7 Habits of Highly Ineffective Job Seekers

The job search process can be challenging for many and with so many avenues to explore, it may be difficult to figure out which direction to go. However, there are certainly some habits that make the job search process more difficult than necessary.  Here are seven habits I have noticed with job seekers struggling with their job search.

1.  Demonstrates a Lack of Focus. Do you know what you are looking for or are you indecisive about your career path? If so, you may want to make some decisions about the career you would like to focus on. It does not mean that you have to choose just one type of job, but you do need to establish area(s) of focus before proceeding with your job search.  This allows you to maximize your time and energy towards a specific goal.

2.  Takes a One-Size-Fits-All Approach. Does your job search strategy lack variety? Is your resume posted on just one or two job boards or are you using the same resume for each position that you apply for? If your answer is yes, then consider beefing up your job strategy through diversifying your search. This may include seeking opportunities through social media, company career portals, industry specific job boards, and publications. Your resume and cover letters should always be tailored for each position to ensure that you have highlighted significant key qualifications, skills, and experience.

3. Does Not Forge New Relationships. You should also expand your job search through networking. This is typically a key component that I find missing from many struggling job seekers’ strategy. Relationship building is a great habit to form even if you are not actively seeking a new opportunity. Otherwise, it feels awkwardly painful if you lack practice. Networking is not just about meeting new people, but includes nurturing your existing relationships.

4. Inconsistent. Being inconsistent with your job seeking efforts may leave you frustrated just like stop-and-go traffic in Washington, DC.  This does not mean you have to complete job applications daily. However, take that time to complete tasks that will keep your momentum going such as submitting your resume for professional review, researching a company of interest, or checking company updates on social media.

5. Does Not Follow Up. Following up is an essential job searching task and lack thereof may mean a missed opportunity. Follow up on the status of your applications, new people that you meet, and existing people in your network.

6. Unorganized. It’s really hard follow up if your searching techniques lack organization. I recommend creating a spreadsheet to list each position that you have applied for or inquired about. Include pertinent information such as dates, links to websites, names, and contact information. In addition, use a calendar to set reminders for yourself.

7. Displays the Wrong Attitude. Last but definitely not least, having the wrong attitude can really hinder your success even if you are doing everything else right. This may include being overly pessimistic or arrogant. As you network display a healthy balance of optimism and self-confidence. These are vibes that could be contagious, which may leave the recipient feeling good about you and confident in your abilities.  

We all have habits that could steer us in the wrong direction and identifying them is the first step towards improvement.

Cathy Francois, MBA
Career Coach
Founder of Rezume Forward

P.S. I provide professional and personalized career consulting. Available services include strategic career planning, résumé writing, interview preparation, LinkedIn profile optimization, and more. Click >>Email me to schedule a consultation. 


This article was originally posted on Careers in Government 

You’ve Done Everything Right and You Still Can’t Find a Job

This post was motivated by readers from my last post who were looking for deeper reasons why they are struggling with their job search. While many where appreciative of the simple reminders, the savvy job seekers were like, “Tell me something I don't know.” Perhaps your resume as been reviewed and revised many times over;  you've gotten interviews, but have yet to be selected; attended career fairs, but came up empty. Well here’s something you can chew on.

You've been stigmatized by long-term unemployment. According to the Department of Labor, job seekers who have been unemployed for 27 weeks or more are considered to be long-term unemployed. However, the concerns with gaps in one’s employment history happen before that. This is a serious national issue, but while Congress tries to figure out how to remedy it, millions are without work. The quickest way to move from unemployment is through self-employment. Consider hiring yourself; consult, sell, serve, direct, rebuild, or create something new. This may be the perfect time to explore business opportunities. And yes, please add it to your resume! Any work experience counts.

Your online presence does not speak well of you. Have you goggled yourself lately? Really, type your name and see what comes up. Examine all your profile and cover photos for any social media network that you’re on because most of them are public. Would you hire you? Perhaps, nothing comes up and depending on your industry of interest that may not be a good look either. Maybe you have a popular name like “Michael Jordan” and you are not really worried about what someone may find. Whatever the case, I recommend that you provide employers with a link on your resume that shows specific information about who you are as a professional, such as one that leads to your LinkedIn profile or online portfolio.

You lack a quality network or haven’t used it effectively. I find that people who are well connected and who cultivate their network stay employed or bounce back from unemployment quickly. Who do you know in your industry of interest? When’s that last time you made a new friend? It might be time for you to reconnect with others or reach out to communities in your area or virtually online. Perhaps you may need to consider relocation and reaching out to those in areas with opportunities.

You share too much information with employers. What are you saying during the interview or including on your resume or cover letter that may be a red flag for employers? They don’t need to know whether you’re married or have children, don’t have a car (unless it required to perform the job), that you have many doctor’s visits, what you hated about your last job, specifically why you left a position, and what happened that one time at band camp. I've personally seen resumes and cover letters that divulged information that made the job seeker look like too much trouble to deal with. Do not act as your own barrier to employment; focus on sharing information regarding your skills, knowledge, and experience that may benefit the employer.

You've lost your confidence and it shows. The lack of employment can bruise your ego. I know what it feels like personally, but you have to remember that your talent hasn't been taken away from you and you still have something valuable to offer to the world. Of course you don’t want to appear arrogant, but most certainly appear to be sure of yourself and not at the mercy of the employer. Remember, employers are seeking to hire the best candidates. Walk into an interview believing, “if you don’t hire me, someone else will.”

Whatever your struggle may be, reach out for help, remain persistent, and maintain a positive attitude. Remember you are talented and valuable with or without a job title.

Moving You Forward,

Cathy Francois, MBA
Career Coach
Founder of Rezume Forward

P.S. I provide professional and personalized career consulting. Available services include strategic career planning, résumé writing, interview preparation, LinkedIn profile optimization, and more. Click >>Email me to schedule a consultation.