Through this, you should discover if and how your career offering fits within that organization. By then, you have made 40 connections and mined 40 organizations for their needs and offerings. You have also test-marketed your story 40 times. In total, that process serves as thorough research and development.
"Don't send a résumé to any of the companies you approach in the opportunity market because it will immediately box you in, or worse, box you out," Azzani says. "You can play the job market with your résumé, but you have to play the opportunity market with your story."
Once you have selected the organizations you find most appealing, hone in on how your career offering fits with them and how to make your story compelling for them. During this process, think about how you satisfy their specific needs. After sufficient research and preparation, approach your contact again, and have that person put you in touch with the supervisor in your desired department. With this, you are more of a referral than a cold applicant, and with luck, you've got someone at bat for you during the interview process.
Finally, Azzani emphasizes the f-word. "You must battle fear," she says. "There is a certain level of healthy fear that comes with taking risks, but individuals too often have an unhealthy fear that holds them back from pursuing their dreams. That fear keeps them away from their true beliefs and prevents them from doing exciting things that make them want to wake up and run to work. And, we all should want to run to work."
For more from Azzani on finding your purpose, read Find Your Calling
Contact Eunice Azzani via email at azzanie@kornferry.com
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