A pessimistic optimist's job search journey

Wow – I can’t believe I haven’t updated my blog for two weeks. It means I’ve actually been busy and occupied.

When I started it, I thought I would blog everyday.

Then I get busier, I planned to do it once a week.

Today marked one month since I joined the Job Search Coaching program. I was very ambitious to set the plan for 30-day; compared to the 60-day or 90-day plan. From a technical perspective, I’ve been on track:

• I got the clarity for what I want to do.
• I updated my resume, my LinkedIn profile – to make sure it is tailored to the position I am looking for – Executive Assistant.
• I completed my Interview Arsenal, which basically is getting my stories ready to answer popular interview questions.
• I started doing what I dislike the most: networking. I got some responses from very kind people, and I also managed to express my gratitude towards them. So – even though the progress of this part is slow, at least – I made some progress. Hopefully it will get better as I feel more comfortable.
• I got some interviews; some questions I answered well; some questions I froze. I also feel I learn from the mistakes quite quickly. Each time I did not answer a question well, I reviewed the question, reflected myself and came up with a good answer – in case I am asked the same question again in the next interview. It is like an opportunity to learn more about myself, to internalize something I’ve never thought of, to practice articulate it so I understand myself better. Once I have that self-awareness, I feel more confident answering the question.
• There are some companies, or positions that I really liked. And I wondered how I could mess it up. But then I learnt to let go so I can focus on the next shot. I need to keep practicing so I can be ready, be my best self when the right opportunity comes.

So many self-doubt moments, I even cried several times. But I also felt “I’ve done my best, I have no regrets – even though the interview was not perfect.” more than once.

One month since I joined the program, I haven’t found a job yet but I’ve made good progress. I keep trying and I will keep trying.

I guess I just need some luck.