Dear Joanna
I’m beyond frustrated with my job search. After hundreds of online job applications, I haven’t received any job interview invites let alone job offers! My Reena job coach insists that I keep on trying. She provides me with feedback and coaches me on ways to improve my job search techniques. My confidence and self-esteem are declining. How do I stay motivated and not give up with my job search?
Signed: Don’t Give Up (DGU)
Dear DGU,
Don’t give up! Here’s a list of typical mistakes made in one’s job search and some new ideas on how to approach your job search based on my experiences and observations as well as from Fletcher’s article at http://www.blueskyresumes.com/downloads/why-your-job-search-isnt-working.pdf. Consider making some changes in your techniques and strategies that could lead you to better results and closer to getting the job offer:
Mistake #1: Only applying for jobs online. Some surveys show that up to 80% of vacant jobs are filled without ever being advertised and are found through connections by “networking” – meeting people who could help introduce you to professionals. Start building your professional network. Look for opportunities to meet people in your industry. Consider volunteering there. Tell everyone you know that you are looking for work and what you are looking for. Use social media (more on this topic in #3), professional associations, trade shows, conferences, career/job fairs, and employer events to learn from and mingle with successful professionals. Check out your local government funded employment centre to see if the staff there can help you. Find out if you can access their job boards.
Mistake #2: Not customizing your resume to the job posting. Writing a ‘cookie cutter’ resume might not get the attention of the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) or the interviewer! Has it been tailored to suit the types of positions you’re targeting? It’s important that your resume (and cover letter too if required) make you look your very best! A bad resume is possibly the most common job seeker mistake of them all. And if the recruiter doesn’t look at your resume and feel excited to meet you, why would he or she make the effort to call?
Mistake #3: Not using Social media, especially missing out on LinkedIn. I’ve heard lots of stories of people getting job opportunities through Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter to name a few. If you’re not on LinkedIn, not only are you not doing “everything possible,” you’re not even doing the bare minimum. LinkedIn is the #1 business-networking site in the world and it’s a primary source of candidates for recruiters. And the benefits of LinkedIn go far beyond having your profile discovered by a recruiter. You can track down old colleagues and reconnect, giving you access to lots more potential job opportunities. You can join groups to meet people in your industry.
Mistake #4: Not Volunteering. Participating in the community is a fantastic way to show that you give back and are helping others. It’s also an invaluable strategy to build your professional network to gain relevant professional experience and a reference. Often our job seekers have gaps in their resumes and volunteering experiences helps bridge this. Employers value candidates who make a difference in the community; it helps you answer the question “what are you doing right now?” It also covers the gap in your work history and keeps you busy while you are looking for paid employment.
Mistake #6: Not researching properly. When looking for suitable job opportunities as well as companies who would hire you, consider checking out Canada’s best diversity employers. Explore companies that market their services to the persons with disabilities too. Many industries, including the financial, transportation and telecom sectors, are looking to recruit talent with disabilities as a key part of their business strategy.
Mistake #7: Giving up. Don’t give up ever. Don’t look for work alone. Stay positive. Continue to connect and work with your job coach and employment program at Reena or in the community. Stay Positive. You have plenty of skills, experience and accomplishments your work history. You should feel proud. And you need to understand that the labour market is complex. Keep building your professional network using social media, attending events in your field and be busy as possible.
Joanna
To submit your challenges, concerns, questions and comments regarding this column and/or your job search IN CONFIDENCE, please eemail Joanna Samuels, Employment Resource Supervisor, Reena – jsamuels@reena.org