Searching For A Job: Avoiders or Gatherers

• Overwhelmed by feelings of fear or confusion, avoiders often shut down entirely: “I don’t know where to start so I’m going to do nothing.”
• Gatherers, on the other hand, respond to those same emotions with feverish action: “I have no idea what I want to do so I’m casting a wide net,” or, “I hate my current job, so I’ll apply to everything.”

Neither mindset is going to lead you to a successful outcome. In the case of avoiders, idleness does not result in job offers. For gatherers, a lack of clear direction leaves you wandering in many directions.

Consider the six categories below:

• Environment: What kinds of environments, management styles, and ways of working do you thrive in?
• Role: What kind of roles and prospects for growth are you looking for?
• Compensation: W...