The Ostrich Effect: What Is It and How Is It Killing Your Job Search
Let's talk about something that might be slowing down your job search journey without you even realizing it: the sneaky little thing called the ostrich effect. Yeah, it's not just a quirk of those big birds burying their heads in the sand – turns out, we humans do it too, especially when we're on the hunt for that dream job. I’m guilty of it in my own life, and I’m guessing you might be too so let’s talk more about it and how to overcome it.
First things first… what the heck is the Ostrich Effect!?
Alright, so picture this: you've sent out a bunch of applications, and now you're waiting to hear back. Suddenly, you get some feedback on your resume or cover letter – but instead of taking it on board, you kind of... ignore it. Sound familiar? That's the ostrich effect in action, my friend. It's like we're wired to avoid anything that feels even slightly negative, even if it could help us land that job.
Now that we know what it is, let's talk about how to show that ostrich who's boss and take control of our job search:
Own Your Feedback: Look, getting feedback can sting a bit, but it's also a golden opportunity to improve. So, instead of brushing it off, embrace it. Whether it's from a friend, a mentor, or a professional, take their advice on board and use it to polish up your application game.
Tackle the Tough Stuff: Networking events, cold emails, follow-ups – they're not exactly a walk in the park, right? But avoiding them won't get you any closer to your dream job. So, take a deep breath, put on your brave face, and dive in. You might just surprise yourself.
Trust Your Instincts: When you're researching potential employers, don't ignore those little warning signs. High turnover rates? Sketchy reviews? Trust your gut and don't be afraid to ask some probing questions during interviews. After all, you're looking for the right fit, not just any job.
Break it Down: Feeling overwhelmed by the mountain of tasks ahead? Break it down into bite-sized chunks. Set yourself some realistic goals, like updating your resume or reaching out to three new contacts this week. It's all about taking small steps in the right direction.
So, there you have it – the lowdown on the ostrich effect and how to kick it to the curb in your job search. Remember, we're all in this together, and it's okay to stumble along the way. The important thing is to keep moving forward, learn from your experiences, and never lose sight of that dream job on the horizon. So go on, spread those wings and soar – you've got this!