Another important point is to psychologically “keep the ball in your court'' by arranging whenever possible to assume responsibility for making the next move. There is nothing so frustrating as waiting patiently for a company in which you are interested to take the next step, as was promised, whether it is scheduling a second interview, checking references, sending an application, or making the hiring decision. It is much easier on the nerves to take responsibility for the next move yourself.
Moreover, it also ensures that matters move more quickly and gives you the opportunity to push them in the direction you prefer.
Time is the enemy of all decisions. The longer the period between the first interview and the job offer, the lower the probability of the latter event occurring. So, when the interviewer informs you that you probably will be contacted regarding the scheduling of a second interview, you respond that you expect to be difficult to contact for the next week and suggest that the second interview be scheduled on the spot. Failing that, say that you call the interviewer when you "return to town" to schedule the interview because it will be easier, you say, to handle it in that manner. It will also guarantee that the second interview does in fact get scheduled, and more quickly than it otherwise might. As another example, when the inter viewer says that he will call you when he makes his decision in approximately two weeks, you reply that your schedule keeps you constantly on the move and normally out of telephone contact; therefore, you will call the interviewer in two weeks to check on the decision. Of course, you will call earlier than that to gently push your candidacy before the decision is actually made.
When job hunting, remember that there is no such thing as the "perfect job." In the evaluation, the deciding factor essentially was the bottom line figure, even though the best alternative was not top-rated in all categories and therefore not perfect. So, do not stubbornly wait for the job with all plusses and no minuses, or it may be a long wait. Such ideal expectations create “decision reluctance". An additional implication of this concept is that you need not be overly disappointed if you do not receive an offer for a position that you had believed to be the best opportunity that you had uncovered to date. For job possibilities (if you are using a methodical system) are as regular as buses and trains are supposed to be.
If you miss one, another will be along shortly, and, like fine vine, job offers improve as time passes and your job hunting abilities improve. Therefore, if you do not get the "perfect job," relax; another comparable offer will surface soon.
The psychological pressure of job hunting is such that you may be tempted to avoid or delay this pressure by postponing your job search until "it is more convenient." If you are currently employed, such a postponement simply defers your career advancement and increased job satisfaction. This is unfortunate but not calamitous. If you are unemployed, such a postponement could be disastrous. The longer you wait to begin something that you perceive to be unenjoyable, the more difficult it becomes in your imagination.
It is too tempting to put off job hunting while you take a "vacation" between jobs or to job hunt part-time and relax part-time. While unemployed, neither alternative is as effective as treating job hunting as a full-time occupation. After you have accepted a new position, then take a short vacation before you start the new job, one which you will more fully enjoy with the ordeal of job hunting behind you.
One key psychological trick that can project complete self-confidence and visibly improve your job search success is to phrase your questions to encourage the answer you prefer. Avoid questions that can be answered yes or no, as they make No too easy a response.
Do not ask, "May I come in and interview for the job?" Phrase it instead, "I would like to come in and talk to you about the position.
Would tomorrow morning or Thursday morning be more convenient for you?" With such an approach, you assume a positive response and proceed to work out the details instead of offering your conversational partner an easy opportunity to make a negative response.
In conclusion, however, the three most important psychological aspects of job hunting are attitude, attitude, and attitude. As I have mentioned repeatedly, an attitude of enthusiasm and self-confidence can be more valuable in job hunting than can additional experience and education.
