FAITH-DRIVEN JOB SEARCH

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” A friend of mine gave me this quote along with other bible verses to encourage me after an unexpected job loss. At the time, I thought I was a person of faith. Little did I know that it was a key moment that contributed to a 7-year journey that resulted in a renaissance of my faith, a second baptism, and a lifestyle that has been more fulfilling than I could ever imagine. My career had taken hold of me to the point that it was more important to me than all of the wonderful things in life that were around me, but I did not see. My value, my self-worth, my confidence was determined by my success and accomplishment almost in entirety. On May 29, 2015, that changed. I was a successful, driven executive who was told my employer no longer needed my services. It was one of those seminal moments in life when you either step up and move forward or step back and become a victim. In my journey to move ahead I encountered several people who put me on the path to lasting success by encouraging me to take a hard look at myself and my career choices through the lens of faith. I am telling my story to share what I learned, the mistakes I made, and the ultimate success I achieved after a series of adverse events in my professional career forced me to take a hard look at my life and my career. In these pages, I offer concrete advice on how to network, what your resume should include and how to position yourself to leverage resources long before you need to. We’ll take a look at what a complete LinkedIn profile looks like, what a professional resume should include, the kind of research you should be doing before you agree to interview with a company, and more. I’ll also explore a 90-day action plan for what you should be doing after you secure a new position. Whether it’s effectively communicating with your boss, engaging your new team, or prioritizing company needs, these are the pieces that you’ll need to put together to ensure that the job you just got is one that you’re prepared to excel in. Perhaps most importantly, I also share my personal journey toward becoming the best Husband, Father, Friend, Neighbor, Community, and Business Leader I can be – with God’s help. While my story is told from the perspective of a white Christian male, it is told based on universal elements that apply to people of any race, gender or faith. From meeting with like-minded professionals to being open to what your faith is guiding you to do to filling your spare time with recommended books on growing as a leader who is grounded in faith, there are networks of support available that extend far beyond the professional world. I explain how I tapped into them on my own journey and offer suggestions on how you might begin to reach out to find them in your own life. As I explain in my book: “I ask God to help me find the right opportunity that can permit me to make the most contribution and build success for customers, suppliers, employees, investors, and security for my family. Then I get to work - for God helps those who help themselves.” Whether you are just beginning your career, looking to correct your course, or embarking on a completely new chapter, this book and your faith can guide you to greater heights.