In an overly competitive world like ours, candidates often find themselves stuck in a job-hunting rut. So the question is when do you realize you’ve hit the trough and what can you do to break out of it. A study conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in November 2020 states it takes about 24 weeks to find a job on average. And if you are not careful, this could just extend.
I am Dr. Gaurav Hirey, Chief Coach at Job Boosts. With over 22 years of functional expertise in HR and leading Recruitment, I have closely worked with hundreds of candidates. If you feel that your job search has fallen flat and your network is not helping or if you are running out of ideas and losing your motivation or if you are wondering if you have an effective resume, cover letter and a social media presence, you may have landed yourself in a job-hunting rut.
Here are ways and expert tips to break the pattern and get your job search on track again. So let’s get to it.
1. Hit Pause and Regroup
Once you have identified you’ve been in a rut, pausing the job search and restructuring is the first step. This restructuring is to break habits that you’ve formed in your job search process and shift your attention to another strategy. It can be difficult to regroup on your own but remember it is important so that you don’t waste more time.
Tip:
Experts at Job Boosts recommend you involve close peers or experts to help you regroup. Partnering with a coach or a job search expert can help you make the shift faster and focus better on building a fresh plan.
2. Revise your Job Search Plan
Now that you’ve regrouped, the next step is to refresh your job search plan. Since you already know what didn’t work out for you, you can do it to successfully avoid roadblocks and create a new plan to approach the job search better. Identify strengths, weaknesses, gaps and opportunities to create a plan that best suits you. Carefully assess your resume, cover letters and your online profiles. Work on personal branding and effective networking strategies to get you back on track.
Tip:
Experts at Job Boosts recommend you revisit your job search plan and use the details to target companies, potential roles and relevant contacts. Create an elevator that best represents you and your brand. Focus on networking and personal branding rather than just looking for jobs.
3. Restart the Job Search
Once you have your job search plan in place, the next thing for you as a job seeker is to get to it. The most effective strategy is networking. Studies conducted by LinkedIn state that up to 85% of jobs are filled via networking! Aim at building lasting connections rather than looking for jobs and applying for them on different websites. Create advocates for yourself via your effective online presence and grow your brand to get the job you have been looking for.
Tip:
Experts at Job Boosts recommend you aim at building mutual connections as informal interviews can be effective to help you network better even if you hate it. Focus on targeting companies rather than job roles and positions.
4. Refrain from over-editing your resumes
As a job seeker, you need to customize your resume but don’t spend time over-editing it. Resumes are subjective and you will receive different feedback from people. Refrain from altering it until an expert tells you to. Focus this time on creating content and engaging with the audience.
Tip:
Experts at Job Boosts recommend you network before you begin writing your resume. You can request an expert’s advice regarding questions for your resume. Remember resumes won’t get you jobs, people and networks will.
5. Remain focus and motivated
Looking for a job is a job in itself. It can get overwhelming but if you follow and create a job search plan and network effectively, you will see results. Here are a few things you can keep in mind to stay focused.
- Reject mental chatter
It is natural to feel discouraged when you don’t hear back from a potential employer. But do not quit just yet. Take control of your negative thoughts because the sooner you do, the better you will feel. Focus on your plan and don’t let the process overwhelm you.
- Surround yourself with people who motivate you
Engage in conversation with people who keep you grounded and push you forward in your job search process. Remember you are not alone and your network is your best asset in a process like this.
- Networking boosts confidence
Talk to people in your field of interest. Engage with the content they create and get feedback on the ones created by you. Effective networking will help you build on your passion and not give up even if you don’t hear from your potential employers immediately.
Conclusion
Searching for a job is the most important yet the most overwhelming process candidates go through. It is necessary to realise if you have fallen into a trough and break your way out of it. Regroup your ideas and revise your job search plan. Once you have that in place, work at effective networking and focus on building a personal brand. Seek expert coaching and refrain from over-editing your resume. Finally, do not lose hope and stay motivated throughout the process. I understand it can get tough but follow these steps and I am certain you will take control, fix and make the changes required. I wish you the best!
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