How to Save a Failing Job Search

Job Searches suck.  There is no ifs, ands or buts about it.  The average job search is 3-6 months in Canada, 6-9 months in the States, already that seems like a long period of time but sometimes we fall outside of those averages.  And when we do, when we enter into the 1 year mark (or longer) in an active job search, we can reach a low we never thought possible. 

It leaves us feeling lost, frustrated and confused.  We question every decision we make, and feel pretty horrible about ourselves.  We think we are doing the right things, but we are hearing nothing from companies (either after an application or an interview).  Negativity is taking over and it is hard to feel like we will ever get a job, the light at the end of the tunnel is just getting dimmer and dimmer.

But we can’t give up, that isn’t an option right?  So what do we do?

First read this article on Staying Inspired During a Job Search and consider taking a day or two (or seven!) off to give you time to recharge.

Next, we need to do a review, we need to see where there is potential, room for improvement and to know whether we should reach out for help.

1. Resume
Let’s look at your applications.  Examine, look at your applications to jobs that are a good fit, meaning you should probably have gotten an interview.

Let’s look at your ratio – how many of those did you get an interview for those, how many?
The standard ratio is 1 interview out of 5-10 applications depending, some industries and some circumstances can change it. 

For the ones that garnered you the interview, let’s take a closer look.   What was it about that application that led to the interview – what was the application process (email direct, networking, ATS), what did your resume and cover letter look like, industry, company size.  This information may allow you to further focus your work.

If your ratio is not in line with the average ratio.  Then we need to re-examine your resume, cover letter and LinkedIn profile.  Is your resume telling YOUR story, are you sending in a cover letter, is it engaging?  Is your resume and LinkedIn profile optimized for an Applicant Tracking System?

Have someone else read through all of your documents, I would have someone who is familiar with what you do (to mimic the Hiring Manager) and someone who isn’t (to mimic a recruiter).  Sometimes, we get so stuck in our head when it comes to our marketing documents that it is helpful to get someone else’s feedback.  Plus, it is common to constantly tweak it to align with all of the conflicting information out there which leaves you with a resume that isn’t cohesive.

Obviously, if you are really struggling then getting a resume writer to take a look or write you a new one may be the best option for you.

2. Networking
Do you have a networking strategy, is networking a part of your job search?  70-80% of jobs are found through some form of networking so it is important to get a strategy going.  Plus it will get you out of the house and out of your head!

Each week you should devote most of your time to some form of networking activity, so next week look at your current network, who can you take out for coffee?

Confused and have no idea where to start?  I've written alot about Networking and talk about it a lot on my weekly Q&A on Facebook Live (on my page and in the Find Career Happiness Group).

Stay tuned, I have an amazing freebie coming next week plus an announcement that will make networking so much easier!

3. Interviews
When I ask people about their job search, their successes equate to two things – resumes submitted and interviews secured.  And while, securing interviews is a goal as you need them to get the offer, tying your feeling of success to something outside of your control is a sure-fire way to destroy your self-confidence and allow a negative attitude to flourish.  So my first recommendation for interviews is to be cognizant of them (how many you are getting, how they are going, etc) but instead of using that as a major goal, use networking instead.

Now let’s assume your resume to interview average is good.  Let’s look at your interview to offer numbers.  On average, it takes interviewing with 4-5 different companies to receive 1 offer.  I’m guessing since you are reading this, that that isn’t the case.  So let’s examine the interview.

How have the interviews been going?  Where have you excelled and where have you struggled?  What kind of questions have they asked, and what kind of answers have you given?  Are you telling your story or just answering in bullet points?  Are you asking insightful questions?

If you are struggling, consider having a friend give you a mock interview or better yet hire a coach, the investment will be worth it.  Self-awareness is great, but we are biased, so it is helpful to have someone objective listen in.

At the end of the day, you need to start talking to people.  Get some advise from a previous Manager (great start for networking) on your job search, resume and interview skills.  Talk with a close friend or family member.  Right now, a clear, objective and unbiased look at your job search is exactly what you need.

As always, you can set up a complimentary 30 minute Strategy Call with me and I would be happy to discuss.

And stay tuned for the big announcement next week!