If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is, right?
Now, apply that to your job search. If it is too easy to do, try harder. I don’t think this is really what you want to hear, is it? But, for a second or two, think about the times you’ve taken the easier route. What happened? Or a better question would be, what didn’t happen?
Here are examples of things that are too easy (in red) and the work around (in green):
Applying for a job online only
Send your stuff online, then find people who work in that company so you can talk to them and learn more about the position and get them to advocate for you.
Sending your resume in an email and waiting
Follow up with a phone call after you’ve sent it and find out where they are in the review/hiring process
Asking someone for a job
Ask for information instead
Saying over and over that you don’t know what you want to do next
Take the time to figure out what it is you REALLY want to do
Winging an interview
Very few people are naturally great at interviewing, role play/practice out loud
Not knowing who to send your resume to at a company
Research the company on LinkedIn or start at the top of the company and work your way down
Waiting for the interviewer to contact you
Never wait, always ask when you can follow up
With any of these situations, it is EASY to say that you’ve done all you can do. But is that really true? There is so much more you could really do if you wanted the opportunity badly enough. Risk has its rewards! What has been your job search obstacle and how did you overcome it?
Hannah Morgan speaks and writes about job search and career strategies. She founded CareerSherpa.net to educate professionals on how to maneuver through today’s job search process. Hannah was nominated as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Job Search and Careers and is a regular contributor to US News & World Report. She has been quoted by media outlets, including Forbes, USA Today, Money Magazine, Huffington Post, as well as many other publications. She is also author of The Infographic Resume and co-author of Social Networking for Business Success.
