61. Are you a perfectionist? It can hurt your career.

career advancement career change career planning covid series job hunting women's career Dec 21, 2020
The Job Hunting Podcast Episode 61

Introduction

Here we are, at the end of 2020, a year that turned our worlds upside down and inside out, and starting 2021 with a new sense of hope that ours lives and careers will get back on track.

As my team and I take a break from working non-stop since the launch of this podcast back in October 2019, I have selected for you a special episode from our catalog, which I feel is a perfect listen for this time of the year. You may not have heard this episode yet, or it may be worth re-listening if you have. I have picked it to match the times we live right now, and I feel it will be a great companion as you walk your dog, prepare a meal, or get ready to take action on your New Year's resolution.

About this episode

Since I decided to start a podcast, Lynne Cazaly was on the top of my list of potential guests. There's something about her leadership style, her unassuming way, and the quiet confidence that she exudes, making her the perfect guest speaker. Last year, while trying to lock her in to record this episode, she was the hardest guest to pin down: she was in such high demand as a conference speaker. She was never in Melbourne long enough for us to get together. With COVID and quarantine, life has changed, we zoomed in, and finally, we had our chat a few weeks ago.

Lynne's training and speaking gigs have included working for Australia's largest organizations, like Telstra, Australia Post, nab, CBA, and the AFL. She regularly travels to New Zealand, where she has a loyal following and delivers training and keynotes. Lynne has also done keynotes, workshops, and training in Europe, the USA, and Asia.

Her latest book, "ish: The Problem with our Pursuit for Perfection and the Life-Changing Practice of Good Enough," got a lot of media attention. Lynne was interviewed extensively on TV and in magazines. The topic of Perfectionism is one that everyone can relate to, and for that reason, I was able to see my friend in many morning TV shows over many weeks!

In this interview, we have pivoted the discussion about Perfectionism to focus primarily on career planning, job hunting, and the selection and recruitment process. A "perfect" resume, a "perfect" match for the critical selection criteria, giving the "perfect" answer to an interview question, "the perfect" job, being the "perfect" candidate" - these are sayings we through around all the time while job hunting. But they impact our mindset and create an unhealthy, unhelpful, and not sustainable expectation. After listening to this episode, I hope that you will feel free from "perfectionism" and ready to embrace "good enough"! 

Audio Podcast: 

Timestamps:

  • 5:08 - Lynne's career progression and her experience in the corporate sector the need to be perfect
  • 8:55 - Difference between going for perfect, which is impossible, versus going for complete and accurate information, which is an achievable goal
  • 10:35 - Perfectionism, job hunting, and how to improvise
  • 13:50 - How Lynne wrote the book using improv techniques and how this is an excellent example of how to treat your resume, and the concept of version control
  • 22:25 - How "Perfect" is still expected: in the recruitment and selection world, and the corporate world in general: Lynne's tips to dealing with sectors and industries where Perfectionism is expected. 3 main types of Perfectionism.
  • 26:30 - Me explaining the dissonance between the perfect picture put together by companies for job applicants when they go to market looking to hire versus the candidate working solo trying to meet what is most times "over the top" expectations from recruiters and hiring managers.
  • 29:13 - The Pareto Principle: How job hunters can prepare themselves for the job market and not worry about not being "perfect."
  • 31:57 - Why putting more effort into something can get you worse results and the idea of iterative improvement of resumes

Links mentioned in this episode:

Are you new to The Job Hunting Podcast? 

Hello, I’m Renata Bernarde, the Host of The Job Hunting Podcast. I’m also an executive coach, job hunting expert, and career strategist. I teach corporate, non-profit, and public professionals the steps and frameworks to help them find great jobs, change, and advance their careers with confidence and less stress. 

If you are 1) an ambitious professional who is keen to develop a robust career plan, 2) looking to find your next job or promotion, or 3) you want to keep a finger on the pulse of the job market so that when you are ready, and an opportunity arises, you can hit the ground running – then this podcast is for you. In addition to The Job Hunting Podcast, I have developed a range of courses and services for professionals in career or job transition. And, of course, I also coach private clients. 

So there is no excuse – I’m determined to help you! I want you to feel empowered, nail your next job, and have the career you want.

Enjoy the episode, and ciao for now!

 

Renata Bernarde | Job Hunting Expert

[email protected]

www.renatabernarde.com

I cannot recommend it highly enough.

To my friends and colleagues who are currently job hunting, this podcast is for you. Renata Bernarde and her stellar line up of guests very generously share their perspective, advice, behind-the-scene secrets, tips, and anecdotes. "It's called The Job Hunting Podcast (it is what it says on the tin!) Guests include Anita Ziemer, Michelle Redfern, Mohit Bhargava. I cannot recommend it highly enough. Run. Don't Walk." - LinkedIn post shared by Amber Knight.

We listened, and we both got jobs!

"I am writing to let you know that I got a job. I found The Job Hunting Podcast because a friend of mine recommended it, and he also was successful in his job search. Your podcast tips and chats with guests helped me prepare for my job interview. My new position is a gateway to the organization and will allow me to grow as a professional. Thank you for the incredible work you do! We listened to your episodes and assimilated all the learnings." - Listener from New Zealand.

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