This month, we are going to talk about some of those pitfalls and how to avoid them while job-seeking.
Five Common Pitfalls Job Seekers Face
If you or someone you care for has experienced job loss, you know all too well the roller coaster of emotions that accompany this circumstance in life. To help you navigate this process, we have discussed a lot of important action steps to take, tools to utilize, and words of wisdom to follow. However, like any other path in life, the job search pathway contains pitfalls. This month, we are going to talk about some of those pitfalls and how to avoid them while job-seeking.
1. Holding a grudge
No doubt about it…job loss can make us angry. While we may keep that anger pent up inside, we may also direct that anger toward others, including our former employer. This anger can create serious problems, such as resistance to moving ahead professionally, stress within our families, and even serious health problems. Part of the grieving process we work through requires us to accept the fact that we must move on - regardless of the reason why we are unemployed - for the sake of our livelihood and well-being. A job seeker should surround him or herself with quality friends and family rather than remain isolated. It may be necessary to visit a counselor if the emotional duress is debilitating. Most importantly, one must move on in the face of what can feel very traumatic at times, one day at a time. Make a daily list of goals you want to accomplish, and mark them off as you reach them. You will feel much better about yourself and your progress at the end of the day! Find an accountability partner with whom you can navigate the obstacles you face while job-seeking. Your feelings and hard work will be validated this way.
2. Playing it safe
Employment brings with it a type of safety net. We have a set routine, and we aren't under as much pressure to network outside of those with whom we often spend more time than we spend with our families. Not so with unemployment! The safety net has been removed, and playing it safe with those we already know won't give us the results we need. We know about the importance of networking…but how do we move outside that "comfort zone?" First, use the recommendations of those you already know. These connections tend to produce the best results. Second, think outside the box: What can you do to attract the attention of people or companies who need to meet you? Utilize social media? Create a portfolio? Start a blog? Third, reach out to the decision-makers. Is there a manager or an owner you want to meet? Find a way to do it! As we have previously mentioned, LinkedIn is a great tool to use to connect to other professionals. Talking with those already in your network will only move you so far in your career. You must take bold steps to reach the opportunity you really want.
3. Searching in all the wrong places
Long story short…if you are spending the majority of your time looking for a job online, you are wasting your time and most likely searching in all the wrong places. While job seekers occasionally land jobs through online applications, you must know two things: most resumes submitted online never make it to human eyes, and most jobs are never posted online. As we have discussed previously, getting out of the house to network and conduct informational interviews is key to landing your next opportunity. In addition, you must target the companies where you would like to work. Sylvie Stewart spoke in-depth to this point in last month's blog - "Interview With a Career Advisor". Creating a rapport with these companies will get you much farther in your job search than throwing your resume into a "black hole." (Check out Liz Ryan's article on this black hole: STOP! Don't Send That Resume!)
4. Acting out of desperation
"Desperate times call for desperate measures." Oftentimes in life, this is true. Many job seekers have even secured a new job because they took that "extra step" they would not have otherwise taken if not faced with dire circumstances. However, acting out of desperation can also be very dangerous. One example is taking the first job opportunity that comes along - usually out of fear that nothing else will. Along with that "opportunity" can come a myriad of stress factors, such as concessions you must make to maintain the job or a schedule that does not match your family's lifestyle. Another common act of desperation is settling for a job that does not align with your values. A compromise on salary, status, or location pales in comparison to a compromise on the values you hold and will not lead to a satisfying career. To avoid responding to job loss with a desperate move, investigate and research potential employers thoroughly. Your local library has fabulous resources, such as Reference USA, to help you with this research, and most of their databases are accessible from your home! Talk to professionals who can give you insight regarding career moves or sectors with which you are not familiar. Finally, it may be important to follow your "gut" instinct - if something doesn't seem right, it probably isn't.
5. Not following up
During the job search process, many people give us their time, support, and connections to help us reach our career goal. Not following up on the information others give us is detrimental to our progress and can backfire on our professional image. When someone gives us a tool or a resource that can help us succeed, we should treat it like gold - follow through! Make that phone call, set up that coffee, visit that office. In addition, follow up every appointment with a handwritten thank-you card. Let that person know you appreciated his or her time. It is also important to keep those who have helped you abreast of your progress. Look through your LinkedIn contacts and your Excel spreadsheet (where you keep track of your contacts) regularly, and be sure to follow up with the contacts who have aided you in your search. When you land your next job, consider maintaining this contact with others, because you never know who you will need again in the future!
Knowing about these pitfalls ahead of time will save you time, energy, and possible heartache. Now, go navigate the job search pathway successfully!
Next month's topic: Reinvention of a job seeker
