While it’s understandably frustrating to send resume after resume to no avail, letting your motivation sink will only make things worse. Following are three tips for enhancing your search and overcoming the job-hunt blues:
Don’t Go It Alone. There’s no doubt about it: Looking for work can be isolating. You can only stay on the computer and scan job sites and LinkedIn for so many hours a day. That’s why it’s important to remember that face-to-face interaction remains pivotal. Schedule weekly lunch or coffee meetings with well-connected members of your professional network.
In addition, join (or remain active in) associations and go to industry training or networking events. You also might look into attending a local “job club” meeting, where out-of-work professionals gather to share employment leads, job-hunting war stories, and provide each other with support and encouragement.
Solicit Feedback.Constructive criticism can be extremely valuable. If you interviewed for a job but didn’t receive the offer, consider following up to ask why. Contact the hiring manager and ask for his or her thoughts on the interview. Make sure your approach is completely professional and you don’t give the impression that you’re complaining or attempting to change the manager’s mind. This will only cause the person to become uncomfortable.
Just explain that you’d value his or her opinion on your candidacy in general as you approach other companies. Questions might include, “What can I do to be a more competitive candidate for this type of role?” or “Are there ways I could better convey my skills in person?” Learning how you’re perceived will undoubtedly help you in future interviews and networking situations.
Seek Guidance.If you haven’t done so already, reach out to a recruiter or career counselor to gain a fresh perspective and discuss ways you can fine-tune your job-hunting tactics. These professionals can offer interviewing tips and suggestions on making improvements to your resume and cover letter. Frequently, they also have information on unadvertised job leads in your area.
Moreover, an experienced specialized staffing expert can help you locate temporary assignments that will keep you productive and provide you with income and visibility in the payroll profession while you continue looking for permanent employment.
