"Dead Reckoning" and the Job Search
For centuries, sailors have traversed the oceans negotiating the waters with a variety of navigation methods. Some methods worked and the ship with its cargo arrived safely to port while other methods led the ship to disaster, breaking up on the rocks or just dead in the water.
The nautical term “dead reckoning” has long intrigued me. It can be applied to many of life’s situations, including the job search. “Dead reckoning” is defined as the process of calculating your current position by using a previously determined position. The predetermined position is referred to as the fix. Estimated speed and course are then applied to the fix, giving the captain the right course to track. If this estimation is correct, the ship will arrive safely in the desired place. But just like the job hunt, there are hazards incapable of being calculated surrounding your ship.
Examining the simple words dead and reckoning can help determine where you may be in your job search. Looking at the word dead, do you find yourself focusing on the future, dead ahead - looking straight forward? The path you have charted is clear, your decisions have been sound and your map is current and on point. On the other hand, are you sadly sitting dead in the water, being tossed and turned by the ocean, drifting out of control, simply floating along with no direction? A company layoff, lack of motivation, unhappiness with the job, being “topped out” in your position and a multitude of other reasons can have you lying dead in the water absent of forward motion, standing still.
The word reckoning refers to judgement, estimation or calculation. Is your current professional position where you believed or considered you would be at this time of your life? How would other colleagues calculate or “tally up” your value to the team and company? Has a recent reckoning occurred during a year-end review casting you into dark, turbulent waters? Or better yet, did the reckoning buoy your position? The manner in which you reckon your own abilities and skills or how you’ve been reckoned by others is a large determining factor in fixing a successful course.
Nautical “dead reckoning” utilizes assumptions and probabilities. Hoping to arrive at the proper position by using guesses and expecting that these guesses still apply to the predetermined fix. But what if they don’t? There are variables abounding in the ocean as well as the professional arena. Using guesses and previously known information to set forward sail to a new position can be dangerous. Industries change rapidly and transform into new entities with new requirements and standards for employees. Job searchers must always look forward, being aware of these changing variables positioning themselves to obtain the knowledge and skill required for ever changing roles. Automation replaces human positions, a variable most employees don’t want to consider but must in order to transfer their skills for their successful futures. Interpersonal relationships are also a huge variable in determining future movement. Changes in management often result in a change of employees. Many times this situation is out of the employees control but unfortunately happens a lot. When the predetermined fix can no longer be used for navigating forward job mobility, new methods must be quickly recognized and implemented.
It’s time to assess the other navigational instruments onboard to get the ship back on track and in search of calmer waters. Consider putting the sails up! There is nothing like a good brisk wind to get you moving again. Wave your sails by joining networking groups that are abundant online. It never hurts to come alongside other ships to discuss your skills, talents and abilities as well as theirs. Meeting other sailors may lead to finding jobs that they have heard of and you haven’t or speaking to other captains who are in search of sailors just like you. Reach for the compass to ascertain your position and update your LinkedIn profile. Increase your followers and connect with captains and sailors who are in the industry you wish to pursue. Consult your Northstar mentor. Your mentor personally knows you and your capabilities, always wanting the best for you. They are happy to give suggestions and advice on forward navigation. Finally, pull out the GPS and hire a job interview coach. An interview coach will guide you amid the turbulent interview waters preparing you to present yourself in the best light, confident, bold and at your competitive best.
If you’ve been dead in water floating and bouncing on the high seas of job immobility, take some time to be introspective. Analyze why you are stuck in the position digging deep to determine why you haven’t chosen to raise your sails or consult the starry nights for a possible way forward. Take the time needed to discover what it is you really want to do professionally and consider how to pursue those possibilities. Then give your ship a quick kick in the rudder and get started.
Dead reckoning is fine for a short journey where the fix has less time for variability, but for the long journey of a future-focused professional career, other navigational methods and instruments must be used. Use all the navigational assets at your disposal when the storms at sea disrupt your course towards your career goal. Before you know it, you will be at full sail skimming along the top of the water ready to drop anchor at the port of your dream job.
As a job interview coach with over 30 years of experience, I offer a free 30 minute coaching consultation. I’d be happy to serve you!