Interviewing — Marathon vs. Sprint
A common phrase shared when people give interviewing advice is that interviewing is a marathon not a sprint.
This analogy has a lot of merit to it, but is often under explained.
1. Preparation for the job search should start long before you are in need of a job.
A good marathon runner will tell you that there is a significant amount of preparation before you ever head into a race. In the job hunt, this would be referred to as networking long before you are in need of a job.
People quickly notice others that have the capability to highlight their unique value and communicate it to others. When you stand out in both your expertise and the value you offer, it creates room for partnership which in turn builds a career network.
When people start noticing you, it opens the door for newer opportunities. Business and career-minded individuals who have networked over time have been able to expand with minimal effort because of the avenue of newer opportunities opened to them through networking. Opportunities like meeting the right clients or even meeting people that are superior to your career path could be a stepping stone that could change your life for the better.
Building relationships and establishing yourself as a great candidate for referral cannot be completed in a week or even a month. This connection takes time foster.
Idea: Start with asking for a brief informational interview about their career journey and company culture.
2. Staying in shape is much easier than rebuilding your skillset every time.
Keeping an up-to-date resume/cover letter/LinkedIn Profile full of your newest accomplishments is easier than trying to remember all of your past achievements and the accurate statistics that measured the achievement.
This concept also applies to technical skills. While your job might only require you to use 2–4 data languages/platforms you might consider staying up on the newest data tools. This provides you with updated information on the latest career trends relevant to you, so that you can market yourself to a broader range of roles.
Another thing to consider is your interviewing skills. Interviewing is a unique challenge that very few people excel at naturally. Practice helps a candidate effectively showcase their unique value/skills and bypass the nerves of an unfamiliar situation. The best way to practice is to regularly interview for roles.
3. The starting pace you set when you start a marathon is a lot slower than a sprint.
When you start you job search the first thing your should do is access what exactly you are looking for (Company size, location, salary/contract role, specific tools utilized in the role, industry, etc.) Look at job descriptions and write down the bullet points that resonate with what you are looking for in your next role (don’t apply yet). Make sure your resume reflects your unique value and fulfills the requirements that you highlighted.
Now look at companies who share your values. Community and culture matter a lot more than company name. The best thing you can do is identify important traits you are looking for in an organization and a future manager.
Gather all of the information you can and be specific about you requirements. Only then are you ready to apply to a role.
Idea: keep a word document evaluating what you like and dislike about your job, this way when you are looking for a new job you have a strong understanding of important aspects you want in your next position.
4. Mile after mile keep on running, resting if you need to, but never quitting.
There will be times when you are tired. It is absolutely essential that you pace yourself and don’t over schedule yourself on any given day/week. Interviews take a lot out of you and require immense concentration. You should not try to pile them up all on one day.
Rejections are also a natural part of interviewing. They can be discouraging, but the race is not done yet. Your role is out there, so take a brief break then reset and keep on running.
Overall, remember that persistence beats perfection.
