Lexie Forman-OrtizDr. Seuss has been filling the homes of children since 1957. Although rhymes and picture books are not the average source for adult advice Dr. Seuss’ words have a way spanning generations. For many, Dr. Seuss is how we learn to read. It’s hard to imagine that his words fit perfectly for advice about the job search. Advice that has the ability to transcend age and cross many topics is stuff we should all be taking into consideration.
Here are the 10 Great Dr. Seuss quotes that will help you get to the core of your job search:
10. “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go…”
Starting a job search can be overwhelming, and your instinct may be to apply to as many jobs as possible, so you have more potential options. You may not know it, but you are the one who knows yourself the best. Searching for jobs is an opportunity to continue to learn and research your interests while discovering new ones. The more throughly you research the more you will know about what direction is best for you. No, the first job may not be the one of your dreams but you’re in control of what you’re willing to learn while you’re there.
9. “It’s not about what it is, it’s about what it can become.”
There will be times when your job search or work will absolutely be awful. You’ll be overwhelmed and discouraged. Getting to the top of a mountain is hard work, but that’s what makes the reward worth it. Labor is about the long term; how can your work fulfill you? What about, “what it is,” makes you into who you will become?
8. “Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple.”
Interviews can be intimidating, and all the preparation in the world doesn’t get rid of anxiety. Interviewers may be trying to stump you, but remember they want to know what you can bring to the office. The answers to interview questions should be simple and honest, but compelling indicators of why you’re perfect for the company, don’t get caught up in nervousness or what you think they want to hear; just be yourself. If you give them what you think they want instead of yourself, you’re both in for disappointment.
7. “A person’s a person, no matter how small.”
Treat EVERYONE with dignity and respect. It’s basic human decency. Plus, you never know what the extent of their roll is in the hiring process or their ability to help you later on. Remember what it’s like to be the freshman on campus? It’s hard, and you need all the help you can get. Stepping on people along the way is a quick way to ensure next time you need a helping hand, you’re not going to get it.
6. “I learned there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead, others come from behind.”
The only things you have control of are your own actions. In many work or job search environments you have little control over what your companies next move will be, or if they’ll even have one. The best thing you can do is make sure you’re proud of what you’re doing. It’s grim to say, ‘prepare for the worst, hope for the best’ but Dr. Seuss does it so kindly and he’s right. Here’s a little something else my Dad likes to tell me, “if you fail to prepare, prepare to fail.”
5. “And will you succeed? Yes indeed, yes indeed! Ninety-eight and three-quarters percent guaranteed!”
There are over 3.6 million open jobs according to the BLS. Even with that the labor market is a difficult one to crack. Being persistent and adamant about getting your foot in the door is the only way to be sure you will succeed. Connect with people who have the job you want, learn and collect advice from as many people as possible and eventually you will get where you are going.
4. “It is better to know how to learn than to know.”
If you go into a situation thinking you know everything, you’ll quickly be proven wrong. The best place to learn is on the job. Stay humble in your job search and work experiences; remember there are lessons to be learned from everything. Jerome Ternynck says, “Hire for attitude over aptitude,” and I am willing to bet he’s not the only CEO that feels that way.
3. “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
In this day and age, change happens quickly. It is important to stay on top of what’s going on in your space. There is no reason to be uninformed because there is a wealth of knowledge at our fingertips. Staying educated and current in your field to reinforce the fact that you’re invested in and passionate about what you’re doing. The more that you know, the more places you’ll go.
2. “So be sure when you step, step with care and great tact. And remember that life’s a great balancing act.”
If you are one of the lucky ones like myself it’s easy to get obsessed with your work because you love it so much. But remember, your life deserves attention too. worklife balance isn’t just a buzzword, it’s important. The experiences you gain outside of work play a major roll in the way you do your job, and the opposite is true too. Develop all of your interests because they are all worth it.
1. “You’re off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, So… get on your way!”
Don’t procrastinate, time wasted is time lost. The job, that career, that opportunity that you have been waiting for is out there now. Life is about movement, and hopefully you are propelling yourself forward. The point is you can’t remain stagnant. Job searching can leave you in limbo but you have to be working to get out of it or you surely miss opportunities, and Dr. Seuss would hate to hear that!
Good advice never goes out of style, and Dr. Seuss’ books prove that every single day. So if the job search gets you down, look to these quotes. Dr. Suess’ creativity, encouragement, and positive attitude are traits we should all take with us no matter the task.
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Lee Ann Prescott
