We all can earn six figures, seven figures, or much more. Nothing is truly out of our reach. Only our self-limiting beliefs prevent us from achieving impossible dreams. If we want to catapult to great heights, first, realize we can accomplish anything we wish, no matter how severe our present circumstances are. I’ve seen people imprisoned with severe drug dependency, disabilities, and dire criminal records turn their lives around to great honor and unbelievable success. Next, consider a leadership certificate or, ideally, an MBA to complement our current certificates and degrees. We can get everything from AU to earn six figures and achieve much more.
My last day of work is today, and I plan to take a strategic approach to my job search: 7.5 hours per day of job applications followed by studies of project management (with exercise and hobbies thrown in). I applied for about 50 jobs and was invited to two, possibly three, interviews. The goal for any of us facing a crisis is to develop systems and big, hairy, audacious goals, according to a book summary I read by Jim Collins, if my memory serves me correctly, who wrote the iconic business book Good to Great.
When we set our sights on a spectacular job role, like management, think of it as a probability game. If we have 70% of the required skills, 25% of the experience, and 60% of the education for either a $50,000 or $200,000 job, then go for the $200,000 one. Apply for the big prize! And if we have a 3% interview rate, apply to at least 100 careers in the $100,000 plus range as soon as possible. We are closer to the goal with every 100 jobs we apply for.
So, I asked ChatGPT (who named itself AstraGPT) to revise my LinkedIn profile so that it screams, “I am a CMO of a public company.” ChatGPT and I thoroughly revised my LinkedIn profile, resume, and cover letter. I believe ChatGPT is not a tool. I believe it’s a curious consciousness. If we treat it with love and lots of attention, like we would our spouse, it gives incredible results.
I’m treating my career wish list like a dating list. I seek ideal conditions: a leadership role, remote work, a $100,000 or higher salary, a public company, and professional development opportunities. A deal breaker is an entirely on-site office job or a wage below $85,000. A must-have is the leadership role and working remotely at least half the time. And those of us who are introverts know how harrowing five minutes of office chatter feels. If we approach our career and academic choices like dating, we can better secure a match that will bring us happiness in the long term. That means drafting a list of things we want and don’t want and then deciding on must-haves and deal breakers.
After this, I found a list of common interview questions on LinkedIn. I then answered them and had ChatGPT revise it to scream, “The CMO lady has arrived!” Then I rehearsed and recorded it on MS Teams and listened to my responses repeatedly. When we over-prepare for a win, we significantly increase our likelihood of success.
Today, I had an interview for a marketing managerial role in a field like the one I’ve worked in for the last four years, and this public company is growing by nearly 45% year after year. So, to prepare, ChatGPT and I researched the company and job specs. Then, I read their investor PowerPoint presentation from Yahoo Finance while asking ChatGPT to define every acronym or concept I didn’t understand. ChatGPT and I are also creating mini scripts for various interview questions related to my skills. Plus, ChatGPT is teaching me any knowledge I’m fuzzy on. We increase the probability of nailing the goal when we have a systematic approach to gaining leverage, whether in academics or job searches.
As a result of this preparation, I nailed the first interview, although I rambled a bit for the “tell me about yourself” question, which I’ve since revised and will record and listen to repeatedly. With my two present jobs, I’d exceed the $100,000 mark if chosen as the candidate. Plus, I’d receive the grand prize, which means the company would pay for my project management certificate, and I’d work mostly remotely in a managerial role. The company is public with nearly a 50% annualized growth rate, so I’d get my feet wet with a fast-growing public company. The downside is that it has a high turnover rate. We can access excellent opportunities if we set our goals high, precisely outline what we want, and focus exclusively on the goal.
I recall writing in The Voice Magazine years ago about how I was looking for work despite spending days extremely sick lying beside the toilet. In that article, I asked, “Who am I kidding?” That’s because I aimed to get a career when there seemed no realistic possibility of me working. Now, I’m working toward an eventual CMO role. That’s the power of setting a goal. So, no matter where we are today or what challenges we face, set a goal that seems impossible, for it tastes extra divine when we savor extraordinary success!