Quantum Mechanics
First published Wed Nov 29, 2000; substantive revision Tue Sep 1, 2009
Quantum mechanics is, at least at first glance and at least in part, a mathematical machine for predicting the behaviors of microscopic particles — or, at least, of the measuring instruments used to explore those behaviors — and in that capacity, it is spectacularly successful: in terms of power and precision, Quantum Mechanics is head-and-shoulders above any previous theory. Mathematically, QM is easy to understand. We know its parts, how they are put together, and why, in the mechanical sense (i.e., such as the number of wins the house will get at a roulette wheel), the whole thing performs the way it does, how the information that gets fed in at one end is converted into what comes out the other. READ MORE
For scientists, the question of what kind of a world it describes is, however, controversial. But of a person's chances for employment, it seems as though QM is an accurate predictor of probability.
I am certain, after reading the above, your inclination is to reread it or discard it as poppycock. However, if you will cut me some slack, I will try to explain the relationship between the probabilities of Quantum Mechanics and the probabilities of getting a new job.
By now you must be thinking, “This dude is nuts.” Well, if so please humor me by reading on.
Slipping past all of the technical mumbo-jumbo, the essence of QM has much to do with the probabilities we deal with day to day. Such probabilities are inherent of State lotteries. Using the theory of QM, States calculate with surprising accuracy the number and amounts paid out to winners. They calculate these on daily, weekly, monthly, and annual basis. The science is so defined they can actually measure each game incorporating historical data. In fact, all forms of gambling are calculable with precision using QM. Its theory explains why bookies (bookmakers) tend to make more than they loose, casinos always yield profits and even neighborhood church bingo-nights earn predictable yields.
The roulette wheel, for example, has a 1 in 29-win probability for the player. For the house, the win probability is 29 to 1. Imagine 12 players placing bets on 12 different numbers. Should one player win, the house picks up the other 11 losses. It is surprising that using QM they may calculate with pinpoint accuracy how much revenue each game, each minute of everyday, week, month and year they will take in from gambling. It gets down to simple math and “The law of large numbers / "The law of averages."
Perhaps now you are ready to call-out the men in the white coats! Hold on now, read on; it is soon to make sense.
If the probability of throwing a double-6 with two dice is 1/36, then the more times we throw the dice, the closer, in proportion, will be the number of double-6s thrown of the total number of throws. That, of course, increases the probability or chances of a win. Well, the job search is theoretically similar.
The more resumes you send the better your chances of getting interviews. If you add to that an active networking agenda the chances increase significantly. It you add aggressive follow-ups and making cold calls to area businesses; well, by now you know the answer to that scenario too.
Ahh, but is it really, quite that simple? Let us travel back to the casino for a bit…
Mr. Trump, after gathering his expert’s scientific calculations realizes his nearest competitor, Bally’s Hotel and Casino, is stealing his thunder. He realizes he must do something to rekindle his revenue from gambling. According to QM, the probability factor is what it is. Therefore, his options are to do things that bring more patronage to his Trump Plaza Casino. Without examining particulars, Mr. Trump will set forth promotions and strategies designed to take business back from Bally’s and other area casinos. Although the law of averages remains in tact, revenue increases due to additional players. The magic wand here is in the value and consumer appeal of the promotions he implements. And, after all is said and done, his competition will respond in-kind.
So then, what has this to do with your job search? Consider that the law of averages attained from your efforts is a constant per your present activities, you too have competition; therefore, how can you steal their thunder? Like “The Don,” you may improve your advertising materials – your cover letter and resume. You might increase or improve upon your job search strategy by consulting professional coaches and advisors (Trump’s Marketing Team). If you are getting interviews, but are not getting offers, a bit of interview coaching may be in order.
My point is this; the Law of Averages when all things said and done are equal, is a scientific reality. However, there are no limits to what and how you may increase your own numbers (not probability). Remember, whether 1 of 20, 20 of 400 or 50 of 1000 and so on, the law of averages remains constant. The only manner in which you may increase interviews is by increasing either the “to” number or bettering the quality of your job seeking documents. Do both, and your numbers, not your odds, increase exponentially.
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