Mistakes (Benefit from others) Return To Articles Email This Page!
Ah the word "mistake". Even the subtle mention of the word "mistake" makes that old chill go up and down our spines. When we first start out, it is assumed that we will make little or no mistakes in the job search. Of course reality sets in quickly and we realize that we will make mistakes. Why do we make even the minor mistakes in our search for employment? Mainly because we do not spend our lives in a full-time effort seeking employment. This experience is very new to us. Anything to us gets us out of their comfort zone can make us prone to mistakes. As a result we have fear, are scared and do not want to face the possibility of rejection.

While is healthy to make mistakes and learn from them, it is also best to seek counsel and speak to those who have gone before you...successfully! It appears everyone has an opinion, but very few people listen to their "expert" advice and quite a few have never even practiced their advice to see if it works. Whether or not the advice is valid, you will probably listen to them and take their counsel to heart. Of course I am being a bit ridiculous at this point, but that's how most people get their advice on most issues of life. That being said, let's look at some good advice from those who have gone ahead of you in the job search.

There are numerous counselors that can guide you through the basic job search process. The can give you a battery of tests to determine your skills, and steer you around the potholes that you might fall into. Before signing on with a counselor, whether free or fee-based, find out the results that they have experienced in their counseling efforts. Such as: How long have they been in business? What was the motivation for them to become a counselor? What type of areas do they specialize in? What is the success rate of their clients as a counselor? Are they Christian? (very important) This determines the source of their counseling.

By looking at these few factors when seeking a career counselor, you can easily see the road ahead. Some counselors still work within the "old school" method. The job market is changing at a rapid pace. Most counselors need to be on the cutting-edge of all the technological advances, communication skills and networking abilities. We are always surprised to see the large amount of counselors that are in careers and job training that do little to keep their skills up to par. There are also those who stay ahead of the learning curve and achieve strong results. Those are the ones to seek. Your career and ultimate satisfaction will depend upon what they teach and the direction they encourage you to pursue. The counselors that direct you to the right professions based on your skills, abilities and reflecting your passion are the ones you need to seek. They will be the first ones to mention that they have learned from their mistakes and can prevent you from making the same ones. This "mentorship" type relationship can prove to be valuable as you pursue employment or a career transition.

Learning from your mistakes is one thing. Failing to learn from them is another. The job search is a very emotional process. Learning from them will enable you to not repeat the same mistakes and hone your skills reflecting the professional image that you wish to project. Most job seekers choose the easy way out by not honing their skills and not learning from their past mistakes.

The Lord has put you on this earth for a reason. Your passion, attitude and direction you take will determine how successful you are with the skills abilities that He has given you. In the Bible the skills and abilities are referred to as talents. Make a determination to become best you can be. Make a journal of your pursuits. Write down the mistakes. Write down your successes. By keeping a journal that reflects the emotional state of the times in which the mistakes or success were made will be a valuable resource.

Having a mentor, mentoring group or a support group can prove to be invaluable for learning new ideas concepts, relationship building and counseling in times of frustration and depression.

Make a resolution right now not repeat those past mistakes and continue on the path for your destiny. You will be much happier and wiser. God bless you in your job search.

Scriptures to Review (Source: The Book)

Ecclesiastes 10:5
Kings and rulers make a grave mistake 6 if they give foolish people great authority, and if they fail to give people of proven worth their rightful place of dignity. 7

Jeremiah 8:4
Jeremiah, say to the people, "this is what the LORD says: When people fall down, don't they get up again? When they start down the wrong road and discover their mistake, don't they turn back? 5 Then why do these people keep going along their self-destructive path, refusing to turn back, even though I have warned them?

Reflections:

  • The worst mistake we can make is running from God. Jonah 1: 1-3:
  • Even Moses' life was marred by an immature and terrible mistake. Exodus 2: 11-15
  • Christ restored Peter to fellowship even after his most painful mistake. Matthew 26: 69-75


By: Jeff Farmer, CCC
©Christian Employment Resource, 2010

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