Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, a world-renowned psychiatrist, first introduced the concept of the "five stages of grief" in her 1969 book On Death and Dying. Her work has helped people understand the emotional journey of significant life changes, such as loss of a loved one and divorce. These five stages of denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance, have since been adapted to various life experiences, including unemployment and career transition.
This has given rise to the "Job Search Curve”, which provides a framework for understanding the range of emotions experienced during unemployment and career transition, and a structured approach to navigating job search with resilience and purpose.
The Phases of the Job Search Curve
The curve represents two key phases – “Reactive” and “Proactive”. The reactive phase involves “Letting Go” and processing various adverse emotions, as the jobseeker gradually release attachments to past roles or expectations. This stage can involve feelings of anxiety, fear and disappointment.
“Making a Choice” is recognising the need for change to proactively work towards establishing a “New Beginning.” With more optimism, excitement and motivation, jobseekers shift to rebuilding and embracing new opportunities.
The “Proactive” phase is characterised by positive behaviours such as excitement, enthusiasm and commitment. It involves adopting a proactive outlook and pursuing fresh career prospects with determination.
While fluctuations in emotions during the transition are normal, pendulating from one side of the curve to the next, it positions “New Beginning” at a higher level than “Letting Go”, which represents progress toward finding an opportunity for growth that aligns with one’s abilities and ambitions.
Progression Strategies and Priorities
To navigate the Job Search Curve successfully and transition from “Reactive” to “Proactive”, consider the following exercises and priorities:
Record Your Emotions
Start by acknowledging how you feel about your current situation. Document your emotions to understand where you are on the curve.
Assess Your Position on the Curve
Determine your current phase and describe how it feels. Understanding your emotional state will help you develop strategies for moving forward.
Set Clear Objectives
Decide where you want to be on the curve and outline steps to achieve that progression. Visualise your journey from “Letting Go” to “New Beginnings.”
Identify Your Achievements
Reflect on past accomplishments and the value you have brought to previous roles. Use the P-A-R (Problem-Action-Result) approach to articulate these achievements, focusing on outcomes and quantifying results where possible (e.g., monetary gains, percentage increases, or improved performance and motivation of teams).
List Personal Skills and Attributes
Identify the skills and qualities that contributed to your past successes. Recognising these strengths can boost confidence and provide direction for future opportunities.
Additional Progression Priorities
Conduct a self-assessment or psychometric test to discover your strengths and career options.
Develop new skills relevant to your desired role.
Map out a plan for moving forward, including updating or creating a new CV.
Actively respond to job advertisements and connect with recruitment agencies.
Leverage your networking skills to explore “hidden job opportunities”.
Practice presentation skills to enhance interview readiness.
Study your finances or work with a trusted advisor to plan your financial future.
Focus on building confidence through small, manageable steps.
Conclusion
While career transitions can be emotionally challenging, understanding the curve's stages helps normalise these feelings and provides a pathway toward growth. Implementing strategies and identifying priorities will help individuals transform setbacks into opportunities and achieve a career that aligns with their abilities and aspirations.
Ultimately, the Job Search Curve reminds us that finding the right career path is a fluctuating journey of ups and downs. With persistence, planning and a commitment to progress, it is possible to emerge stronger, more resilient, and better equipped for “New Beginnings” and future success.
Topics covered in DMA Group’s outplacement and career transition programmes include practical advice on all aspects of career transition, from identifying progression strategies and priorities to new career destinations, goals and objectives. For more information, visit www.dma-group.co.za, email info@dma-group.co.za or call +2711 888 9009. We would be happy to discuss how we can assist.
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