"BOUT A JOB THAT I NEVER COULD FIND" - Silhouettes

"BOUT A JOB THAT I NEVER COULD FIND" - Silhouettes

In 1958, The Silhouettes had a song titled "Get a Job," their song described the frustrations and household tension that can be present during a job search.  Well that was 1958, and today, in 2015, the same frustrations and blocks in career searches continue to exist.

But today, we don't "get the paper and read it through and through".  Today, we create LinkedIn profiles, write and update technical resumes, create strong CV's and personal brands, and connect with our massive networking webs.  With so many balls in the air it is easy to lose motivation, energy, and be overwhelmed with uncertainty.  Luckily today there are many more tools available to help guide us through the difficult terrain of a career search.

The Wall Street Journal noted 5 top factors that cause set-backs in our career search followed by suggestions on how to revive your motivation and "Get a Job."  For a little nostalgia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysKhbaLyIFw

Stalled and Out of Gas:

1. Emotional Issues:  With career change comes depression and insecurities.  Emotional down-turns are magnified when we conduct the career searches alone.  Like any of life's challenges it is necessary to create a support group and find guidance.  Being out of work does not mean that you need to do it alone.
2. Lack of Focus:  Not determining your target industry and target position will be transparent to employers in your interviews and job searches; weakening your competitiveness and making you seem desperate.  Focus on what you want not on just what is available.
3. Poor Self-Marketing Skills:  Many job seekers can explain in great detail what they have done in the past but cannot explain to a potential employer what they can do for the new company.  This is not a time for modesty.  Market yourself as the best, and only option for the job, as you would a product that you created and are selling.
4. Inability to Network:  The BEST way to find a position is through networking.  Over 70% of jobs are landed through networking connections.  Many job seekers avoid networking due to pride, or coming off as needy, but you can avoid this sentiment by making it a two-way street: "How can you guide me?" and "What can I do for you?".
5. Lack of Structure:  By not outlining your approach for your job search and prioritizing networking, job seekers can stall their search by wasting time on job internet sites or doing busywork.  Create interim benchmarks and goals and put the motivation back in each individual step to finding your job.

Fuel Up and Make it Happen!

1. Help improve your state of mind.
2. Join a job-search group or form one yourself.
3. Accomplish something worthwhile.
4. Volunteer.
5. Create structure for yourself.
6. Follow through.
7. Spend the majority of your time on the most productive tasks.
8. Don't expect quick results.
9. Be patient with yourself.
10. Balance your job search with personal and fun activities.