Q: I am so frustrated with my job search that I do not know what to do with myself. I have been at it for almost two years. I keep sending out cover letters and resumes to opportunities posted on the Web. No one acknowledges my applications. I have had a couple of phone interviews but no meetings and no offers. What would you counsel?
A: Even in this unpredictable job market, you should have seen positive movement during a two-year search period assuming two factors: (1) the industry you are targeting is either in growth mode or is stable, and (2) you are a talented professional, have quality materials and are conducting a targeted search. If these factors are in place and there is no forward movement from your search efforts, it may be that the heavy-hitters in your region are hiring more internally to avoid costly relocations, cultural misfits and the other hiring risks. It may mean you need to regroup and reprioritize.
In the case of a stalled search, the very first action to take is to identify a volunteer opportunity that gets you out of the house and moving. The best kind of opportunity is one aligned in an industry and/or with a mission where you can at least network with like-minded people offline. Reach out to colleagues, reference persons and mentors in a big way. People know people, and, sometimes, all it takes is a favorable referral for the hiring cycle to begin.
The next action I recommend is to get coaching on how to conduct myself in a telephone interview. Even experienced professionals can benefit from a one-on-one session with a career coach. You should receive a few pointers to help you present yourself even more effectively over the telephone from such coaching.
Also, revisit a few key, strategic issues. For starters, consider whether or not relocation is an option. If there is a possibility of taking on an opportunity in another state or country, identify those options quickly. If you are a relatively senior professional, consider acquiring certification in a field or area of expertise that immediately makes you more marketable/employable. Several universities offer 6-week courses of high caliber which, for relatively modest investment, can yield significant career benefits. Many major cities have workforce development programs designed to support new careers and skill-building.
In the end, a two-pronged approach to a search seems to work best. First, expand its scope to include other regions and/or other countries. Second, work on yourself. Use volunteer activities to keep circulating and meeting others in a professional context. Find ways to improve your skills by studying online or acquiring new learning in a more traditional format. Pay attention to the details of the interview process, and be certain to get coaching to address every aspect. By taking these kinds of proactive steps, you can stall the doldrums and be well prepared in terms of both skill development and in psychological health when the next great opportunities come to your attention.
Contact Karen Alphonse at Karena@execSearches.com or visit ExecSearches.com for more information about our career coaching services.
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Last updated on September 19th, 2012 at 12:13 pm
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