The job search can be tough: hundreds of applicants for every job opening, endless online applications, and a merry-go-round of interviews and rejections can discourage even the most confident job seeker. If you find yourself constantly applying to positions with little to no progress, reevaluate your job search strategy by asking yourself these three critical questions.
1. Are You Applying for a Job You Actually Want?
Each job you apply for should be a job you actually want to get at a company you actually want to work for. Competition in today's job market is fierce, so going up against impassioned candidates when you're just lukewarm is a waste of your time. If you're not enthusiastic about the job, that comes across in your interviews and mannerisms. Review each job posting carefully, and research the company thoroughly to gauge how well its values align with yours. Only apply to jobs that match your experience and qualifications.
2. What Are Your Shortcomings?
If the job search just isn't coming together for you, you may have some glaring weaknesses you're overlooking. To determine what these weaknesses may be, you need honest feedback. Ask your closest contacts to critique your candidate profile: Is your resume bland? Do you need to brush up on your technical skills? Is your experience in your desired industry lacking? Whatever it is that is holding you back, you need to know so that you can work on improving it. A great way to gather honest feedback is to ask an interviewer what reservations he might have about hiring you. His answer can give you an idea of what you need to work on before you are blindsided by a rejection letter.
3. How Hard Are You Really Trying?
Are you limiting your job search to online postings? Are you consistently reaching out to your network for leads and referrals? If you're not utilizing all the tools in your arsenal, you're selling yourself short. While the Internet can be a great resource in this tough job market, online job postings should not be your only method of applying. Reach out to everyone you know — former co-workers, supervisors, friends, family, etc. — and put the word out that you're in the market for new opportunities. When you're unemployed, think of the job search as your full-time job: From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., put your full effort into sending resumes, making phone calls and following up with contacts.
Asking yourself these questions might be tough, but doing so is essential to succeed in your job search. Take the time to determine where your weak spots are, and then design a plan of action to overcome them. With greater focus and determination, you can strengthen your job search skills and land that dream job even faster.
Photo courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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