There’s a right way and a wrong way to do just about everything, and that includes your job search. Certain actions WILL be more effective than others, and you don’t want to waste time on things that don’t work. If you do, you’ll find that your job search sucks. If you’re not getting interviews or offers, maybe one of these is the cause
Your resume has no numbers that quantify your accomplishments.
To get attention from employers, you need to give them hard evidence for why they need you. Numbers don’t lie, and they speak the hiring manager’s language. So, translate your accomplishments into numbers, dollars, or percentages: where did you save money, make money, save time, improve efficiency, grow the business, make new sales, increase productivity, improve accuracy, etc.? Put those critical numbers on your resume.
You’re getting no action from your LinkedIn profile.
If you’re not getting any kind of attention through LinkedIn (messages, emails or calls from recruiters), you need to take a long hard look at your profile. Do you have a good selling headline and picture? Do your headline and summary include keywords important for your industry? Have you made an effort to make new connections, join groups, and participate in conversations? If not, you’re not using your LinkedIn profile effectively. Step up your LinkedIn game, and you’ll see better results.
You’re not using Twitter and Facebook as part of your search.
If you’re in a job search, you need to pull out all the stops and use every available avenue to get to a new job. That includes Twitter and Facebook. Chances are, you’re already on Facebook, at least. Clean up any questionable pictures or posts, and let the world know you’re looking for a job. You never know who knows someone who’s hiring.
You’re spending 8 hours a day on your computer.
Even the most dedicated and effective job seeker doesn’t need to spend 8 hours a day at it. The old advice of “treat your job search like a job,” makes sense, but not if it means you’re not getting out there to meet people or taking care of yourself. Spend maybe 5 hours on your computer. Then, find places to network in-person. Volunteering can be great, especially if it’s somewhere that benefits your job skills. Get some sunlight and exercise. Take care of yourself so you stay upbeat, energetic, and project a positive attitude.
You’re feeling discouraged.
I know how much of a beating your ego can take in a job search, and I know you’re probably feeling real financial pressures. But the truth is you’ve got to keep your eye on the prize and stay positive. Not only will you feel better, but a happy, confident person is more attractive to potential employers, and you can damage your chances if you start projecting desperation or discouragement. (Not to add any more pressure, of course.) How can you stay motivated? Do something fun every day. Read something great (motivational books work, but so do industry-related ones). Even more importantly, evaluate what’s working for you and what’s not. If it isn’t working, change it. Keep moving forward.
You haven’t contacted a single hiring manager.
Stop applying for jobs online and contact hiring managers (potential bosses) in your field. That’s how you find “hidden jobs” and that’s how you get interviews. Start identifying and contacting hiring managers at companies you’d like to work for. The more the merrier!
You’re getting interviews but no offers.
If you’ve made it to the interview, they’re interested. You have to figure out what’s going wrong between “It’s good to meet you” and “We’ll call you when we’ve made a decision”? First, check out this video so you can avoid making a critical interview mistake. Brush up your job interview skills. Read articles (the ones from Career Confidential are great).Role-play some interview questions with a friend, or hire an interview coach to help you.
I coach people having job search trouble all the time. Whatever’s going on to make your job search suck, there is a solution. Best of luck!