Put Your Best Foot Forward

Oscar Wilde or Will Rogers? The internet can’t make up its mind about who coined the phrase. And while we may never know who penned the quote, the words still ring true.

You never get a second chance to make a first impression. 

That’s why I want you to pause. Take a breath. A moment to reflect and reassess so you can put your best foot forward.

If you’ve recently been laid off or find yourself at one of life’s many crossroads, there is a sense of urgency to find new work. While it seems appropriate–and it’s certainly commendable–to immediately jump into a job search, it may not be a wise choice. 

Losing a job feels like a loss. (Because it is.) Take some time to quiet the “Why me?” and “How long will it take to find another job?” thoughts. Instead, focus on developing clarity about what matters in your life and what is central to your job search. Figure out what you want so you can recognize it when that opportunity is presented to you.

That first impression you make will influence how you interact and how you’re perceived by others–whether it be a recruiter, prospective employer or a networking friend. So if you haven’t taken the time to create a positive outlook and organize your ambitions, you may not make a positive impression. 

Write down your goals. Update your resume. Polish your LinkedIn profile. Practice your interview skills. Stay optimistic. And most importantly, take care of you. 

Looking for a new job will be your temporary full-time job. And taking this much-needed pause will help you put your best foot forward.

For more pointers on how to position yourself for your next great gig, check out this Harvard Business Review article. And drop me a line if you need some guidance…I’m always here to help.