5 Mindset Mistakes That Will Sabotage Your Remote Job Search
The Paradox of Need
I get it. You need a remote job. I talk to so many people who come into this process and tell me they don't have time to learn this stuff, they need a job now. Well, the paradox is, the more you push and rush your job search, the more you sloppily apply to 50 jobs at a time, the longer it's going to take.
Not committing time upfront to the right strategy will ultimately cost you more time on the backend. Yes, it can "feel good" to send out a bunch of resumes. But does it get you anywhere? No. And, it's worse than not applying to any jobs because you may have ruined your first impressions with the companies you applied to.
When you need something you come across as desperate. People can sense it. A job search should never be about blasting as many applications as you can to as many companies are hiring. We are going to practice how to be extremely targeted. Because that’s the key to getting the right position for you and putting yourself in the best position to get noticed.
It's about quality over quantity. We’re going to spend more time on each application and subsequently increasing your probability of success. Just take this example from Amir, the CEO of Doist, at the number of applications they received to the number of people they hired. This was back in 2017. Things have gotten even more competitive now. You can't afford to be mediocre.
Entitlement
Just because you need a job doesn't mean you deserve one. I don't mean to sound condescending, that's not my intention. But, in my line of work, I meet a lot of people that feel ENTITLED to a remote job, when they've done absolutely nothing to earn one. The reality is, not everyone deserves one. Look at yourself in the mirror and dig in, work hard, and show up for yourself. You'll have to prove, time and time again, to remote companies and hiring managers that you're worth a shot, and the harsh reality is, there's a lot of other people doing the same. That's where this course comes in. It will show you how to stand out, use the proper tools, and make it happen.
Expectations
It's hard to set the right expectations for this job search. Forewarning: It might take longer than you think, it might be harder than you think, and you might struggle more than you think. But that shouldn't stop you from placing expectations of success in your line of vision. In fact, you need to expect you're going to succeed, but be unattached to the mistakes and learnings that happen in the process. For more on this, watch this TED talk which will help you not only in this job search process but in all expectations you set in your life.
Responsibility
No one can want this more than you. Not me, not some recruiter, not your family, not your friends, not a hiring manager... You have to be able to accept responsibility for your outcome in your search. You can't expect anyone to give you anything, and can't expect anyone to put in more effort than you.
Discouragement
Discouragement itself is to be expected. Things won't always go according to plan. However, it's not discouragement you need to be concerned about. It's how you respond to discouragement that's important. I've met many people who give up in the face of adversity because they become so frustrated. Remember that when using this process, and after committing to yourself that you can do this, you will be able to make it happen - and it's the resolve that you show that will be your greatest asset.
Want a remote job? I created a subscription membership called The Remote Job Club that helps job seekers with the tools, coaching, and resources to land a remote job. This article comes from the Remote Job Club Course.
I want to preface by saying I have a ton of free resources on my site too, and The Remote Job Club does have a free version.
For those looking for extra help and know that by investing in themselves, they will do better and ultimately become successful in their search, The Remote Job Club might be a fit for you. Learn more about all the features and benefits here: