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Are you going about your job search like I’m going about losing weight? I’m living proof that’s a bad idea


be strategic in your job search, improving your job search, overcoming job search challenges,
Are you fooling yourself
in your job search?
I just had a “Eureka!” moment. 

I suddenly realized many job seekers go about their job search like I go about getting fit. 

If you feel stuck in your unemployment like I do in my excess pounds, you can learn from my bad example.


1) I want to be thin, but more immediately, I want a cookie.
Likewise, you may truly want a job, but instead of really trying, are you sabotaging your efforts by focusing on more appealing activities, dwelling on negative thoughts, or handling tasks that don’t have to be done now … or by you?

What should we do?
You and I both know we need to remove the “cookies” that are distracting us from our goal.

Resources to help you get focused:
Career action plan
Focused job search (this mentions holiday distractions, but the concepts still hold true)
Organizing your job search

2) I start strong and then fade.
I eat a healthy breakfast every morning and then every night, vow I will resist food temptations the next day … and in between, well … more often than not, I do pretty well, but not good enough.

Are you the same way in your job search? Do you plan to make difficult post-interview phone calls or gain the knowledge needed to qualify for a good job … but fizzle out before you’re finished?

What should we do?
Of course the answer is to really work your plan, whether your goal is get fit or get hired.

Tips to help you follow through:
Re-energize your job search
Gain knowledge on your own

3) I try to lose weight all by myself.
I know, I know, there are tons of programs for people who want to get fit, but I can make excuses all day long about why I don’t want to join them … it’s too expensive, it’s time consuming, I don’t like the food options, etc. But statistics show that people who get help from reputable sources have a higher success rate losing weight than do-it-yourselfers. It’s the same for job seekers -- those who get help are more likely to get hired.

What should we do?
If going it alone isn’t working, reach out for help. For you, that could mean hiring a career coach or resume writer, asking your network for help, or enlisting a friend to hold you accountable when you slack off.

Available resources and ways to get help:
Topics
Why people aren't helping you
Networking basics
Informational interviews

4) I stick with the same methods even though they don't work.
You know Einstein’s adage, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results”? Well, do I ever need to learn that lesson in my fitness regiment! I’ve been diligently doing the same exercises every night for years and they don’t help enough. Are you repeatedly doing the same, ineffective things in your job search and getting nowhere?

What should we do?
If what you’re doing is not working, it’s time to try something new. It’s also time to review what you’re doing now. Read over your resume with a discerning eye. If you haven’t looked at it in a while, you might be horrified to discover typos and outdated information, or even worse, no compelling reason whatsoever for why you are the best candidate for a particular job. If your resume is not right, fix it now to reflect your best attributes.

Ways to review and new techniques to try:
Use power words and quantifiable results
Cover letter tips
Proof your job materials
Proving you are the best candidate

5) Perhaps my greatest obstacle to losing weight is I convince myself I can’t do it.
I’ve tried so long and hard to be thinner, I’ve started to believe it’s impossible to achieve. Maybe you feel the same way in your job search. Facing disappointment day after day can crush your spirit and sap your energy.

What should we do?
There are no step-by-step answers I can give you to help you overcome the turmoil and self doubt you may feel living through an extended unemployment period. But I can remind you of the ancient Chinese proverb: “A journey of thousands miles begins with a single step.”

You can take a step forward … and then you can keep on walking toward your goal. Progress will give you confidence … and confidence will help you land a job or get a better one! -- Kathy

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2 comments :

  1. well the two things definitely need different approaches.

    ReplyDelete
  2. well the two things definitely need different approaches.

    ReplyDelete

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