Feeling Depressed about Your Job Search?

Tips to Move your Job Search Forward

By Sandy Prock M.Ed., JCTC (Job and Career Transition Coach), Co-Owner of www.ExpertResume.com

It can be scary and frustrating when people do not answer your emails or call you for an interview. That is such a frustrating part of job search, and all too often, it is normal. Everyone feels crappy and scared when someone does not answer or reply – you are for sure not alone! Looking at the job search as a game of finding the best match for you and considering closed doors as positive as open doors leads you to where you want to go.

ü  You must have a great resume and cover letter! These documents represent you and are often your first impression with a potential employer. Job search is a numbers game, the more you apply, the better your chances of landing an interview and the job you want.

 

ü  Job search is part knowing yourself, part knowing the company, part networking, part numbers game (apply like crazy, i.e.: INDEED.com), part strategy and part synchronicity/mystery. Job search is about learning along the way, including making mistakes (part of any successful new adventure). In the end, it all works out for the best, particularly if you maintain a do-what-it-takes and learning mindset.

 

ü  Consider connecting with people in the companies you want to go to work for via all their social media outlets.

 

ü  Consider reading everything you can on the companies of your choice,  including books that talk about anything related to the company – you can wow people with your understanding and knowledge of the company and the challenges they face etc – (people in the companies you want to work for appreciate that kind of effort!), include internet research etc. Consider parking yourself at a Barnes and Noble, or going to the library, or any University library and read books relevant to your field and the companies you are interested in. The more you know, the better you position yourself. Knowing more about the companies or the field you are interested in can put you leagues ahead of every other job seeker. Use that knowledge in the interview, and your cover letter. Consider keeping track of what you learn in a notebook.

 

ü  Consider brainstorming solutions or ideas as your read about companies you are interested in. This gives you great information to discuss in your cover letter or interview. Ask the interviewer informed questions using the knowledge you gather.

 

ü  Consider looking around for volunteer opportunities, networking opportunities, anything you can do to meet people and network in the field of your choice, including anywhere you can meet people connected to your favorite companies. Make connections - network!

 

ü   If you tackle your job search as a full or part-time job, you will run way ahead of other job seekers. Our clients who go after their job search with everything they’ve got open more doors. Believe me; you are not alone when you face the huge challenge of landing a new job! When you invest time and effort,  you will not only achieve the side benefit of feeling in control of your job search and career, you will give yourself a much better chance of landing the job you want. Continue to move forward with your great efforts! You will achieve your goals.

 

ü  Surround yourself with people who believe in you, believe in possibilities and support you!  Surrounding yourself with real support is a must at all times in life, especially when you are looking for a job.

 

ü  Life and career development can be tough; however, the challenge can be fun, filled with new opportunities and possibilities, and for sure doable. Like anything good and worth doing, it takes consistent work. Job search is a learning process, developing skills and confidence along the way.

 

ü  To achieve your goals, it helps to face fears and doubts and write about how you feel or talk with people you trust, that will understand how you feel and believe with you that the right answer will come as you sort through your stuff.  There is something transformative about honesty and vigilance.

 

ü  Don’t worry if you make mistakes along the way, this is normal and one of the best ways to learn and in the end you will find everything works out for the best.

Those are some ideas to consider. I wish you the best in your career search.

Sandy Prock M.Ed., JCTC (Job and Career Transition Coach), Co-Owner of www.ExpertResume.com