- Job searches now take significantly longer than they used to.
- Tactics to stay in the struggle involve broadcasting to everyone you know that youโre looking, capitalizing on the power of LinkedIn, and exploring unconventional avenues.
- Knowing your worth and keeping your dream front and center will keep you from capitulating.
Today, you can expect that any job search will stretch out much longer than in years past. The reasons are multi-faceted, but mostly involve fierce competition from a growing number of qualified job seekers due to mass layoffs, a slowing and uncertain economy, and Draconian, drawn-out hiring processes.
The angst that builds through the weeks (and even months) of rejections and even the complete lack of response from some hiring managers is palpable. But capitulating isnโt an option when you have bills to pay.ย
The fate of your career is on the line. Itโs time to dig deep and rouse your inner warrior.ย
To stay in the struggle and persist through a prolonged job search, combine all of these tactics:
1. Tell everyone you know that you need a job.ย
Broadcast to the hiring universe that youโre looking for work. Describe the position youโre after. Unearth unexpected opportunities. Perhaps your mother-in-lawโs bridge partner is a recent retiree from a Fortune 500 company and can give you some insider tips.ย
Follow up on every possible lead, even when the contact is more than once-removed from you. Referrals continue to be the smartest way for job candidates to rise above the competition. Some firms even offer substantial cash rewards to staff who refer a candidate that accepts a position, so these workers are incentivized to find job seekers.ย
Employers would rather hire someone that a friend or colleague can vouch for than an unknown applicant.ย
2. Find your most productive time of day.ย
Are you charged up in the morning hours, or do your synapses only start to really fire in the afternoon? Devote the time each day to your job search when youโre at your most alert and upbeat.ย
Hiring managers can sense when youโre at your most energized. Also, keep at your search each and every day until the job offers start to roll in.ย
Donโt get discouraged. Pat yourself on the back for doing a good job of looking for a job.ย
3. Explore unconventional avenues.ย
If you struggle to find suitable positions in your field, be willing to look beyond your preferred industry. Your project management skills at an insurance brokerage could lend themselves to the field of healthcare, or your tech support skills could cross over into various other venues.ย
When you branch out and apply for positions in new business sectors, make sure to adjust your resume and cover letter accordingly so you present the strongest possible case for your suitability.ย
4. Use the power of LinkedIn to assist you.ย
Most recruiters find candidates on LinkedIn, so a strong presence on the platform is essential. Take the time to research people in the role youโre after in your chosen company or field. Scrutinize their online bios and note those in their networks.ย
This will give you insight into how to maximize your LinkedIn profile and gear it toward hiring managers in your industry. Highlight your relevant skills, accomplishments, and the contributions youโre able to make. Whenever possible, use keywords relevant to the roles youโre seeking.ย
Be sure to reach out to former colleagues who can endorse your skills and write testimonials for you. Also, be sure to set up job alerts to receive notifications about new postings that match your criteria.
5. Use your down time wisely.ย
Itโs understandable to want to hone your tennis game or binge watch streaming series, but youโll be better off using this period of unemployment to pursue activities that will make you more employable.ย
Acquiring new skills that you can list on your resume will pay off. Also, doing so will give you something to tout when employers ask how youโve been making the most of your down time.ย
Whatโs more, taking a course could inadvertently broaden your network as instructors or classmates may know of employment prospects for you.ย
6. Learn from rejection!ย
If youโre turned down after an interview, find out why and fix it.ย
Reach out to the hiring manager and ask for feedback. This may require asking some probing questions, such as: โWhat did the candidate who was offered the position have that I lacked?โ or โWhat could I have done to make my interview stronger?โย
If the hiring manager isnโt forthcoming, try asking the person who recommended you to make an inquiry on your behalf. Then tweak your approach accordingly.ย
Pro Tip: Itโs a good idea to take notes after each and every in-person meeting you have. Often, we innately know what the issue was, so itโs important to look for patterns. Maybe you interview better in the morning, for example. Keep a notebook with your own insights about your performance.ย
7. Keep on keeping on.ย
If you donโt hear back after youโve submitted your application or had one or more interviews, reach out (professionally and politely). If someone feels annoyed by your persistence, pat yourself on the back. You’re doing a great job of looking for a job.
ย A prolonged job search tests your character. But consider the options. Do you really want to give up your dream career and settle for a job stocking shelves at a big box store? A decision like that could hamper your prospects. (Granted, thereโs no shame in accepting a job to pay the bills until you land the position youโre looking for. But never give up.)ย
Know your worth and know that your persistence will pay off. And think of all the experience youโre getting as a professional job seeker! Your cover letter writing, networking, LinkedIn polishing, interviewing, and follow up will serve you in some capacity along the way.ย
Itโs the hard-fought pursuit that makes the reward all the sweeter. Follow these tips and the warrior in you will prevail.
