Have you been applying to hundreds of jobs without getting a response? Maybe you’ve been on dozens of interviews but still haven’t received an offer. Or are you convinced that networking is a waste of time? Most job seekers become frustrated or discouraged at some point during the laborious and lengthy process. What can you do when your job search isn’t working?
It depends. If you’re not hearing back after applying for jobs, then you’ll need help with your resume and application. If you’ve had interviews, but no job offers, you’ll want to brush up on your interviewing skills. You can try these tips to improve your outcomes and keep a positive outlook during your job search.
[See: 8 Things That Are More Productive Than Staring at a Job Board.]
Join forces with other job seekers. The best way to stay motivated and troubleshoot your job search is to team up with other professionals who are actively looking for work. When you are unemployed, you may feel like you’ve lost your identity, your colleagues and a support system. Many job seekers feel this loss, so you aren’t alone. In fact, job-search groups exist for these very reasons and also serve as accountability teams. Often called job clubs or power networking groups, you can find groups through your local One-Stop career center, Department of Labor or library. If you’ve never been unemployed before, you probably don’t know about these groups, but they exist. It just might take some asking around to uncover them.
No contact after you apply? Understand applicant tracking systems. If you are applying for jobs online, then you are probably using an applicant tracking system or ATS. The data you enter and the documents you upload, if given the opportunity, should be tailored for the job. The skills you include in your application should be the same skills the employer is requesting in the job description. If your last employer used a term like “customer care” but the job posting requests “customer advocacy,” and they mean the same thing, you should use the latter. Don’t try to cut corners by entering “see attached resume” on your application. If you have a question about the application, by all means, call the employer to avoid making mistakes that might eliminate you.
Save time, know your target. Searching job boards for suitable jobs, filling out applications and tailoring your resume takes a significant amount of time, therefore, you’ll want to be wise about how you invest your time. Begin by creating a list of companies you would like to work for. You should go to the companies’ career pages and set alerts to be notified when new jobs are posted. These companies may not have immediate openings, but they will in the future. Next, begin researching your target companies and reaching out to people who work there. This will arm you with information you can include in your application and resume. Proactively targeting companies and networking can often result in advanced notification about jobs. You may also be fortunate enough to get a referral from a company insider which will boost your chances of getting an interview.
[See: 10 Ways Social Media Can Help You Land a Job.]
Is networking your nemesis? Reframe your definition of networking. Most people don’t like networking. Networking really means sharing information and building mutually beneficial relationships. If you redefine it, you might change what you say and do during your next networking encounter. Start by reconnecting with people you know and learn about the work they do. Listen carefully for the opportunity to share information they may find useful. By creating mutually beneficial relationships, you won’t feel like you are using people to get what you want. Eventually, people will ask about you and this is your chance to ask for information about companies you are interested in, which companies are growing or trends in your field. Remember, networking is not asking for a job.
Tap your social networks. Networking happens online too. Think about all the people you know through Facebook or Instagram. Your friends often ask questions or ask for help, you can too! Don’t be embarrassed or afraid to share your quest for a new job with your friends. Make it easy for them to help by listing some companies you would like to work for and specific roles you are interested in.
Interviews but no offers? Play the role of a consultant. If you feel like you’re always the bridesmaid but never the bride during interviews, it could mean you need to polish your interviewing skills. The good news is that it’s unlikely that you would be invited to interview if the employer didn’t think you were qualified. You may be falling short because you fail to know enough about the role. Imagine you are a consultant trying to uncover what the hiring manager really needs. The questions you ask should help you understand what you’ll be doing, and even more importantly, why the company needs someone in the role. Questions like: What are you most concerned with for the company in the long term? How will you know you hired the right person for the job? What do you expect the new employee’s outcomes to be in a month, six months and a year? And don’t forget to ask why the position is available. Once you clarify the real needs, you can present qualifications and success stories that match what the employer needs.
[See: The 8 Stages of a Winning Job Search.]
Throughout the process, think like a hiring manager. If you understand the needs and concerns of the hiring manager, you should be able to present yourself as a solution to their problem. In most cases, hiring managers want to hire someone who will fit on the team and who will perform the job without a lot of supervision. The selected candidate will also fit within the budgeted salary. During each phase of the application process, the hiring manager is assessing candidates against the list of needs and wants. Always provide proof you are exactly what they need.
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Is Your Job Search Not Working? originally appeared on usnews.com
