of bitterness, anger, and depression.

These feelings are valid. These feelings are normal. But if these feelings lead the way, you can’t network effectively. You can’t make a positive impression with a dark cloud hanging over your head.

Here’s a way to let in some sunshine.

Creating the right mindset for your job search.

Now imagine another coffee meet-up. You’re both smiling and energized. You’re sharing what you’re proud of and what you’re excited about. You walk away with a clear understanding of who your new friend is, what they bring to the table, and exactly how you can help them move forward.

This is the magic of a healthy, positive mindset. When you make a lasting positive impression, you network much more effectively. And this is just the beginning. When you’ve got your head on straight, you’re more resilient and can roll with the punches. You have the confidence to go after more ambitious roles. And with a strong sense of identity, you can create a personal brand that makes you unforgettable.

At Career Club, we have a mantra for developing and maintaining a positive mindset:

Keep an even KEEL.

(A short and sweet version of our recipe for a good headspace.)

• Know you will find another job.
• Emotional ups and downs are natural.
• Expect the best from yourself and others.
• Let the past go.

Mastering these principles is the first step in your quest to find a better job faster, not networking. Once you feel steady and your head is clear, then you’re ready to start calling people to invite them out for coffee. (We’ll talk more about that later.)

“Keeping an even KEEL” is the first lesson in Making Your Own Weather™, an eleven-part curriculum packed with everything we know about getting a better job faster. Making Your Own Weather™ goes deep on the ripple effect of a positive mindset throughout the job search process. This one-of-a-kind course will lead you to a better experience, more offers, and a better job.

Making Your Own Weather™ is included in any subscription to Career Club ONE™. Learn more about Career Club ONE™