Have you experienced any obstacles or roadblocks tin your job search? All of us do at one point or another in the job search. Here are some common problems and what you can do to overcome them.
1) Can’t decide on a job target. You may have an idea of what you would like to do, or a dream of becoming a particular professional. But how realistic is that? You need to do online research, and more importantly, talk to real people who do what it is you want to do. Nothing takes the place of talking to a person to find out what do they do all day, how did they get to that position? What education and experience does one need to do that job? What people? Search on LInkedIn for people who do the same thing. Contact your alumni association and look up alums who do what you want to do.
2) Not getting interviews – If you are spending all your time answering ads on the internet, start writing directly to companies. Make a list of companies in your preferred field. A job search is a numbers game. The more people you write to, meet with, network with, the more chances you will have to get interviews for jobs.
3) Getting a lot of “nos”. You send your resume and get a no. You go on an interview and don’t get a call back. You write to someone asking for a meeting and don’t get an answer. Don’t take it personally. The job may have already been filled, or they may hire a relative of the boss, or they may take someone who was recommended by a current employee. Send more emails. Make more phone calls.
4) Feeling down and alone? Find a job buddy , someone you can talk to each week about your job search. Or, join a group of similar job seekers or a long term workshop that keeps you motivated and accountable. Or, find a career coach who can hold your hand and keep you going every step of the way.
5) Inertia -You just can’t seem to get going. You keep procrastinating. Make a schedule. Plan to spend anywhere from one to three hours per day on your search. Take one step at a time. Do one thing each day to get you closer to the job you want.
Remember that a job search is a marathon, not a sprint. You have to keep going for the long haul and when you get stuck, find a way to get unstuck.
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