Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton
Executing a job search during a pandemic seems daunting when there are few available jobs and in-person networking opportunities. When the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 20,935,000 Americans were unemployed in May, many clients reported a lack of motivation to apply for jobs, write a resume, update the LinkedIn profile, brush the hair, take a shower… Eating a bag of potato chips while binge-watching 22 seasons of Law and Order SUV seems like a much more worthy endeavor. Everyone needs a little “Dunnnn Dunnnn” in their day.
However, if you are concerned about finding your next job, an accountability partner might help you to set goals and track your progress. You can do this while social distancing, in the safety of your home. The past two months have taught me that the term “Social Distancing” is a misnomer. It implies that we are all sitting in isolation, which is a very unhealthy practice. During this health crisis, I have visited with my cousins on Zoom more than I have interacted with them in the past two years. We have used Zoom to play Lotería, make tortillas with my aunts (my epic fail) and talk for three hours. I have had more phone and Zoom conversations with friends, if only to commiserate about boredom. In some ways I have been more social and physical distancing does not prevent job seekers from working on their personal brand.
You might be wondering why you would want to work on your career when there are so few jobs available. The main reason is that this pandemic will not last forever. In Los Angeles, retail stores are starting to open and people are getting back to work. Now is the time to work on your personal branding because you want to be ready to apply and showcase your talent when hiring starts. That means that your resume, LinkedIn profile and cover letter are updated. Now is the time to use the phone, social media, email and Zoom to contact your network and meet with new contacts virtually. Learning how to interview on Zoom and updating skills will also make your more competitive.
The following steps will guide you through the process of working with an accountability partner. I have also included a worksheet that is helpful with setting goals and establishing a check-in schedule.
1. Ask someone to be your accountability partner.
Make sure that this person has time for regular conversations, is supportive and is working on goals as well. You want the person to be encouraging, while being able to ask difficult questions. It is helpful if this person is willing to provide pep talks and a gentle kick in the pants if you are not following through on your commitments.
2. Write at least two SMART Goals.
The SMART acronym stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound. This criteria is explained in a worksheet I provided. If the goal requires several tasks, you may want to break it down into smaller steps. It is important to send your written SMART Goals to your partner, and to discuss ways to get more specific or create a more realistic timeline. Create milestones along the journey and plan to give yourself a treat for accomplishing mini-goals. If reaching your SMART Goals costs money, include the amount in your document.
3. Establish a check-in schedule.
Agree on a consistent time to meet on Zoom or by phone at least every two weeks. Discuss which tasks were completed and which tasks may take more time. Take notes during the conversation so that you can ask about specific commitments during future meetings. Be open to feedback, suggestions and sharing resources. Commit to meeting, even when you make no progress and communicate if you need to reschedule.
4. Contact your partner when you feel unmotivated (or get a case of the F-Its).
We have all been there. You create a timeline and a to do list and suddenly lose all optimism and motivation. You wake up late and a couple hours pass. At noon you’re still scrolling through social media and watching Tik Toks in your penguin pajamas, and then shame sets in. It feels so agonizing that you decide that numbing your pain with potato chips and six episodes of “Dunnnn Dunnnn” feels so much better.
This is the time to call our accountability partner. It seems counter-intuitive. Nobody wants to talk about why they are not doing what they said they would do. But the truth is, talking about regret and embarrassment during a shame-attack mitigates the negative self-talk. Naming your feelings decreases the toxicity and power of shame. Besides that, telling another human that you woke up with a case of the “F-Its” is funny. You and your accountability partner can always crank up the Pride playlist on Spotify and have a virtual dance party in your living room because it’s Gay Pride Month. My point is – Do. Not. Isolate.
5. Re-evaluate your SMART Goals.
Throughout your journey, you will get new information, priorities will shift or different strategies might be more helpful. Don’t be afraid to change your goals or your focus. You are allowed to pivot and adapt. Just keep moving forward.
I hope these tips are helpful and that you consider getting an accountability partner to achieve goals in other areas of your life. I recently discussed these concepts with a career support group for job-seekers over 50. They talked about finding accountability partners within the group, with relatives and friends. This is also a great way to deepen connections when we are all practicing physical distancing. Studies show that engaged, positive relationships help us live longer and heal faster. The world can use more healing right now.
Let me know if you have ever worked with an accountability partner. Please share your experiences by leaving a comment below.
Mindful Career Guide 