The following post is courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap:
What do you think it is that causes job seekers to miss so much during their job search? Is it the frustration that comes with being unemployed, sometimes for as much as 2 years? Are they lazy? Are they not concentrating on the importance of focusing on their search? Are they as inundated as recruiters and hiring managers and feel as overwhelmed as some do?
Many are challenged by, and have a genuine concern for those who don’t have a job. The challenges are; dealing with job seekers that don’t read the job descriptions completely before applying, finding that an applicant is not as qualified as they think they are, not taking the time to prepare an appropriate resume for the position, that they have left things out of their resume, failed to provide a cover letter (if requested) or short bio to assist in the process or even lie during the process in hopes of getting an interview!
Some are challenged by, and understand to a degree, the negative attitude of some applicants as recruiters speak to them, knowing that they are, in some cases, very desperate! “Look, I only want to pay my bills” is what’s heard so often. Hearing this has the tendency to bring everyone down a little. When you’ve been searching for such a long time, encouragement doesn’t always feed the family. Try to be as encouraging as possible.
What, then, can a job seeker do to give themselves the very best chance to proceed through the job search process in a manner that provides great possibilities for job offers? Here are several things that you can do, in many different areas, to improve your chances.
Network everyday:
Getting involved with others that hold some of the same life similarities, accomplishments, beliefs, friends or other relationships is the most lucrative way to improve your chances of finding a job opportunity. Networking with as many connections is always best, but sometimes cumbersome if you don’t have you organizational hat on at all times.
Gain membership in as many of the quality social and professional networks that you can manage. Get to know people from all walks of life, and communicate with them as often as possible. Help people when asked and share your support, as much as you realistically have time for. Think of others first!
Check your attitude:
Are you really in such dire straights that you portray such a negative attitude that no one wants to be around you? Are you pushing this attitude on other networkers in discussion forums when you answer questions? Are you bad-mouthing anyone who gets in your way, or who don’t find you qualified for a position or make you an offer after you think you had a great interview.
People can sense a negative attitude from a mile away and it will interfere with your forward movement in the job search process.
Become an expert:
It will usually take you a little while to find the best fit in a position for you. Take that time to become an expert by answering questions on discussion forums. Start polls that can generate useful information for all who might read the same discussion topics you do.
Write articles and post them where they can be read by as many people as possible. Make the time you spend during the job search productive. It will help you to possibly meet your next employer, or at least someone who can help to get you connected with them.
Take your eyes off of yourself and put them on others:
This subject is in constant discussion across the Internet. Ask yourself these questions. Are you helping someone else? Are you providing feedback or assisting someone who isn’t as good as you are at writing a resume, or cover letter?
How can you help someone else? There are many ways to reach out to others who may be just as desperate as you, but do you take a leap of faith to help without regard to any immediate benefit?
Check back with those who you are connected with:
Communication is always a battle with so much happening in our lives. We often let other things get in the way of the all too important issue of communication. We let it slide, and then come up with some excuse that will hopefully pacify those who need to hear from us.
Make a point each day to ensure that you communicate with everyone that you need to. Take a little time every hour to make a phone call, or send an email or text. People like to know that you are still alive and kicking.
Author: Steven Coyne is a Freelance Writer and Blogger and the owner of The Job Hunter Group
Article courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap, a content exchange service sponsored by CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading site for college students looking for internships and recent graduates searching for entry level jobs and other career opportunities.
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As always this is a great post. I have been on both sides of the equation the hiring side and the job seeker side and have found both sides equally challenging.
Posted by: Teresa boardman | September 23, 2010 at 10:54 AM