Dear Readers! The following post is part of the series “The Dream Job is No Accident” by Doria. Today, you can read Part 4. The previous articles can be found using the search function under “Dream Job Series.” The upcoming posts will appear weekly on the blog. Enjoy reading and developing your ideas!
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None of us think rationally. The Homo Oeconomicus does not exist. We wish it did, as it would make things simpler. And if it were that easy, we would all have our dream jobs. Remember: we make only 15% of our decisions consciously; 85% are made unconsciously. 11 million bits of information bombard us every second, but we can only cognitively process about 40 of them. 90% of our daily activities are managed automatically by our brains. By the time we realize we have made a decision, our brain has already done it for us. It relies on past experiences to find a solution. What we remember determines what we do.
The biggest danger in the application process is therefore routine work. This causes the brain to switch to autopilot. When a job application lands on a desk, it is not the HR person who decides, but rather the brain, which decides how the application is perceived. Therefore, it is up to the applicant to provide the brain with factors that prevent it from making incorrect judgments. It is in our hands whether the brain first notices lengthy study periods, frequent job changes, age, inexperience, and so on, or our true competencies.
I am often asked which strategy is the one true strategy. I can tell you this: look around. Those who have their dream jobs have done it right. Go ahead and ask them. Asking costs nothing.
Try their ideas; perhaps something will work for you. And regarding advice: Imagine all methods as a marketplace where everything is prepared for you. You can mentally browse and try out everything. Then decide which strategy suits you. So, select, experiment, mix, and finally add your personal touch. What works is right. Point!
Photo by Ian Schneider on Unsplash