How To Run Your Job Search Like A Business!

1. Know your own business model

Every business is predicated on values and goals. And the more specific they are, the more focused a business can become.

As a job seeker, you need to take time to understand and appreciate what you bring to the table, and what table you want to sit at.

Ask yourself what you want out of a job — not just whether you want a job or not. By narrowing down what sets your personal brand apart, you can accomplish your personal goals.

2. Negotiate for “number one”

No business has ever forged their own niche by taking what was given to them.

Whether you’re a business or job seeker, you need to be willing to make space for yourself in negotiations.

Don’t simply sit back and take the first offer that comes along. You need to set a benchmark for what you need, and don’t stop negotiating till you get it.

This could mean discussing salary, benefits, or even competing job offers. The point is: never sell yourself short. You know what you’re worth, so make sure you work for people who know it too.

3. Be the best at what you do best

It might sound silly to say, but if you want the best opportunities, you need to be the best candidate.

This means not over-diversifying your skill set. While it’s important to be well-rounded, it’s also important to be able to do at least one thing really well.

The same way that no one will believe you if you say you have no weaknesses, employers won’t believe you if you say you’re strong in every aspect.

Once you know what it is you do well, you can push your own boundaries — and push your way into any job opportunity by merit!

4. Get outsmarted

One stunning secret for running a successful business is to surround yourself with people who are smarter than you.

In competitive settings, everyone being smarter than you can hinder your ability to progress. But in collaborative settings (like running a business, or working for one), surrounding yourself with people who specialize in things you don’t is how you accomplish more. You can do more as a unit than you can as individuals.

Seek out companies that are filled with people you look up to. Not only will you find yourself developing more, your company (and your career) are more likely to grow.

5. Understand your clients

In this case, your clients are potential employers. And your product is you!

A company does well when they understand what their clientele wants. Because successful companies help their clients achieve it.

When you approach recruiters, be sure you know what they’re looking for in a new team member. Put their needs first, and they’ll offer you what you need every time.

6. Don’t be afraid to fold

One of the reasons that businesses fail is because they are too desperate to stay afloat.

When you lack the resources to feel comfortable to walk away and try something new, you put yourself at risk of losing everything you’ve gambled.

It’s why they say, “the house always wins”. Because the house can always afford to play another hand.

As a job seeker, you need to keep yourself in a stable financial position so you don’t have to act desperately.

It’s not worth throwing your happiness away just to pay the bills. Keep yourself comfortable enough to say “no” to jobs you’d hate, and to walk away when you don’t have a winning hand.

7. Understand that before success comes setbacks

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes.

No business has ever succeeded because they didn’t have challenges. They succeeded because they overcame them.

When you face rejections and closed doors, don’t let it discourage you. Let it ENCOURAGE you!

Missed opportunities are opportunities in and of themselves. By feeling like you’ve failed, you’ll start to realize what you do that does work. And what you can do to make it work better.

Treat your job search challenges as life lessons — because they are.

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