Tip #1 There is no such thing as a perfect job

You might be saying, “Shawn, I know there is such a thing as the perfect job because I have friends who have them and they are very happy.” You may have even had a perfect job yourself, at one time. I’m here to tell you it wasn’t the job that was perfect. It was your attitude. You told yourself much supporting evidence to confirm you were in the right place, making the right money, working for the right manager. This is known as confirmation bias. The truth is that God puts us exactly where we are supposed to be at just the right time, every time, even if the job doesn’t seem so amazing. It's all part of our journey to grow closer to Christ and help others find Him. Consider how to change the way you see that specific company, or manager, or set of employees or path to grow. Something amazing is there, right now, right where you are. And if you have determined it's time to go somewhere else, something amazing awaits you in that new place too. Enjoy the journey and the destination will be sweet. A great job is waiting for you.

Tip #2 God is with you – ask for wisdom

This is such a prominent theme in the scriptures I won’t write out the passages, but I will give you a few of my favorites as a reference. Read these often and take them with you on the journey to finding a great new role

1. Joshua 1:9,
   
2. Deuteronomy 31:6
   
3. Isaiah 41:10
   
4. Psalm 23:4
   
5. Zephaniah 3:17
   

And, of course, don’t forget to ask Him for wisdom along the way (James 1:5).

Tip #3 Remember, it’s a numbers game

In my three-part blog “ Career Breakthroughs: Is Prayer Enough? ”, I discuss the importance of Asking, Seeking and Knocking. I show how this teaching from Jesus demonstrates activity, vigilance and focused effort. Too many times we Christians sit and wait for God to drop something out of the sky into our lap. We let fear take control as we tell ourselves things like “there are not enough jobs out there,” or “I don’t have the skill set to demand a higher salary,” or “the only way to get into this company is if you know someone,” or “no-one is going to hire an executive who just got fired,” etc. These thoughts don’t serve you well. Look for the job you want knowing that God has given us an abundant and massive economic marketplace. Not only is there something ideal waiting for you, there are dozens of ideal opportunities. Go get one.

Tip #4 Be energetic and confident throughout the interview process

If you’ve seen the video on the front page of my website , you know I reference Warren Buffet, one of the most prolific entrepreneurs of all time. He says one of the most important qualities he looks for when interviewing someone is a high level of energy. Companies want professionals who are confident and energetic steering their ship. Be confident as you look for the right career. Use great eye contact. Give a firm handshake. Smile as you meet each new interviewer. Show them that you are excited to be with them.

Tip #5 Use the best resource available – the internet

Google is your friend. Ask for help. Type any question you have about anything related to anything, and you will get some great results to help you. If you are not sure where to start searching for a job, type it into Google, “Where do I start searching for a job?” If you want to know the best ways to network that will improve success, type it into Google, “How do I network to increase my chances of getting a job?” If you want the best resume possible, type it into Google, “What’s the best resume format available?” People everywhere have successfully changed careers and written a ton of information about it. There are books and blogs and papers and articles galore. This is “Seeking” in the “Ask-Seek-Knock” directive from Jesus.

Tip #6 Make sure your image is attractive

When I say attractive, I don’t mean in a sexual way. I am talking about making sure your brand (how you appear professionally to the world) is a quality brand in all the ways you want quality from the products or services you use. Make LinkedIn and your resume sharp and clean (and that includes a quality photo). Take down any posts (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Vine, Flickr, Google+ etc.) that paint you in a negative light (although as Christians, this should not be that difficult.) Ask people for feedback on how you come across in person and on line. Dress professionally with modesty and clothing that not only fits but is current.

Tip #7 Use a tracking tool

Knowing it’s a numbers game means it can get pretty confusing trying to keep every application, reference or network connection straight. Use a simple system that works for you. Track the jobs you want by company name, job title, date you applied, where you found the job, link to the job description and notes about the job. Since I always recommend electronic tools, this can be done using Excel, Google Docs, OneNote, Word, Pages, Ever Note etc. When you start getting call-backs, you can quickly reference all the details you need.

Tip #8 Consider a Career Transition Coach

This is not a shameless plug for Motivationeer™. This is a reminder that coaching is not just for athletes and musicians. There are people like me who are experts at helping people like you ensure success. As a Christian Executive Coach, I keep the focus on God’s plan and honoring Christ throughout the journey. The return on your investment, especially when looking for a new job, will be easy to calculate too. If you are interested, go here and send me a note and I'll reply right away.

Psalm 115:1 "Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name be the glory, because of your love and your faithfulness!"

Shawn Sommerkamp is a motivational speaker and Executive Coach with 20+ years of Fortune 100 leadership experience. He founded Motivationeer™ to coach Christian professionals how to use their career to glorify God and support local church growth.