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Phase: Research Missions: STEP INTO SOMEONE’S SHOES

Unfortunately, searching everywhere was the problem

As a young man, I grew to learn so many things that when I was searching for a job, I searched everywhere. Unfortunately, searching everywhere was the problem, I should have searched in just one place. Every job seemed interesting. I could be fanciful on all opening that is aligned with my skill set, This is not how it works. I appeared too neutral to all potential employers, there were not sure what I really wanted to do with my life

Photo of Abiola Oyebanjo
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The most important thing that helped me get into the workforce was focus. This time, it was not just something I do to earn a living, It is doing what I love and know how to do.


I was applying for every job while using similar resume and cover letter. I read an article on the importance of  FOCUS in searching for a job. I decided to avoid all work that wasn’t development

I tailored my resume and cover letter with development specific buzzwords and experiences. I was strictly clear to employers that this is the line I have chosen.

I avoided applying all job that seem to look like something I could do but was towards the development course. 

I also started improving myself drastically in this course as I am limited. This helped to begin to see myself in this profession and this profession alone. So I gave it all my best in the process of self-development

FOCUS is perhaps the most important thing that pushed me faster into the workforce. 

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Photo of Aysha Teja

Hi Abiola -- Thank you for sharing your story. I think often for a lot of people finding the intersection of their strengths, passions and what drives economic engine is a challenge and leads to feeling UNfocused at times.

It seems like you were able to focus, but since this is the research phase and for others who are trying to find their focus, I have recently come across two great resources (geared towards Millennials) that I thought I would share:

http://50waystogetajob.com/
http://www.myoccupation.org/

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Photo of Abiola Oyebanjo

Thanks for the share Aysha. This is a great resource

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Photo of Shane Zhao

Abiola, thanks for bringing up the topic of FOCUS in searching for a job. I recently had a chat with a recruiting professional and she shared the thoughts. Identifying specific interests and skill sets often can make a job applicant stand out in the eyes of employers and recruiters. FOCUS also helps boost personal development as well. Great thoughts!

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Photo of Bettina Fliegel

Hi Abiola and Shane. I agree with both of your remarks here. I would also add that focus can result in a sense of accomplishment which can translate into confidence. This will be a positive during an interview.

I think this idea of focus is important to emphasize earlier on the path to employment as well. I have worked as an interviewer for students applying to medical school. I was amazed at how many extracurricular activities they all seemed to be involved in. It seemed to be such a huge time commitment. I wondered how they were managing so much. I came to realize that many students did many things in the hopes to pump up their applications. They did not however spend time at most of them. It is great to have varied interests and to spend time exploring them. Exploring one or two more fully for a period of time, and being able to reflect on those experiences during an interview, can be a real strength for an applicant. For an interviewer this is something that can be a conversation starter.
Thanks for posting!

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Photo of Abiola Oyebanjo

Hi Shane and Bettina. Thanks for the contribution. How little things can make all the difference. This reinforces the relevance of the old adage ' Jack of all trade, Master of None" in this highly competitive labour market

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