What’s Luck Got to do With It? How to Generate Good Fortune in Your Job Search

Interview, Job Search, Networking

In the season of shamrocks and pots of gold at the end of the rainbow, job seekers often ask what role luck plays in the job search process. Bottom line: Finding your next job takes careful planning and hard work, but you can increase your chances of success by seizing opportunities as they’re presented to you, effectively creating your own good fortune.

In reality, the odds of random luck are slim in the job search. It’s unusual for hiring managers to have the time to carefully review hundreds of online applications, let alone locate yours as the hidden gem in the pile. Rather than waiting to be “discovered,” your job search must focus on making it much easier for employers to find you. (Tweet this thought.)

 

How to Make Your Own Luck

As they say, luck is most often the result of careful planning, prioritization and execution.

Start by creating a target list of companies for whom you hope to work. Research those companies and identify contacts for networking by using your alumni database, former colleagues, etc. Plan a series of informational interviews with contacts at your target companies to learn more about the company, the functional area that interests you and the hiring process.

The more people in those companies who know who you are and what value you can contribute to the organization, the more supporters you’ll have when the right position opens. They may reach out to you to let you know a position is coming available. Or if you see a relevant position posted, you can reach out to your supporters to ask them to share your resume with the hiring manager. You still need to apply online as a formality, but the odds of the hiring manager actually seeing your resume go up significantly when it’s forwarded internally from a colleague. Being in the “short stack” of resumes that the manager reviews is a huge advantage, so don’t underestimate this step. Your effective networking can significantly improve your luck.

Another avenue to success includes putting yourself in situations that will increase the likelihood of luck. Sitting behind your computer submitting endless online applications won’t  bring you luck. Rather, get out there and participate in something you’re passionate about. You just may be surprised by the interesting connections you make in the process, as well as how it will make you a well-rounded candidate.

Attend professional association meetings and learn about current issues in your field while networking with other professionals. Maximize the value of social encounters. At social events, ask people where they work and what they do. Most people love to talk about themselves, and in the process, you may be able to identify valuable connections you can schedule an informational interview with after the event.

You could sit on an airplane next to a key manager from your target company, but you’ll never know that if you don’t take the initiative. Introduce yourself and start a brief conversation. Put yourself out there. The more people you know and who know you, the better your chances of making valuable connections.

 

In the End

We often hear of luck in the job search as being in the right place at the right time. But usually, behind every such story, there was some hard work going on behind the scenes, including the execution of a careful plan. Getting to know the right people helps put you in the right place at the right time when an opportunity becomes available

Luck doesn’t replace hard work; it’s often the result of hard work. So take advantage of this time of year to come out of hibernation and start putting yourself in the position for good fortune!

How can you boost your job search “luck”?

 

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