If Your Job Search is Failing, Ask These Three Questions

Nancy Anderson
Posted by in Career Advice


The job search can be tough: hundreds of applicants for every job opening, endless online applications, and a merry-go-round of interviews and rejections can discourage even the most confident job seeker. If you find yourself constantly applying to positions with little to no progress, reevaluate your job search strategy by asking yourself these three critical questions.

1. Are You Applying for a Job You Actually Want?

Each job you apply for should be a job you actually want to get at a company you actually want to work for. Competition in today's job market is fierce, so going up against impassioned candidates when you're just lukewarm is a waste of your time. If you're not enthusiastic about the job, that comes across in your interviews and mannerisms. Review each job posting carefully, and research the company thoroughly to gauge how well its values align with yours. Only apply to jobs that match your experience and qualifications.

2. What Are Your Shortcomings?

If the job search just isn't coming together for you, you may have some glaring weaknesses you're overlooking. To determine what these weaknesses may be, you need honest feedback. Ask your closest contacts to critique your candidate profile: Is your resume bland? Do you need to brush up on your technical skills? Is your experience in your desired industry lacking? Whatever it is that is holding you back, you need to know so that you can work on improving it. A great way to gather honest feedback is to ask an interviewer what reservations he might have about hiring you. His answer can give you an idea of what you need to work on before you are blindsided by a rejection letter.

3. How Hard Are You Really Trying?

Are you limiting your job search to online postings? Are you consistently reaching out to your network for leads and referrals? If you're not utilizing all the tools in your arsenal, you're selling yourself short. While the Internet can be a great resource in this tough job market, online job postings should not be your only method of applying. Reach out to everyone you know — former co-workers, supervisors, friends, family, etc. — and put the word out that you're in the market for new opportunities. When you're unemployed, think of the job search as your full-time job: From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., put your full effort into sending resumes, making phone calls and following up with contacts.

Asking yourself these questions might be tough, but doing so is essential to succeed in your job search. Take the time to determine where your weak spots are, and then design a plan of action to overcome them. With greater focus and determination, you can strengthen your job search skills and land that dream job even faster.


Photo courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

 

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  • Henry S.
    Henry S.

    Very interesting article!

  • Nancy Anderson
    Nancy Anderson

    @Sharon A thanks for your comment. If I knew the answer, I would be rich! I would be interested to see what the EEOC results are. I guess companies figure that once you are over 50 or even 60 that your worklife is over and you should be "retired". They just don't take into account that many of us will not be able to live on our social security and will still need to supplement. Maybe you are going to have to go in a different direction? Try freelance writing from home. Or look for a part-time retail position. Check in with any temp agencies in your area. They always need temps to fill in as receptionists and Admin Asst and the like. The jobs are there - just a matter of finding the right one for you. Best of luck.

  • Sharon A.
    Sharon A.

    I was let go from a non-profit company after working there 10 years. The last 7, I had the same job. Supported 50+ people, 3 group homes, audits, reporting. All they did was re-do my job description and hired someone younger. (I am 65). I did file at EEOC claim, but have not received an outcome. There is definitely age discrimination and I know employers are not to ask your age, but ask what year you graduated from high school. I get hung up on, turned down for jobs, Don't understand it as I bring years of working with top management and it doesn't seem to matter. I am collecting social security, but it won't pay my bills. What do you do?

  • Dana A.
    Dana A.

    Great Info Again....Thanks!

  • Donna L.
    Donna L.

    Sounds honest to me, about looking for a job is a full-time job.

  • Nancy Anderson
    Nancy Anderson

    @Kimberly thanks for your comment. Sure do hear your frustration. Networking can be a great tool to use when looking for a new position. You want to network with positive upbeat folks. Not sure how the former coworkers could say anything bad about you unless you used them as a reference. When a prospective company calls your former employer, all they can ask is if you worked there. All your former company can respond with is yes and maybe the dates of your employment. If they say anything else, you could have a lawsuit because it's against the law. You only want to use references that you know will build you up. If you had issues with your supervisor - don't use him as a reference. Not sure what professional organization you are speaking of but if there is that much backstabbing, I would be moving on - far away from that organization. If you have identified a company that you would like to work for, check them out and see if you might have some connection to them - even through a former positive coworker. You might be amazed at how many people can assist you in finding a new position; people that won't put you down. We wish you all the best.

  • KIMBERLY S.
    KIMBERLY S.

    YES, I DO HAVE A COMMENT ON THE TOPIC OF NETWORKING: THERE CAN BE ISSUES WITH THAT. 1) WHEN THE WRONG PEOPLE EX: FORMER CO-WORKERS KNOW YOUR OUT THERE LOOKING FOR A JOB. THEY CAN SAY NEGATIVE REMARKS ABOUT YOU TO YOUR POTENTION NEW EMPLOYERS. ESPECIALLY WHEN THERE ARE PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS INVOLVED. 2) JUST BECAUSE YOU KNOW PEOPLE LIKE SOME FRIENDS, FAMILIY, NEIBORS, ECT. THEY KNOW YOU UNEMPLOYED, AND LOOKING BUT THEY DON't HELP YOU LAND A JOB AND GET YOU IN SOMEWHERE. THEY JUST ASK YOU IF ANY JOB CAME UP FOR YOU. SO WHAT'S THE POINT??

  • Keith Enste
    Keith Enste

    I don't think that most interviewers are going to be very honest with this issue; they are extremely concerned and worried about possible litigation and other legal actions.

  • Everton Saunders
    Everton Saunders

    but company hiring practice as gone through social media sponsored by schools there hardly anymore director ad by companies

  • Patricia J.
    Patricia J.

    Nancy, have considered volunteer and will check into paid non-profits as we could use the extra cash liquidity. Thank You

  • Nancy Anderson
    Nancy Anderson

    Thanks everyone for your comments. @Sarah so sorry about your experience @Walmart. Personally I never shop there - not in person and not online. Sorry it happened but glad that you are out of there. Hopefully you got your profit sharing when they let you go. @Kahleel if you are disabled, you should try for social security. I know that it can be frustrating trying to find employment as it hasn't been that long since I was in your shoes. But you have to keep trying - keep moving forward. Try a different tactic to your approach. @Alice since you have to count on public transportation, find companies that are located on a busline that you could work for and check out their websites. Many times companies will only "advertise" job openings on their websites and not on job boards. Yes things have changed in the job seeker world but companies really are hiring so keep on searching and keep on applying. Try temp agencies also as that's a great way to get your foot in the door. We aren't out of touch with what is happening in the world @Janice. However we receive thank you notes all of the time from job seekers who find jobs through our sites. So companies are hiring in spite of what the real unemployment figure might be. Best of luck to all of you.

  • Sarah S.
    Sarah S.

    Trust me Robert, you don't want to get in with wal-mart. I was with them 14 yrs, took part in the profit sharing and everything. Then, they work it out with a few chosen customers to go thru your line, start a scene, then go to customer service, report it to get you written up. You are only allowed 3 in a year. To me, it seemed like they got these people to go thru my line just to start things, they would go report it at customer service, I would get called in & coached. We are only allowed 3 in a year's time. I had been there 14. I had regulars that loved me. They'd hunt for me to check them out. Though, I kept getting yearly raises, and they didn't like that. So, I had to go, and they found ways to get me out.

  • Kahleel Williams
    Kahleel Williams

    Here is another question that should be asked: What if you're no longer considered eligible for any kind of employment whatsoever?

  • JANICE REMITA
    JANICE REMITA

    It is failing because there is a 30% unemployment rate and negative GDP growth that the media ignores. And American workers have been replaced with third world workers. Your articles just show how out of touch with reality you are.

  • Diane C.
    Diane C.

    The NWO has destroyed our nation, eh? I am 59 and have all of the requirements needed to be an exceptional employee - even if it is not in my field of experience. One of the problems here in Florida is that Civil Rights Violations run rampant and older people know how to spot them in an instant. What employers are seeking nowadays is the $12,000 deduction for hiring a Latino last name.

  • Kevin K.
    Kevin K.

    "If Your Job Search is Failing, Ask These Three Questions" - another question should be, "are you a white male?". In my industry there is such a massive push for diversity that white men are consistently being overlooked for the sake of diversity.

  • ALICE M.
    ALICE M.

    There are times though when the company does not provide a complete description for the position I am interested in. They may not give the hours or the location of the job until you actually talk to them. I ride public transit and because of this I have to narrow my search to specific areas around where I live. There are some areas that have very limited or no public transportation going there.

  • Marie D.
    Marie D.

    Those questions were right, it's like you read my mind unfortunately I have tried all three without knowing I was doing the thing. I had a few iinterviews last year and in the beginning of this year and I'm still not working. I'm so discouraged

  • D C T.
    D C T.

    The job market is terrible and HR taking their sweet time in even letting candidates know if they're being considered or not is making the problem worse. I'm educated with experience in my field and I'm still having issues even getting interviews.

  • Kelly Borkowicz
    Kelly Borkowicz

    I love this article and recommendations, however finding the career search very challenging. I have been actively searching for over 4 months and finding this process incredibly difficult. I have networked extensively as well as applied for several opportunities; rarely getting any traction for that effort.

  • Dolores Golembowski
    Dolores Golembowski

    I resent junk calls, not job possibilities.

  • Mark Volz
    Mark Volz

    Nancy, overall nice article. But don't you think there are a few opportunities to "not blame the victim?" ... and yes, job loss makes us all victims no matter how you look at it. I'm not saying ignore your advice. It's good advice and it reflects the distasteful and ridiculous psychological notions of the way things are in a job seeker's life (any age).

  • Vikki M.
    Vikki M.

    62, can't find a job anywhere. I do understand technology as I worked in IT for 5 years. None of that seems to matter, I'm older therefore not attractive to employers.

  • Nancy Anderson
    Nancy Anderson

    @Patricia have you considered volunteering? Or do you need an income? Volunteering would definitely keep you busy a few days a week or even more. Something to consider. Check out some of the non-profits in your area for both paid and unpaid positions. Check with the local school about volunteering to work in the classroom or in the office, etc. What about your church? I bet they would love to have help with the myriad of things that need done in the church. Just some thoughts. As for the sales position - maybe you need to try a retailer that caters to an older crowd - such as Ann Taylor. Best of luck.

  • Patricia J.
    Patricia J.

    I too am a very experienced marketing professional over 55 and I can't even get a part time sales associate gig....too much experience and no one understands I merely want to stay active a few days a week to balance my life

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