Motivation Monday Dont Blame the Hammer

Motivation Monday Dont Blame the Hammer As the analogy goes, you have to use the right tool for the job. You cant use a hammer to cut wood. Well, I guess you could, but that would make a terrible mess. Ultimately, the tools success is based on who is using it. You cant blame the hammer for smashing the wood. As the operator, it is up to you to know which tools to use and how to use them appropriately! So what is the right tool for job search? Im going with the Swiss Army knife answer! This versatile tool can get you out of almost any jam, including job search, but you have to know which blade to use in the right circumstances. The Big Blade The workhorse of most Swiss Army knives is that big blade. It is clearly the weapon of choice for whittlers, fisherman, sailors, and anyone else needing to slice, dice or cut. But it wont help if you need to tighten a loose screw. LinkedIn is the equivalent to the big blade. If you use it well, you should see results. However, you need to know when to use another blade instead. Not every networking contact is on LinkedIn (or as much as you are) and there are times when a phone call or email would be a wiser choice. Remember, you cant blame the tool, it is the operators expertise that determines the outcome. The Other Parts There will be times youll need to use the other tools that come with your knife. Your job search needs other tools too. Recruiters, job boards, college career and alumni centers, and professional associations all serve a purpose. Learn how to use them well. And remember, dont blame the tool if you arent getting the results you want. Evaluate how you used it! What Does This Do? There are some parts to a Swiss Army knife that seldom get usedbecause we dont know what to use it for or how. You could read the instruction manual, ask anyone who owns one what they use it for, or contact Swiss Army. Or you could go with the ignorance is bliss answer. You are limited only by your imagination and creativity! Take some risks. Try new tools. Find new ways to use them. And remember, dont blame the tool!