28/05/2025
Like most great guidance, this job-hunting wisdom is so counterintuitive it actually hurts people's brains.
Do Not Fall Into The Classic Job-hunting Trap:
If you are looking for work, then beware of what I refer to as 'The Job-hunting Trap'.
Looking for work appears to be a completely counterintuitive strategy. Look at the diagram below; which I borrow from my great friend, Dick Bolles 's legendary bestseller, 'What Color Is Your Parachute?'. Also, referred to as 'the job-hunter's bible'. (Check out his information packed website: www.jobhuntersbible.com)
Sadly, Dick is no longer with us. But his wisdom lives on as his tangible legacy. Yet even a giant of his reputation found it a challenge to persuade his followers that job-hunters tend to seek work in the exact opposite way that hirers hire.
There is nothing more soul-destroying than a 'reactive' job search. Applying to roles in direct competition with who knows how many other applicants for the same job. Dick refers to this as a "numbers game". Especially, when we consider the statistical likelihood of success when applying to job ads on the internet, via the newspapers or those in the windows of high street recruitment firms.
Whereas, the success potential goes sky-high if your job-hunting is 'proactive'. Now we can fall into the trap of just thinking that a 'proactive' job-hunt is networking. When it is a whole lot more.
You see, a proactive job-hunt is fuelled by curiosity, passion and purpose. With the sole aim of sharing your passions for your field of work with another person who might just share the same passion. The beauty of this technique is that your knowledge, momentum and job lead generation goes up every time a new connection introduces you to someone they know will be able to help you.
You can guarantee, that if you meet the right people in your quest for information, your success rates are going to grow exponentially. As you build rapport naturally with people who you are almost certainly on a similar wavelength with. Each step, opening doors and helping to build confidence. Of course, no doubt, there are those dreaded rejections. But the probability of success is much higher.
A friend of mine in Germany, also a 'disciple' of Dick's. Assures his clients that they will land their dream-job within 40 informational meetings! They are 'that' effective.
So, as with so many life-hacks, mastery techniques, and productivity strategies, the best ones are often totally counterintuitive. Meaning, they are the exact opposite route than the one most people expect to take.
And that is why a proactive job-hunting technique will beat your competition to land not just any old job, but your dream job.
Confused by any aspect of this post, then please feel free to get in touch.
Good luck on your job-hunt,
Duncan Bolam
