The worth of self-reflection throughout a job search (opinion)

A number of weeks in the past, a colleague of mine from the Graduate Profession Consortium revealed an wonderful “Carpe Careers” piece on authenticity and the significance of self-reflection as an individual and knowledgeable.  Whereas studying and rereading the essay, I began to consider questions of timing for after we do, and don’t, have a tendency to interact in self-reflection.

In my work with graduate college students and postdocs, I encourage them to replicate on who they’re personally and professionally as typically as I can, typically by creating and revising particular person improvement plans, or IDPs. I encourage them to replicate when assembly with them after a job interview or after they’ve discovered a place, and I encourage them to replicate after a job search on what went properly, what didn’t go so properly and what classes they discovered from their experiences. However what about reflection throughout a job search?

On the one hand, the thought of reflecting on—and presumably questioning—our profession path and job search decisions midsearch is a bit of like questioning a trip vacation spot midflight or a meal alternative after you are taking your first chew. Then again, are there instances that reflection throughout a job search, together with through the utility, interview and negotiation course of for a particular job, is likely to be useful? I hope to exhibit, by a narrative and a few recommendation, that generally reflection in the course of a job search could be precisely what we want.

It’s By no means Too Late to Replicate

Lately, I utilized for a place at one other college. Whereas I really like the scholars, postdocs and colleagues I work with, I’m open to different alternatives, particularly in areas and contexts the place I can really feel safer and stay authentically. So, I typically take a look at different potential positions to see what is out there and what may fit greatest for me. Earlier this yr, I discovered a posting that I assumed is likely to be a fantastic match and met all of my necessities. However in the long run, although I acquired a very good supply, I declined the place. Why did I do that, and why did it take me to the supply negotiation stage of the method to resolve if I used to be a very good match for the place, and vice versa?

It was a state of affairs the place I had all of the requisite experiences for the job, and I’d have had a chance to construct a brand new unit. I used to be within the place as a result of it overlapped with certainly one of my three core areas {of professional} and scholarly curiosity. And the job alternative and the group aligned with my skilled and private values, permitting me to really feel safer being my genuine self.

However as I received nearer and nearer to a job supply, there was one thing within me that felt unsettled. I had informed myself to remain targeted, to maintain my eyes on my aim: In spite of everything, if the job wasn’t a very good match, why would I’ve utilized? However one thing nonetheless didn’t appear proper—not concerning the place itself, as a result of the job aligned with my abilities, pursuits and values. As an alternative, there was simply one thing I couldn’t identify that made me hesitate once I thought of accepting the place.

So, I allowed myself to replicate—to assume deeply about who I’m, what I worth, what I’m good at and why I do what I do. Whereas reflecting, I realized that whereas I’m extremely expert at what that place was in search of and the job aligned with my pursuits, the place wasn’t what I’m greatest at or most excited about. I may fulfill the job’s obligations at a excessive degree and like what I’d do, however my greatest abilities and highest pursuits had been in a unique however associated space—making ready future school for educating, coaching and mentoring roles.

I additionally would have needed to stroll away from my clinical-track school place, which I labored onerous to earn. However most significantly, I’d have needed to let go of a set of abilities and an space of apply that collectively are deeply rooted in who I’m and why I do what I do, and I’d have regretted letting go of these elements of myself.

I spotted all this as the ultimate interviews had been occurring, and only a day or two earlier than I acquired a job supply for that place. So, I declined the supply, although I had been on the doorstep of accepting it.

I do know that I had the privilege of declining since I’ve a job I really like, working with a gaggle of scholars, postdocs and college, and never everybody has the safety of a present job or a backup plan. If I didn’t have a job on the time of that supply, I’d have accepted it as a fantastic alternative—and it was—and would have discovered positives both in that place or what that place ready me to do. However at the moment, in that state of affairs, it wasn’t the fitting job for me.

Making the Proper Choice for Me

Typically, reflecting on a significant choice can really feel like we’re complicating every part. In my story, it felt that manner, and I nonetheless wrestle with feeling that the timing of my choice negatively impacted that group’s job search. I want I had mirrored on this earlier, however I additionally am grateful that I may see what was most essential to me. I don’t remorse my choice, and I don’t remorse the reflection course of that I let occur as a result of I’ve developed a brand new appreciation for my work in making ready future school and a need to let my work in that space be my skilled legacy.