Salvation Jobs and Next Step Jobs

While driving around Salt Lake City yesterday, I saw sign after sign announcing jobs available. It didn’t matter what the company was or the jobs available, there are jobs available. I have not seen that for several years. But there it was, and it will only get better.

What does that mean to the job seeker? That if you want to work, there is a job waiting for you. Time to just walk in the door and get one. Even if it is not the job you really want.

For years I have taught there are two types of jobs – Salvation Jobs and Next Step Jobs. Let me explain what I mean.

Sometimes you take a job, that you may not really want, but it will pay the bills and keep you moving for at least a while. I call these Salvation Jobs. Sometimes they are seasonal, like working at a retail store for Christmas. They are not in your area of interest, you don’t want it to derail your career, but you are tired of not having a paycheck.

I have held a number of Salvation Jobs in my life. Sometimes they can turn into something else, but most of the time they fill in a space and give you some money. They usually don’t even have to show up on your resume. They are just there.

What you have to watch for with a Salvation Job is that it doesn’t stop you from looking for the next real job. When looking for a Salvation Job, make sure it allows you the flexibility to keep looking and to interview when needed. Most of these employers know that is what you are doing and they just appreciate you filling in a space for them.

Next Step Jobs are the big ones. To find a Next Step Job, you have to sit down and make some serious decisions about what you want to learn/develop/share in your career. Here’s how to do that.

First, decide what skills/strengths/talents you either want to use or want to develop in your next job.

Second, decide the deal busters in your life. For example, what does your income need to be, will you travel, what about weekend work, and all the others. Write them down so you don’t forget when you really need them.

Third, write your own job description. You know what you want. Companies have a job description, but we all know they are only good for the interviews and rarely match up with the real job you will be doing,

Fourth, start to look. This is when you start your network working for you, drive around town looking for fun companies, and do all the other things we have been taught over the years about job searching. 

Fifth, compare your job description with their job description and make sure you will be happy. When you are looking for a Next Step you don't want to settle. And you don't have to settle in today's job market.

Today, no matter how old or young you are, your next job is probably not your last job. I call it a Next Step Job because you get to decide what the next step in your career is. You are the one that controls and makes those decisions.

While you are looking for the Next Step, taking a Salvation Job is just fine. Just remember, you are the one that needs to be in control.

Who hires who?

That is a question that has baffled employers and job searchers for years. And will most likely continue to baffle people. Let me give you my thoughts on the answer.

You do. If you are the job searcher, then you are the one that gets to make the final decision. You get to decide if you want the job or not. Some people will disagree with me, so follow my logic with this.

You make the first, and the most important decision in the job hunt. You reach out to a company and ask them to consider you. Even if a headhunter or staffing agency reaches out to you, you make the first decision for the process to begin.

Because you have to make the first decision, you have to do your homework. I said this is the most important decision, and it is. If you have no interest in the company, don’t apply. If the company values aren’t your values, don’t apply. If the company deals with products or services you can’t support, don’t apply.

You only apply to companies you are serious about. It means you research what the company is about. You contact people in your network that can help you. You request an informational interview. You find out what you need to know before you send a resume or fill out an application. All of these steps are preliminary steps to make sure you are interested before you actually apply.

Once you make the decision to apply, then you do everything in your power to get an offer. Your resume matches the needs of the company. Your recommendations have the respect of the hiring manager. Your answers demonstrate your research and so do your questions. You leave them wanting to not interview anyone else because you are the person they want. This reflects the research you did to start.

When you have done what you should, you get the offer. That means you do even more research to determine if this is where you really want to be. You talk to more people. You read more about the company and the industry. You meet with your family, mentors and others you respect. You want to make sure this is where you want to commit to before you call them back and settle the offer.

Granted, there is always a trial period. The company will tell you it is for them to decide if they want to keep you. They already decided that before they hired you. This time is for you to decide if you want to stay working for them. No matter how much research you do, there is always something you did not know about that helps you decide if you want to stay. Don’t make this decision too fast. You want to give it some time. But you will make the decision.

If you do everything you should to start, then it becomes much easier make the final decision on your next job. Remember this, it is probably not your last job. There will be more, even after you retire these days. So do it right so the next one becomes even easier.