Job Search Strategies for Dual Career Couples

Dual career couples face a unique set of challenges when it comes to job-seeking. In order to succeed, it's important for couples to take into account the unique facts, needs, and goals that come with a dual career.

1.Set Goals

Before you start searching for a job, sit down with your partner and discuss your professional goals. Make sure you're on the same page and understand where you both stand. Set short and long-term goals for your respective careers and connect any goals that are more relaxed or straightforward with your partner's goals. When setting goals, make sure to consider the individual needs of each person and how you can work together to achieve them.

2. Develop a Gameplan

Once you have clear goals, develop a gameplan to reach them. When developing a job search strategy, consider what roles make sense for each person, the skills you need to acquire to get there, and any partnerships or collaborations that may help you reach your goals. Talk to your partner about the types of roles they are looking for and the skills and experience they bring to maximize the success of your job search.

3. Establish a "Guiding Principle"

Having a plan in place isn't enough. To make sure your dual career search remains focused, it's important to decide on a "guiding principle" for your job search. This could be as simple as ensuring that you both only apply to open roles that meet a certain criteria, or establishing flexible hours so that both partners can make their own schedules. Whatever it is, make sure this serves as a cornerstone of your job search and are open to revising it when needed.

4. Get Connected

Networking is a powerful tool when it comes to job searching. Talk to people who know about the industries you are targeting and get advice on how to make your dream role a reality. Reach out to friends, family, and previous supervisors for help with locating job postings, connecting with recruiters, and providing references. It's also beneficial to connect with people who may be in a similar dual career search. These connections can provide valuable insight into what employers are looking for and which approaches may have a better chance of success.

5. Leverage Resources

Universities, government agencies, and private organizations offer many helpful resources for dual career couples. Take advantage of these resources to remain informed about job postings and career opportunities, discuss career options with experienced professionals, and receive career advice tailored to dual career couples.

6. Be Flexible

It's important to remain open-minded during the job search process. As a dual career couple, you may have to make compromises or adjust your expectations throughout the search. Ultimately, the goal is to find the right balance between both of your career aspirations. Consider different job titles, sectors, and roles that may be a good fit for both you and your partner, then pivot if needed.

7. Collaborate and Celebrate

Job search can be stressful, but as a dual career couple, you should take the time to both celebrate your accomplishments and collaborate throughout the journey. When one of you scores a job or gets a promotion, take the time to celebrate each other's successes and show gratitude for each other's support. When things get tough, lean on each other and show compassion and understanding.

Conclusion

Job seeking as a dual career couple can be a daunting task. But by setting clear and achievable goals, developing a gameplan, leveraging resources, establishing a guiding principle, networking, and remaining flexible, you can ensure a successful and rewarding job search. Take each step along the way as an opportunity to learn, collaborate, and celebrate.