What To Do When Your Job Search Isn’t Working (A 5 Part Series) Part I

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January 5, 2015 by Lunar Literations

Credit to StockMonkeys.com

 

There are plenty of smart, successful people who struggle with finding jobs and/or a satisfying career. Why is this? Many times, they don’t know how to look for work. Most people have never been taught how to find a new job. So they do the things that they “think” they should do — applying for positions online, posting their résumé on job boards, and even creating a LinkedIn profile (even if they’re not sure what to do with it). But when they don’t get the results they want, they get stuck. With no immediate results, it’s easy to get frustrated. Many times, they won’t hear anything back at all from their applications, so they’re not sure how to move forward.

Before we look at the reasons why you might be lost or stuck, ask yourself some “bigger picture” questions:

Am I doing what I’m meant to be doing? (Is the work I’m doing the “right job” or is it just “a job”?)

 

Do I have the skills, experience, and/or qualifications necessary for the jobs I’m pursuing (if I’m being really honest with myself)?

 

Have I conducted informational interviews to really understand the needs of employers for the types of jobs I’m pursuing — and to make new connections?

 

Is there another way I can use my skills? (Making a change doesn’t always require going back to school or making a “big” change. It can simply mean using your skills in a new or different way.)

 

Does finding another job in this field require something that I haven’t done yet? For example, a move? Taking a lateral position (maybe even with a pay cut) because it will mean developing a new skill set that offers more room for growth? A change in focus?

 

Have I asked someone I know/like/trust for their honest feedback about how I’m presenting myself in my job search? Have I asked for feedback from hiring managers after interviews for jobs that I haven’t been offered?

 

Am I really doing the “work” of conducting a job search, or am I just doing things that are “easy” or “comfortable” for me?

 

People who are most successful in finding — and landing — the job they want have several things in common:

1. Clearly defined goals — and the ability to research how to accomplish those goals. This includes identifying companies you’re interested in working for, potential job titles, contact information for people in the position to hire you (or connect you to the hiring manager), and knowledge of the company.

2. The willingness to invest time, energy, and money in their job search. This includes a strong résumé and other career communication documents, the right interview attire, career assessments, coaching to improve skills necessary for success in the job search (i.e., interview preparation, salary negotiation), etc.

3. The ability to document specific achievements and accomplishments in their education, work experience, and/or volunteer work.

If your job search isn’t working, it’s time to do something different. Treat your job search as a project, with defined objectives, an action plan, and a timeline. Ask someone you trust (a spouse, friend, another jobseeker, or a career coach or counselor) to be your accountability partner — someone who will support, encourage, and motivate you in your job search.

The first step is to figure out where you’re stuck. Next week, we’ll examine how pinpointing your ideal job target can help you revitalize your job search.

 

Amanda Rens-Moon has a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from the University of Colorado, at Boulder. She is a member of the National Résumé Writers’ Association, and Professional Association of Résumé Writers. She is passionate about crafting resumes and cover letters that exceed expectation, by highlighting her clients’ unique accomplishments and gifts. She will help you, “Reach for Your Star.”