Focus is a Critical Skill

For many professionals, a job search is an overwhelming and stressful experience. Under the tough conditions and high pressure, it can feel impossible to stay focused. By honing your ability to concentrate and dedicate your attention, however, you can avoid wasting time and find a new job faster.

The conditions and situations surrounding the hunt for a job often make it necessary to develop your focus. A job search often stretches for months or longer, particularly when the economy is down and employers are dealing with hiring freezes. As the months wear on, it is easy to let your drive and concentration slide. For other job seekers, the effort it takes to balance a career, a personal life and a job hunt can lead to significant mental overload. When you can stay focused under these circumstances, it is easier to bear up and continue the search.

In the modern world, the opportunities are endless. Employees are no longer sticking with a single company and moving up the ranks until retirement. Instead, you are more likely to move fluidly between companies, industries and careers. Thousands of job websites and company career pages offer an overwhelming amount of information and endless possibilities. In the face of an onslaught of opportunity, the ability to stay focused can be immensely useful. It helps you maintain a more directed search based on a few key indicators, rather than chasing down any lead that sounds remotely interesting. In the process, you can avoid wasting time applying for jobs that are not a suitable fit.

When it comes to the job hunt, both inner and outer focus are crucial. Inner focus requires you to evaluate your personal and professional requirements. What jobs are viable, given your experience and education? What drives you in your career? What factors will make you happy in a new job? When you stay focused on the answers to these questions, the information acts as a directional beacon that keeps you on track. Rather than getting distracted by high salaries and fun perks, you can identify the jobs that have the highest potential for satisfaction.

Outer focus is often more difficult to achieve. In the face of social media and job websites and industry email lists and college career centers, finding a clear path is a challenge. To stay focused, it is often useful to identify two or three sources of quality job leads and tune everything else out. Designating a specific place and time for job-hunting activities can also help reduce distractions. Controlling your environment is a key factor in running an efficient search.

When you are bombarded with information and potential opportunities during a job hunt, focus is critical. By finding ways to stay focused, both internally and externally, you can minimize the time you spend hunting for jobs and move on to your next challenge.

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