One Of The Biggest Mistakes Most Job Seekers Make
by Markell R. Morris, Futures in Motion, Inc.
Photo Credit: Kraken Images - Upsplash
Do you want to know why most job seekers fail
to connect to the job of their dreams?
Hint: It’s not because no one wants to hire them or a lack of job openings.
I’ve worked with hundreds of career changers and job seekers and have found that the ones who connect with their job target in the least amount of time begin with a good foundation. They’ve defined in as much detail as possible their “ideal” job. They know, specifically, what they are looking for in their next job. They know how they want to use their skills, the kind of people they want to work with, their preferred industry and the desirable companies where their job can be found.
From that foundation, all of their efforts lead them in the right direction from crafting their resume, cover letter and online profile, their 30-second elevator pitch, to which networking events they attend, the relationships they build, and the jobs they apply for.
The bottom line is- they are FOCUSED!
I’ve worked with hundreds of career changers and job seekers and have found that the ones who connect with their job target in the least amount of time begin with a good foundation. They’ve defined in as much detail as possible their “ideal” job. They know, specifically, what they are looking for in their next job. They know how they want to use their skills, the kind of people they want to work with, their preferred industry and the desirable companies where their job can be found.
From that foundation, all of their efforts lead them in the right direction from crafting their resume, cover letter and online profile, their 30-second elevator pitch, to which networking events they attend, the relationships they build, and the jobs they apply for.
The bottom line is- they are FOCUSED!
The biggest mistake I see most job seekers make is lack of focus.
Too often, when I ask a job seeker what they’re looking for, I get an answer like this, “Oh, I’ve done a lot of things. I can do something in high tech, telecom, marketing, human resources, pretty much anything.”
Whenever I hear a response like that, I want to scream “STOP RIGHT THERE!”
This is especially true of people who have been off the job market for awhile or entering a new industry. By the time they get to me for career advice, they are nearly in a state of panic or desperation and are willing to take almost anything that comes their way. They want to “keep their options open.” While a degree of flexibility can be useful, managing a successful job search takes clarity and consistent, focused effort over time.
They’ve tried everything they know how to do. Unfortunately, no matter how much effort they expend, they will not likely have success. If they do happen to find a decent job, it’s totally by accident.
The best way to launch a successful job search is to start with a good foundation. Take the time to define your job target, select the best tactics, and craft a solid action plan. With that foundation, you will have more confidence about your options and will shorten the time it takes to connect with the job of your dreams.
Here are 4 actions you can take to get focused in your job search.
#1- Go beyond job titles and define what you're looking for in a job. Take inventory of your knowledge, skills, natural strengths and preferences. This insight will give you a reliable way to sort through all the options and pinpoint those that can be most viable.
#2- Explore your options. Based on your insight from Step #1, choose 10-15 jobs you want to know more about. Then use online and people resources to learn as much as you can about these options. My "go to" sites for career exploration are O*net Online, Occupational Outlook Handbook, and LinkedIn. Career exploration gives you a reality check and can give you exposure to other options and hidden opportunities.
#3- Leverage your communities. Word of mouth is the best way to find a job. Think of the communities you already belong to, for example your alumni association, local community groups, professional associations, faith community, and fraternity or sorority. Connect with people in those communities, especially if they're in your industry and desired role. Engage with them through online platforms and at events. Create opportunities to connect for informational interviews and coffee chats.
#4- Create a Job Search Action Plan. Once, you’ve decided on a career direction and know more about the methods for finding job openings, you need a plan to connect with them. Your Job Search Action Plan should include scheduled activities to stay on track and keep you accountable.
By working through these steps, you'll have an easier time finding opportunities that excite you and more confidence to decide your next step.
I teach job seekers how to launch a successful job search, so they can get the job they want in less time with less frustration.
#1- Go beyond job titles and define what you're looking for in a job. Take inventory of your knowledge, skills, natural strengths and preferences. This insight will give you a reliable way to sort through all the options and pinpoint those that can be most viable.
#2- Explore your options. Based on your insight from Step #1, choose 10-15 jobs you want to know more about. Then use online and people resources to learn as much as you can about these options. My "go to" sites for career exploration are O*net Online, Occupational Outlook Handbook, and LinkedIn. Career exploration gives you a reality check and can give you exposure to other options and hidden opportunities.
#3- Leverage your communities. Word of mouth is the best way to find a job. Think of the communities you already belong to, for example your alumni association, local community groups, professional associations, faith community, and fraternity or sorority. Connect with people in those communities, especially if they're in your industry and desired role. Engage with them through online platforms and at events. Create opportunities to connect for informational interviews and coffee chats.
#4- Create a Job Search Action Plan. Once, you’ve decided on a career direction and know more about the methods for finding job openings, you need a plan to connect with them. Your Job Search Action Plan should include scheduled activities to stay on track and keep you accountable.
By working through these steps, you'll have an easier time finding opportunities that excite you and more confidence to decide your next step.
I teach job seekers how to launch a successful job search, so they can get the job they want in less time with less frustration.
If you're ready to get better results and better job opportunities sign up to get more information about my job search groups.
Markell R. Morris is an international speaker, career counselor and job search coach based in Long Beach, CA. Her mission is to help frustrated career changers get excited about their life and career after loss and personal challenges. She has created career programs and resources that help her clients gain a sense of direction and hope, so they can go after their goals with confidence. Download her free ebook, Create a Career You Love, to get career advice to discover your meaningful career path.
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