The Millennial Career Dilemma Series – Article 15 by Shubika Bilkha

 

As we swipe left and right on Tinder, navigate the world of Bumble, TrulyMadly, OkCupid and more, dating in today’s context has exploded beyond the traditional “rishta type”, introduction based and organic framework to a larger universe of possibility.

 

While I remain old school in my thinking that dating is still reflective of the journey to find the ‘right partner’, the nature of relationships no doubt gets more transient, temporary and short-lived, with the quest for the next just a click away.

 

For today’s graduates, the job search process is no different. While I hope the goal post remains finding the perfect career option, the plethora of job search portals, recruiters, career advancers, coaches and more, offer early aspirants the promise of endless opportunity. With the average time a millennial spends in a role shrinking to 20 months, the concept of a career has become even more transient. The job search dating process then is a lifelong exercise.

 

As I work with my millennial career coaching clients on their job hunt, I am amazed at the similarities between these two worlds in the lives of the young job seeker:

 

The Profile Matters

As you spend hours finding the right picture and creating aprofile brief on dating sites, similarly, the image/profile created on Linkedin, job portals, on the resume, cover letter and across the digital and social verse becomes equally essential in getting the first interview. Make sure you Google yourself to see what’s out there on you and have someone proof read your ‘profiles’!

 

It’s Shopping Time

With the advent of job portals, Linkedin and career guidance tools, young job seekers now have a larger universe of possibility to explore for career opportunities locally, across India and internationally. Playing around with the filters can give you the chance to review other job roles that you have probably not considered. It is always helpful to work with a career development coach during your job hunt.

 

What Do I Want

The seemingly standard question when you are in the dating realm of “What are you looking for?”, is perfectly relevant when it comes to the job search process. Make a list of what motivates you, your values, your interests and your strengths before you hone in on the kind of role you are looking for.

 

How Do I Wow

Research indicates that it takes 7 seconds to make a first impression. In this world of endless choice and opportunity, how will you differentiate yourself in just 7 seconds to make a lasting impression? Dig deep to find the WOW.

 

What’s in it for you, what’s in it for me?

Similar to dating, in a job hunt there has to be something for everyone. Make sure you think about what the potential employer will do for you in as much as you make it known how much value you could add to the Company. Perfect your pitch.

 

Do We Meet Again

In one of my previous columns, I outlined the reasons behind why you get the interview and not the job. In the world of dating as well, there is an anxiousness that surrounds the question of will there be another meeting? Make sure you work on your close, read the non-verbal cues and clarify the next steps in the interview process before you leave the premises. Send a thank you note irrespective of how the meeting went, much the same way as you would send a ‘nice meeting you’ to your date.

 

Next Please

As we navigate through relationships and roles in this transient world, remember to not get easily disheartened, do your best and if then it doesn’t seem to work remember the next one is a click away. Use it wisely, not hastily!

 

If only finding a life partner and the perfect career was as easy as swiping right and left!

 

For more information on Edpower-U’s Career Coaching and Workplace skill building programs please write in to edpoweru@gmail.com.

 

About the Author

 

 

Shubika Bilkha is currently the Founding Partner of Edpower-U. She is a dynamic entrepreneur, trained executive coach, media spokesperson, author and corporate advisor with experience that spansthe financial, technology, ecommerce, education and real estate sectors in India and Internationally. As the managing Director of two early stage start-ups in technology and education, Shubika has hands on experience in all aspects of these businesses. She was recently the Managing Director of a leading vocational training institute in India and has worked with a number of leaders across industry, government and the educational ecosystem in India and the UK.

 

She is also a published author with her first book widely distributed. Shubika is an alumna of Mount Holyoke College, USA and Columbia Business School, USA; an Associate Member of the Chartered Securities Institute (CSI) in the UK; and has completed the “Building Excellence in Higher Educational Institutions” at the Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad. She is a trained Executive Coach with CTI, UK in line with the International Coaching Federation (ICF) ACC guidelines.