You’re known by the company you keep… even in a job search
“You’re known by the company you keep.” No one knows for certain who said it first, but a lot have said it since. There is even evidence that the quote goes all the way back to ancient Greece.
But isn’t a job search is a singular activity? You searching for a job for you. You beating the bushes. You enduring one interview after another. You on your resume. You against the world.
But you’re really not alone, are you? Most of you will have a spouse or other family members to support you. Many of you will have former co-workers as well as other professional contacts who are looking out for you. Then there are job coaches, recruiters, etc. To one degree or another, you need them all.
Who you don’t need are the BMWs. No, we’re not talking about automobiles. These BMWs are more treacherous, more dangerous than any out of control car. These BMWs are the bitchers, the moaners and the whiners – and they bring with them a tidal wave of negativity. And, you probably already know who they are.
They are not going to enhance your job search. They are not going to help you. They will bring you down because the negative attitude that they exude is infectious. During your job search you need to remain positive. Even when you suffer a setback, it’s imperative to maintain your positive attitude.
To remain true to being known by the company you keep, as you block out the BMWs, you also should embrace a job search buddy. Someone with whom to commiserate. Someone to bolster you, as you bolster them. Someone who may be searching just like you.
Meet with that someone regularly. (Of course you’re not restricted to having only one job search buddy. That’s entirely up to you.) Coffee, breakfast, lunch, after work, your place, their place, et.al. Even online. Anywhere will do.
While it may not be possible to completely avoid the BMWs – see them at a minimum, keep them at a distance. Seek out your job search buddy. After all, during a job search, you need all the friends you can get.
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