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. 

Tips for Today’s Unemployed: Avoid becoming like flat soda and stale potato chips

Today the typical unemployed worker has been jobless for 38 weeks versus 17 weeks before the recession. There’s a lot that needs to be done to bridge the gap and get America back to work. However, if you've found yourself in the unemployment line do not delay in getting it together because the risk of you becoming long-term unemployed (if you're not already) is greater than ever. Whether you've been unemployed for a short while or in the midst of long term unemployment these tips may help you get closer to reentering the workforce.

Target Your Search & Save Your Time. Don't waste time applying for jobs you don't want or qualify for. It’s an employer’s market and many have more resumes than they can handle; it’s not the time to press your luck. If you looked at the job description and know you would hate to do what’s required, then give somebody else an opportunity to be miserable. Your lack of interest will show and back to the unemployment line you will go. I know it’s easier said than done with the stresses that come with being unemployed. However, finding a job takes time and energy; conserve it for opportunities worth your while. Remember quality versus quantity. 

Get Organized. Keep track of all the jobs you apply for. You're probably required to do so if you're collecting unemployment anyway. While I was unemployed I created a spreadsheet that contained company names, position titles, login information with hyperlinks which made it much easier for me to follow up. Keep track of contact names and any communication received or sent. Tracking your progress will help keep you motivated.

Get Resume & Cover Letter Professionally Written. If you’re not getting positive results at the very least get a second opinion* on your resume. Ensure that you are representing yourself well. A bad resume or ineffective one is like bad PR and marketing. I know money may be tight, but this is one of those bare necessities if you think about how much money you could be making per day or per week if you had a job. Invest in yourself.

Hone Your Craft. Remember a job isn't the only way to build your resume. Stay up on the latest information in your industry. Consider joining or becoming active in a professional organization. Perhaps you can earn a certification to increase your marketability in the meantime. Whatever you decide to do, keep yourself fresh with knowledge and avoid becoming like stale potato chips.

Create Opportunities. This is the time to put all your creative juices to play. Remember you can be your own boss too. And if you've started your own venture add that to your resume! It amazes me how many people leave out their self-employment experience. Show off your skills and knowledge!

Work and Manage Connections. It’s easy to feel alienated from the workforce. Maximize your job search by staying connected with your network and getting to know people. Social media is a great tool to help you bridge the gap.

Remain Positive! You will find the previous point difficult to accomplish without this. The law of attraction is real and people tend to stay clear of those who carry negative energy. They are not interested in your sob story so stop seeking pity. Instead celebrate small successes along the way. Your Facebook status shouldn't read, “Still haven’t gotten any call backs :(.” Instead, post something like, “I just found a great opportunity. So excited! :) ” A positive attitude is a winning attitude and with that you are more likely to find others to cheer you on and connect you to opportunities along the way.

Remember you're in control of your attitude, not your circumstances. Stay fresh and crisp; no one likes flat soda and stale potato chips.

Moving You Forward,

Cathy Francois
Career Coach
Founder of Rezume Forward

*P.S. If you're experiencing long-term unemployment (27 weeks or more) I'll give you a detailed resume review for free ($24.99 value). Simply upload your resume on our website and enter code WORK13. Only a limited quantity will be accepted so act fast! Offer expires 3/31/13 or until we get our maximum quantity. 

Continue the discussion on Twitter @rezumeforward

Follow on Facebook

Creating a Strategic Job Search: Rise to the top like C.R.E.A.M.

Are you ready to start job seeking? Before you start aimlessly applying for jobs, understand that in today’s competitive market developing a strategy for your job search is essential. Here’s a road map on how to create a strategy to get the job you want and becoming like the C.R.E.A.M. (Career Ready Exceptional Applicants of the Millennium) who rise to the top.

Know What You Have to Offer. In order to successfully sell a product, it’s important to know the features and benefits as it relates to the buyer. As a candidate for a position, begin with an entrepreneurial mindset. View yourself from the eyes of an employer and think about the skills, knowledge and experience that you possess that employers would find valuable. Develop an elevator pitch; that’s who you are and what you do in 3 sentences or less.

Optimize Your Resume and Social Media Presence. Your resume is like an ad for your services. Will it immediately attract the attention of a potential employer? Does is clearly state your qualifications, how you will meet employers’ needs and free from errors? It’s important to have a focused resume, otherwise employers will not be able to figure out how you may be a benefit to their company and pass. Make it easy for them.

And let’s not forget your social resume. LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook are tools that companies use to market their presence online to help potential customers find them. You need to do the same to help employers find you. Don’t be incognito about it either (i.e. setting your profile to private or not including a legitimate professional profile picture); these are your media outlets. Sounds overwhelming? There are tools such as CareerCloud to help you manage it all. Be seen, be heard, and be discoverable!

Target Companies. Now that you know your product and created some great “ads” it’s time to search for your target market. Search for companies that are seeking your services and create a plan to connect with them directly (direct marketing). This may include searching through your connections on social media (prospecting) to find out who knows someone in your companies of interest (Jackalope Jobs makes that easy). Ask for an introduction or attend an event where employees of those companies will be present (this is when you use that elevator pitch). Follow your companies of interest on all their social media platforms. This may give you insight into their corporate culture or first dibs on an employment opportunity.

Be Interview Ready. After you've gotten the attention of potential employers be ready to close the sale. There’s nothing like getting a product that doesn't deliver on its promises.  It’s important to research the company in preparing for the interview, but if you have been connecting and following them on social media most of this work has been done. This will make it easier for you to readily match what you have to offer with their needs and share ideas on solutions you can provide.

Not having a proper plan and strategy in place is where many fail in the job search process. It’s like throwing darts without a target and hoping something will stick. Applying a strategy will take you from being a career ready applicant to a Career Ready Exceptional ACHIEVER of the Millennium. Know your value, know what you want and be intentional in getting it.

Moving You Forward,

Cathy Francois
Career Coach
Founder of Rezume Forward

P.S. The job search process can be complicated. Thankfully, you do not have to create a plan alone. Let’s team up to create a personalized plan to help you achieve career success today. Email me at cfrancois@rezumeforward.com

Continue the discussion on Twitter @rezumeforward

Follow on Facebook