Why Do Some People Seem to Have Jobs Fall Into Their Laps?

We all know someone who seems to have job opportunities fall into their laps, whose career appears to be an effortless meteoric rise.

Job opportunities do not fall into some people's laps more than others; they are available to everyone. The "job opportunities fall into their laps" people set themselves apart by:

1. Heeding the Roman philosopher Seneca's words, "Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity." You create luck by placing yourself in the right position. For example, having a completed LinkedIn profile that shows what you have achieved for your previous employers is much more likely to lead to hiring managers and recruiters contacting you.
2. Being open-minded and decisive, whenever an opportunity presents itself, about whether it will get them closer to their career goal(s).

Rather than envy those who seem to have it easier than you or who are achieving the success you wish you had, ask yourself, "How are they creating the luck they have that I wish I had?"

Being prepared for opportunities includes many aspects, such as how you present yourself to the world, educating yourself, and asserting yourself. Many factors contribute to why some people are constantly being approached by employers, the most notable reasons being:

• EVERYBODY KNOWS WHAT THEY DO

"If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?"

Through constructive self-promotion, you gain visibility — you rise above the noise — and connect with the right people. In addition, you become memorable, which results in family, friends, acquaintances, and everyone you regularly interact with thinking of you when opportunities that fit your abilities arise.

Whether reworking your LinkedIn profile, preparing for an interview, or navigating networking events, knowing how to promote yourself is essential.

• THEY EMBRACE NETWORKING

Networking goes hand-in-hand with self-promotion. As more people learn about you, your work, and your accomplishments, you will be presented with more opportunities. Therefore, for better visibility, cast a wide net.

Many people who claim to be introverts have adopted limiting beliefs to go along to get along. Being withdrawn is easier than putting yourself out there and risking rejection. Opportunities are all around you — the caveat is that they are attached to people. Consequently, you have to connect with people to access the opportunities surrounding you.

TRUISM: The world is made for and run by extroverts.

Regardless of how comfortable you are with networking, if you're serious about your job search and career, read "Never Eat Alone, Expanded and Updated: And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time" by Keith Ferrazzi.

• THEY ARE CHARISMATIC

Here is something self-proclaiming job search experts and career coaches never mention. Throughout your interview, your interviewer is asking themselves this one question: "Do I like this person?"

TRUISM: Being likable supersedes your skills and experience.

Four ways to be more charismatic in your job interviews and career (Consider this a crash course on how to become charismatic.):

1. Embrace small talk
2. Listen with intent
3. Make eye contact
4. Ask questions (shows interest)

Many believe that charisma comes from within and is innate from birth. This is limiting-belief nonsense! Anyone can become charismatic if they put their mind to it. Besides Ferrazzi's book, I recommend reading "Captivate: The Science of Succeeding with People" by Vanessa Van Edwards.

• THEIR PERSONAL BRAND IS IMPORTANT TO THEM

Whether you realize it or not, your personal brand (a.k.a., your reputation) says four things about you:

1. What you value
2. What you are great at
3. What kind of person you are
4. What you are known for

Most people do not give their personal brand any thought. Nor do they want to put in the effort to cultivate a personal brand that will be invaluable to their job searches and career. People whose careers you admire strategically control their personal brand narrative.

I have another book to recommend, "Reinventing You: Define Your Brand, Imagine Your Future" by Dorie Clark.

• THEY HAVE POSITIONED THEMSELVES AS SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS

Since employers hire for results, they look for SMEs (Subject Matter Experts) — thought leaders — who can address specific issues or challenges facing their company and industry.

Becoming and being recognized as an SME is a lengthy process; however, your efforts to become one will pay off. Begin by learning everything you can about a subject, procedure, or process related to your industry or profession. Online courses, certification coursework, attending conferences, participating in discussions in a community of experts, posting on social media, and keeping up with the latest news and trends are ways to gain knowledge.

Once you have mastered your "subject," the next step is the most important one; establishing yourself as an authority or thought leader. You achieve this by managing your social media presence, participating in Q-and-A websites offering expert advice, writing/publishing articles and columns, and starting an informative blog or a YouTube channel.

The above-mentioned activities of those who appear to have job opportunities fall into their laps serve one purpose: setting themselves up for success.

What are you doing to set yourself up for job search and career success?