If you are lucky, you’ll land your dream job and win the lottery. But most people know that relying on blind luck isn’t the most effective career strategy. So, how do you shift the odds in your favour and create purposeful luck in your job search?
Why Career Luck Isn’t Just About Chance
Do you wish that job offers would come to you without lifting a finger? Imagine if someone—a friend, a recruiter or a former employer—contacted you, suggested a role and you got the job without effort. It sounds ideal, but this kind of career success is about more than just hoping for luck.
Let’s look at Timothy’s story, which illustrates how combining preparation with opportunity—and a little good fortune—can create results.
Timothy’s Journey to the Perfect Job
Background:
- Experience: 29 years with the same company
- Last Role: Senior VP of Supply Chain in Chemical
- Situation: Made redundant in mid-2023.
Bad Luck: Timothy faced redundancy after nearly three decades in the same position. Approaching 50 and working in a narrow field, he was understandably concerned about his career path.
Sweat: Timothy had seen the writing on the wall. He proactively started coaching six months before the redundancy. Together, we explored his transferable skills, updated his resume and LinkedIn profile, and built a networking plan. Once the redundancy hit, Timothy got active in his job search.
As a highly organised professional, Timothy created an Excel sheet to manage his job hunting. He reached out to former colleagues, connected with supply chain professionals he’d met at conferences and stayed consistent with networking—including coffees, LinkedIn messages and meetings.
Good Luck: Six months later, Timothy landed a fantastic role—a position recommended by a former manager. Bonus: the job wasn’t even advertised, meaning he faced no competition.
Was this success due to:
- Good luck? OR
- Hard work in reaching out to his network?
The answer is a mix of both.
4 Types of Career Luck
Luck isn’t just about chance; it comes in different forms. Understanding these types can help you navigate your job search effectively.
1. Blind Luck
This is the pure chance type of luck, such as winning the lottery or finding $100 on the street. It’s also like landing a job without lifting a finger. While possible, relying solely on blind luck is risky.
2. Spaghetti Luck
This is the “throw enough and it sticks” approach. You apply for countless jobs on job boards, send blind applications and hope one lands. It requires a lot of effort but can work if you have time and energy.
3. Purposeful Luck
Purposeful luck happens when you identify the right opportunities and position yourself in the right place at the right time. Knowing your key skills and targeting companies that need them—like Timothy did—is a strategic way to create opportunities.
4. Unique Luck
Unique luck comes from standing out. If you have rare and unique skills, potential employers might seek you out. This requires building a strong personal brand, having a polished LinkedIn profile, and being visible in your industry by speaking at conferences or sharing expertise.
From Hoping to Acting: Career Tips for Creating Luck
The key to success lies in shifting from waiting for luck to actively creating it. Here’s how:
- Move from Hope to Action: Instead of passively hoping for your perfect job, take actionable steps. Update your resume, tailor it to the job description and actively search for roles that align with your career goals.
- Shift to Purposeful Luck: Get clear on your transferable skills and work experience. Identify potential employers who value your abilities and reach out strategically. Networking is crucial for landing your dream job.
- Build Your Personal Brand: Make your unique skills visible. Create a professional LinkedIn profile, share your expertise and engage in industry-specific activities to position yourself as a desirable candidate.
Don’t Rely on the Lottery—Create Your Career Path
Stop waiting for luck to find you. By embracing these tips for job success, you can take control of your career, improve your skills and position yourself as the right candidate for the right role.
Key Takeaways for Job Hunting Success
- Understand the different types of luck in your career.
- Build purposeful connections with potential employers.
- Use tools like LinkedIn to highlight your skills and experience.
- Focus on creating opportunities through networking and targeted actions.
Whether you’re job hunting, looking to change your career path or aiming for flexible working opportunities, success often comes from combining preparation with opportunity. If you’re ready to create more luck in your job search, get in contact with me. Don’t wait—start now!