Job Search Killing You? Time for Reality Check!

Recently, a purchasing executive with an enviable record called me to announce that, after only three weeks, he no longer felt the Internet to be a viable way to connect with prospective employers. He was deeply discouraged. Having conducted his last job search in 1990, he was also profoundly uninformed. Less than a week later a normally savvy six-figure human resources director requested an opinion on her new one page resume. What were these people thinking? These are not examples of unsophisticated candidates but unenlightened job seekers easily discouraged and willing to resort to anything when they believe they are failing.

While my clients include experts and gurus in their professions, I have yet to meet anyone with a Masters in Job Search. Remember how you did in Resume 101 or on the interviewing final? I think not! After stellar performances with achievements piled high in our careers, it’s nothing short of destructive to our self-esteem (egos?) when the world isn’t waiting with offers at our doorsteps once we step into the job hunt arena. I have seen executives diagnosed with depression, self-imposed substance abuse and sudden marital vulnerability due to what they perceived as career disasters. With enlightenment, panic be avoided. The thing to remember most is that we all are faced with the same challenges when we job hunt. Here are some tips.

Just the Two of Us – When you see that hot opening on a job site and it seems to cry out to you, remember that job search is not like E-Harmony dating. There are no soul mates in hiring. Comparing employers and candidates to the candy store analogy is far more realistic. No matter who you are or how great your accolades, employers have many candidates from which to choose. Don’t be naïve and don’t be devastated if you don’t receive an open arms invitation to interview for every opening. Today qualifying for a job is just the first step toward an invitation to interview. Now that baby boomers compete with their college educated grown kids in a recovering job market, competition is at its peak. Please remember that being perfect for the job is not an exclusive.

Job Hunt Not Job Cruise – Conducted properly job search is a grueling experience. For some reason it seems far easier to fall into the trap of accepting the wrong job and some predators, not to be confused with referrals, are in the wings sensing your panic. Be very careful, especially if you are one of those puffed-up candidates that boasts, “I’ve never had to look for a job before.” These are the fellows that turn to Zoloft first. Very few of us float easily into a great career opportunity these days. If you are an executive requiring over $300,000 and unwilling to relocate, you may wait a long time to find the right opportunity. Then you still have to compete to garner the offer. It just may be time to consider relocation, a reduction in pay or a regular commute!

Everyone loses perspective due to the disappointments of a job search so expect it but don’t accept the self doubt that inevitably sets in. Each frustrated job seeker suffers from some sort of syndrome which normally reveals that he really could doing better if only he improved his job search tools, stepped up his send-out momentum or polished his interview. If you establish a momentum and work the system thoroughly with variety and creativity you will realize results. If response to your resumes takes longer that you expected it’s not because no one wants to hire you, but because, providing your resume is strong, you’re among the largest talent pool in three decades. We teach accountant candidates that their job searches are falling short if their resumes are missing from even one desk of a company that employs accountants. But we also teach them to join associations, write articles and offer to speak at career day at the local high school.

Please remember that you are no less in the home office than you are in the executive suite. It’s easy to look good when times are great. It’s glorious to be great when times are unpredictable.

Janice Worthington, Certified Professional Resume Writer & Job Search Coach
Worthington Career Services (Since 1973) www.worthingtonresumes.com