Taking The Pain Out Of Your Job Search

It’s like having root canal done minus the Novocain.

That’s how the majority of my clients feel about the entire job search process.  Finding a good job has become quite difficult and hopefully some of the tips that follow will help alleviate the pain.

Less is Actually More

It’s better to apply to two jobs a day that you feel well qualified for than to apply to ten that are a stretch for you. You need to be honest in evaluating what you bring to the table that would result in a hiring manager having an interest in speaking with you. In fact, “take 5”.

Take 5 means writing out in very specific and concise language five statements that describe what makes you special at what you do. As you look at any job posting that catches your eye, do a comparison of the key qualifications with your Take 5 list. The more matches, the greater the possibility that you’ll make it to the hiring manager’s short list.

One of the primary causes of pain in the job search process is not hearing back at all when you submit your resume as well as being rejected. Read the position description carefully and don’t apply for jobs based on the premise of “getting lucky”.

You Got 15-20 Seconds

When I worked in corporate HR this was the typical timeframe an applicant had to interest me based on their cover letter or resume. A resume where the first entries matched with the key qualifications of the position got the thumbs up. I’d read on hoping that the story kept getting better. The resumes that didn’t hook me got put in the pile that no job seeker wants to be in.

Success is Found in Your Sweet Spot

One on my clients spent 15 years in banking and seemingly woke up one day and said enough is enough. After some time thinking about what she wanted to do, being a college admissions counselor seemed to strike her fancy. She was not in a position to take a pay cut.

If your job search plans involve a significant career transition, then you better be willing to work your way up from a lower level role.  The reality is that after about ten years of doing whatever it is you do in whatever industry you’re in, your pretty much pigeon holed. Of course, certain occupational skills like sales and customer service are highly transferrable. But if you’re an accountant who has grown tired on crunching numbers all day who now wants to have fun and be an event planner for a Fortune 500 hotel chain, it’s just not going to happen.

I would encourage all of you to answer the question, “what is my occupational sweet spot?” and keep that in mind as you consider your job search options.

Analyze, Analyze, Analyze!

Keep detailed records of the jobs you’ve applied to and the outcomes. If your phone isn’t ringing you have a resume problem. If it rings and you don’t pass the telephone pre-screen, then you have an interview problem. Same goes for going on a face-to-face interview only to get the gut wrenching thumbs down decision.

While it’s certainly more comforting to blame your lack of results on the collective stupidity of hiring managers, it’s better to take an honest look at what’s going on and take action to fix the obstacles that are hindering your success.