Continuing a Productive Job Search
Episode #7 of the course Conducting an effective job search by Denise C. Allen
Conducting a job search is a job in itself. When you put maximum time and effort in, you’re more likely to get to the desired result quickly. Keep reading Lesson 7 to learn about several actions that can aid your efforts.
Keep Moving Forward
At times, you may feel like you have exhausted the possibilities of finding a job. If you’re looking in a limited area and have a narrow job focus, this can happen. You can still work on items related to the job search that will continue to move you forward. Ask yourself the following questions:
• Can I improve or add to my skills?
While you’ve been looking for and applying for positions, have you found that you are missing certain needed skills? Consider learning how to do something new that will add to your resume. Maybe the positions ask for use of a certain accounting method or the ability to create a website. If you can afford the time and money, take a training course in person or online. Speaking of online courses, there is a variety of subjects you can learn from the comfort of your own home and often, at no charge or for a minimal fee. You are taking one now, of course! You may find classes offered by companies, such as Highbrow, or through your local workforce center or college.
• Am I continuing to network?
As stated in Lesson 4, networking is one of the top ways to find out about job opportunities. When caught up in computer research, you may have forgotten to get out of the house to go to a meeting or event where you can network. Plan regularly scheduled outings for networking purposes, and put them on your calendar as appointments.
• If I’m unemployed, can I do part-time, temporary, or contract work to help my income situation?
If you are unemployed, you may be able to help yourself by earning income while you search. Find a part-time job, ideally one that doesn’t interfere with the daytime hours needed to search for a permanent arrangement. You can also take a break to earn some money through a temporary position or a contract job, both of which can then be added to your resume. Remember to schedule yourself well so you can fit in the work and the search.
• Can I do a different type of job?
If you are having difficulty finding positions to meet your job search goal, you may have to expand the type of jobs that you’ll consider. Look for jobs related to your skill set or have similarities to the type of work you most desire. A nurse who has worked in a hospital might try home-based nursing, or a grocery store stocker might try to work in a warehouse or a shipping department. Don’t be stuck on the idea that there is only one thing you can do. There are many possibilities for every person, as long as you are open to them. You may need to get training required for the new job or find an employer willing to train you.
If You Still Aren’t Getting Contacted …
If you have been applying for positions and aren’t getting contacted for interviews, do some self-exploration. Are your documents and applications saying the right things about you? It might be time to improve on them. Ask a supportive friend or family member to review your resume and give feedback. If you can, ask a hiring party who has rejected your application to explain how you can make yourself more attractive for the type of position. You may or may not get a response, but if you do, then you have valuable information to help you improve your efforts. Try to keep your focus on your job search, which is something that will be discussed in the next lesson.
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