By Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter
In this video, we’ll explore how job shadowing can be an incredibly valuable tool in your job search. Job shadowing allows you to observe and experience different career paths firsthand, giving you a clearer picture of what you can expect in different industries and roles. We’ll cover the benefits of job shadowing, including how it can help you gain insights into the day-to-day tasks of a job, what skills and qualifications are required, and whether the job would be a good fit for your personality and interests.
We’ll also provide tips on how to set up a job shadowing experience, from identifying potential hosts to reaching out and scheduling a shadowing session. And we’ll share examples of how job shadowing has helped other job seekers find their ideal careers.
If you’re feeling unsure about a particular career or want to see what a typical day is like, job shadowing may be just what you need to gain clarity and direction.
00:00 Intro
00:31 What is job shadowing?
01:25 My experience with job shadowing
02:02 Why job shadow?
02:31 You can do some networking
02:50 Gain clarity
03:10 The benefits if you are less experienced
04:04 How do you find job shadowing opportunities
05:10 Summary
05:30 A Reminder
06:20 Outro
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Job shadowing is an ideal way, it’s an excellent tactic for finding your ideal position. I’m Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter. People hire me for no BS career and coaching advice globally. And they do it because I make things a lot easier for them. Today, we’re going to talk about job shadowing, and how it can help you find this ideal position.
And first of all, let’s define what it is. Job shadowing involves spending a day or more observing someone in their work environment. It gives you firsthand insights into the day-to-day work responsibility, challenges, and rewards or boredom, of a particular job or industry. It gives you an effective way to get insights and an understanding of a career field because it allows you to observe what the environment’s like, ask questions and learn from experienced individuals. This can be particularly helpful for those who are considering a career change, or, for that matter, for relatively inexperienced people who were thinking of entering the workforce in a particular profession, and want to observe what it’s like to work there.
I know when I still did recruiting, and there was a time I was changing firms, I got a half a dozen firms that were interested in me and what I did was asked if I could sit and observe. And if someone asked me questions, I’d answer them, but the long the short of it is, I just want to observe what it was like working there, notice the interpersonal dynamics between people, just see what they were doing on a day to day basis. I learned a lot and was able to eliminate a lot of firms from consideration, just because I didn’t like the environment.
So like I said, it gives you a chance to see the realities of the job as opposed to simply hearing about it from someone who has a vested interest in you joining because in theory, you’re there to solve their problem. And thus, it gives you a way of determining if this career is a good fit for you, whether your personality and interests are going to be well served in this organization doing this kind of work.
It also gives you a chance to do some networking with people who work there. Because I know if you’re using that example, from myself, you know, I met some folks there who I stayed in touch with for a number of years, and one of the big clients of mine because they enjoyed talking with me on that particular day.
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So the result of doing job shadowing is it gives you some clarity about a particular career because you’re seeing what people are doing, what their responsibilities are like, it helps you build a network of relationships or expand your network of relationships.
For those of you who are junior, or doing a career transition, it can help you learn some new terminology, get a sense of processes that people engage in, in their work, enhance your resume, because potential employers are going to look at the experiences that you’re able to talk about, from shadowing that day, and demonstrate that you’re not going to simply be a salami or just someone who’s going to get on the conveyor belt. You actually care. You want to learn. I wouldn’t play this up in the interview. But you’ll be able to express it, you’ll be able to show not tell some of the things that you’ve learned. And thus, you’re able to discover some new career options for yourself just by talking to some of the folks.
So how do you find shadowing opportunities or job shadowing opportunities? Networking, of course. Reach out to family, friends, professors, alum . . . See whether they know of someone who’s willing to host you for job shadowing on a particular day. You can use social media, particularly LinkedIn to connect with people. You can also attend career fairs and events. And thus, you can meet with people who are facilitating at those career fairs and events and professional associations. You’re going to meet people who are working in the field and thus be able to say to them, ‘you know, I’m considering a career in this industry. I’d love to shadow someone to make sure that I’m not just operating from a theoretical perspective and want to see what it’s like on a day-to-day basis.’ The school that you’re attending has a career center. They may be able to set you up with an opportunity for job shadowing.
But remember, when all is said and done, it’s a way for you to learn more about a particular career. It doesn’t guarantee that you’re getting a job. It’s just an opportunity to gain knowledge and experience that’s going to help you make informed choices.
Hope you found this helpful. I’m Jeff Altman. Oh, one reminder, if you’re doing job shadowing I just want to remind you, this is someone who’s taking time out of their day and their life to help you. Be respectful. If you learn within the first 20 minutes that this isn’t work you want to do, well, don’t just simply abruptly end the shadowing experience. Put effort into it. Learn, observe. Your first instincts may not be correct. And of course, never be rude to someone who’s in a position where they’re just trying to be generous in helping you and the fact that you may not be actually interested in, don’t take it out on them or, or say something that’s critical. It just shows you as being immature if you do.
Now, I’m Jeff Altman. Hope you found this helpful. Visit my website, TheBigGameHunter.us. There’s a ton in the blog that can help you. Plus, if you have questions for me, you can schedule time for a free discovery call, schedule time for coaching. Order Trusted Advisor Services for me, which is really where I do live q&a with people. You can ask questions of me. I want to help. At the site, you can also find out about my video courses, books and guides. Again, there’s a lot there that can help. Lastly, connect with me on Linkedin at linkedin.com/in/TheBigGameHunter. Mentioned that you saw the video. I like knowing I’m helping some folks. And once we’re connected, your network is going to be a lot larger. Have a terrific day and most importantly, be great!
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ABOUT JEFF ALTMAN, THE BIG GAME HUNTER
Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter is a coach who worked as a recruiter for what seems like one hundred years. He is hired to provide No BS Career Advice globally. That can involve job search, hiring staff, management, leadership, career transition and advice about resolving workplace issues. Schedule a discovery call at my website, www.TheBigGameHunter.us
He is the host of “No BS Job Search Advice Radio,” the #1 podcast in iTunes for job search with over 2500 episodes.
Website: www.TheBigGameHunter.us (schedule a paid coaching session, a free discovery call or ask questions using my Trusted Adviser Services)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/TheBigGameHunter
Courses: www.TheBigGameHunter.us/courses
Main YouTube: www.JobSearchTV.com
No BS Job Search Advice Radio Podcast: anchor.fm/nobsjobsearchadviceradio
Video Podcast of No BS Job Search Advice Radio: Spotify
Twitter: http://twitter.com/jeffaltmancoach
Medium: jeffaltmancoach.medium.com
Resume & LinkedIn Profile critiques www.TheBigGameHunter.us/critiques
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