If Your Job Search is Stalled, Try These Things to Get it Going

You're sending out stacks of resumes, scouring every job search board on the internet and exhausting your network of industry contacts, but you still don't have a lead on a new job. If your job search has stalled, don't lose hope. Consider these tips to get it going again and find the position that's perfect for you.

1. Determine the Problem

Figure out why your job search came to a halt. Are you sending out applications but getting nowhere? It may be time to revamp your cover letter and resume. If you landed multiple job interviews but can't seem to build a rapport with recruiters, it might be time to brush up on your interviewing skills.

2. Assess Your Goals

Your job search may be stalled because you're setting your sights too high. When reading descriptions for jobs in your career field, make sure your skills and experience match about 70 to 80 percent of the job requirements before sending in your application materials. Recruiters can instantly tell whether or not you're qualified for the position, so make sure your goals are realistic.

3. Personalize Your Cover Letter

Any hiring manager can instantly spot a generic cover letter. Make sure you customize each cover letter you send out to the position you're applying for. Describe your relevant skills and experiences, and detail what value you can bring to each employer.

4. Prepare for Every Interview

Before each job interview, research the hiring organization to familiarize yourself with its products, culture and history. Practice your responses to common interview questions, and gear each answer to fit what the company seeks in an employee.

5. Expand Your Network

Always be on the lookout for new contacts within the industry. Connect with professionals on LinkedIn who can alert you to potential job openings, and attend job fairs to immerse yourself in the industry. Consider volunteering to expand your network further.

6. Develop an Elevator Pitch

Come up with a brief elevator pitch that tells a hiring manager who you are and what makes you special. In this 30- to 60-second speech, convince the hiring rep that you can bring value to the organization with your unique skills and experience.

7. Use Social Media

Take advantage of your social media profiles to ramp up your job search. Alert your Facebook friends that you're looking for a job, connect with industry professionals via LinkedIn or post career articles on Twitter.

8. Follow Up

Always follow up on any job lead, even if you think it's a dud. After sending a resume, call the company to express your interest verbally. Send a thank you letter to the hiring manager following every interview you attend.

Don't let a stalled job search get you down. When you've hit a wall, and have no viable prospects, consider these tips to jump start your job search and get it going again.

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