In a networking group of job seekers this week, someone said "you only need one job offer"…
Doesn't hearing that make it sound so simple? So manageable. So do-able.
What is it going to take to get the one, single job offer? It is a numbers game. Think about it, if you wanted to win the lottery, how many tickets would you need to buy? If you were playing roulette, how many numbers would you cover in order to win? Answers…a lot.
I've heard people aren't finding a lot of jobs advertised. The reality is, there are jobs out there, youprobably aren't seeing them because they aren't being advertised publicly.
What I am recommending is that you increase the number of everything you are doing.
Apply for more jobs on-line.
Use www.indeed.com, www.simplyhired.com and/or US Jobs by the National Labor Exchange. These aggregate websites will allow you to find more advertised jobs. Also try www.craigslist.com.
Meet more people.
You can volunteer, join a professional organization, attend networking events, get in touch with past co-workers through LinkedIn, catch up with old friends and schoolmates on Facebook or try Twitter.
Nurture relationships with more recruiters.
You never know who they know or what they know. Remember, some companies only hire through recruiters.
Target more companies.
Either expand your search beyond your preferred geographic/commutable preference and/or expand the types of companies you are looking at.
It may also be time for you to analyze what you are doing and modify what doesn't seem to be working. In other words, if you say you are applying to 50+ jobs per week and no one is calling you, you'll probably want to look at what is on your resume and in your cover letter.
If you say you have met over 50+ people in a week and no one is calling you back, then think about what you talked about with them and what kind of impression you left.
If you have had over 5in-person interviews and no offers, perhaps your interviewing techniques need to be tweaked.
If you have had pre-screening calls from companies and not been called in for an interview, you'll probably want to fix what you are saying over the phone.
It only takes one! However, a lot of work goes into getting it. Don't lose the fish on the line.
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.
