My Shrinking Circle of Job-Searching Friends

A big WOO-HOO for another good friend who just rejoined the ranks of the fully employed. She contacted me yesterday with the news about accepting a terrific job offer. This follows more than a year of pursuing opportunities—she was restructured out of her full-time staff role last fall. After hearing regularly for months about her ups and downs on the path to a new position, I’ll miss the extra connecting time we’ve had as job-search buddies. But, of course, I’m extremely pleased to drop her from my circle of unemployed and under-employed pals.

We met a long time ago when we worked together at ASAE. We both moved on to other associations and remained friends. During the past several months, while we “worked together” at finding new jobs, we applied for some of the same positions, still supporting each other while we competed. Always a friend first, she taught me a few things about job hunting, and here are the key lessons that stuck:

*Stay positive. Do not take rejection personally. You’re the best–for some organization, just not for the one that didn’t call you for an interview…or a follow-up meeting…or the job.

*Stay positive. Do not hold a grudge against any HR gatekeeper or hiring manager who doesn’t agree that you’re the perfect person for the job.

*Stay positive. Sure, go ahead and indulge in a personal pity party once in a while, but don’t make it a habit.

I am positively thrilled for you, Girlfriend. Thank you for all your wisdom and support. Now get out of those slippers and go to work!