Learning to pirouette … remember to make notes
What a difference a year makes. This time last year I was coming to the end of an assignment with Gatwick Airport. I’d been promoting personal development planning, encouraging managers to find a little time each day for reflection on their performance. Most of us recognise that reflecting on we’ve done and what we need to achieve (or do differently next time) are essential elements of our ongoing development. This led me to write a story and remind us that, “Self-reflection isn’t selfish, it’s essential to our wellbeing” (September 2019).
The assignment completed and with the bones of a plan to make a little more “me time” for reflection, I enjoyed a relaxing lunch with a girlfriend. We chatted about the highs and lows of property development (her business) and the success of my Getting Noticed workshop the previous week. We giggled over food (too much of it) and fashion before lamenting the demise of Thomas Cook. On the way home I hatched a plan about how I could volunteer to help ex-employees to get noticed. I couldn’t help myself; it’s what I do best.
Fast forward a few months to 2020 and so many of us found even more time for self-reflection. Plans changed overnight and jobs were lost or put on hold. We’ve been urged to pivot (I’m not a fan) or pirouette and once again, I’m on a mission to get people noticed. That’s encouraging some to realise their aspirations and extend an existing interest, while inspiring others to develop skills through volunteering. And I’m sponsoring portfolio careers at every opportunity.
Remember it’s all of the challenges we encounter and how we conquer them that make us who we are. No surprises, I’m promoting the value of writing up what you did, how it went and what you learned. This will prove invaluable when it comes to telling your individual story and validating your strengths at interview. It’s also a great way to illustrate transferable skills and demonstrate how learning in one sector translates to another. And of course, it will help you to focus on the positive outcomes of job seeking (there are some) and trying out new ideas.
There’s much in the news right now about how many unsuccessful interviews some job seekers have encountered or how many emails remain unanswered and I’m suggesting a different metric. Try recording all of the great things achieved during the recruitment engagement, as well as some feedback on your experience as a candidate of the recruitment process. Go on … I dare you.
What went well?
What did you learn about yourself?
What might you do differently next time?
What feedback do you have for the organisation/their recruitment partners?
What are your recommendations for an improved candidate experience?
Why not get in touch … let’s chat about what you’ve learned about yourself this year.
