Believe it: three obstacles will hold you back from your ideal job -- your résumé, you, and your job-search methods. There's no hidden formula; there's no bribery needed; there's no one standing in front of employment - other than YOU!
You've probably heard all the excuses, or used them yourself. The job market is bad; technical jobs are going overseas; those thousands of manufacturing employees had to go somewhere ? of course, these excuses are only the tip of the iceberg.
Look at the job market as challenging. Who doesn't love a good challenge? The current state of the market means that you must job search smarter. Do you have something against learning? We are always overcoming obstacles in our personal and professional lives, so why should today be any different.
You're also probably thinking, "Well there are no jobs, so why bother." Rubbish! The service industry (specifically small business) is driving the employment industry with record job increases for the last several months. Maybe you meant to think, "There are no jobs in my field." Honestly, rethink that excuse as well. There are jobs; you haven't found them but your competitors probably have. Jobs aren't spewing out of cracker-jack boxes or being announced by executives holding signs on a street corner. The jobs that are worth having require effort.
What's wrong with my résumé?
There may be nothing wrong with your résumé, but how do you know? Who's been your résumé expert: you, family members, or friends? Everyone has a specific expertise so don't be afraid to solicit the help of a professional. The career industry is now represented by career coaches, interview trainers, and résumé writers. Just as you're an expert in your field, you should recognize that there is someone to assist with whatever career obstacle you face - whether it's your résumé, cover letter, or some other dated job-search technique you're utilizing.
What's wrong with my job-search techniques?
There may be nothing wrong with your job-search techniques, but how do you know? Are you experiencing a bit of déjavu? If your résumé and job-search techniques are tanking, you need to regroup and try new strategies. Job searching is not a science, hence the reason there are countless books and articles written on the topic. The strategies used by one software engineer may not work, or may work faster, for another. You should understand that there are variables to each job seeker, such as target location, length of experience, lack of or too much education, and so on. You must devise job-search techniques that work for you.
What's wrong with my cover letter?
There are so many unprofessional, unfocused, and canned cover letters floating around the job-seeking population that it's no surprise that they're barely read. Who wants to spend valuable time reading a cover letter that sounds like it was written for the company next door? How many times have you inserted the person's name within your content somewhere or written company-specific sentences that focused on the problems the company was facing that you intend to resolve, a new contract that was landed, or maybe a recent merger? Write your cover letters using a conversational language that sounds like it has been written for one recipient.
What about my interviewing skills?
Have you ever heard, "if I can only get to the interview?" Really! Think of your job search as a chain of events. The cover letter represents the résumé. The résumé represents you. The interview is a follow up to the résumé doing its job. To obtain an interview, the résumé and cover letter must first serve the purpose each was designed to do. Good or bad, a résumé will eventually draw attention, but what if you are caught with mediocre interviewing skills that throw your résumé and cover letter efforts out the window? The entire process is a chain that cannot be broken. Any break can cause less than favorable results.
I challenge you to sit down right now and make a list of 10 interviewing questions. To make things interesting, devise thorough and results-focused answers to each of these questions within the next 20-30 minutes. Can't do it? If you can't on your own time, then you're not going to be able when under pressure and under examination.
Excuses are a dime a dozen - and if you look for them during failure, you're going to continuously be put in a position to fail. They're equivalent to that little voice that puts doubt and "what ifs" in your head. They're not productive, they're not valuable, and they're certainly not positive. The next time you're asked, "What's holding you back?" You can answer, "ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!" Go get 'em!
About The Author
Written by Teena Rose of Résumé to Referral http://www.resumebycprw.com Teena Rose is a certified and published resume writer with Resume to Referral and author to "Résumé Designs & Job-search Strategies for College Grads" (published by CareerEpublications.com).
![]() |
|
![]() |
|
![]() |
|
![]() |
Buying a suit can be an important investment when you... Read More
As a job search tool your Resume is your main... Read More
Once you have accomplished your task of getting in the... Read More
The New Year is a great time to analyze your... Read More
It has been over twenty five years since I started... Read More
Today everyone knows at least one person who has lost... Read More
Despite what many people may say, a job search does... Read More
Hunting for a position in a new career field? Trying... Read More
You've taken the police officer selection test or law enforcement... Read More
Having spent the last few years of my career in... Read More
Good question, considering that nowadays you can find many useful... Read More
A resume may not be who you are, but to... Read More
As children we often used to read stories where magical... Read More
It's hard to imagine why anyone would pick up a... Read More
If published statistics are accurate, employment agencies and search firms... Read More
Building a career as an artist takes hard work. Because... Read More
Have you given up on yourself? Have you decided to... Read More
Job loss affects most of us like any other loss... Read More
Have you learnt a new skill or improved upon your... Read More
Asking for money is so taboo in our culture that... Read More
At this moment in time, the increase in cross border... Read More
This is a question that you can almost count on... Read More
Over the years, I have identified two kinds of midlife... Read More
This question comes up often when I'm working with someone... Read More
Do you find yourself easily becoming bored or tired at... Read More
Mental preparation is probably your most important task as you... Read More
According to the National Gardening Association, suckers are rapidly growing... Read More
Happy New Year! The forecasts are in agreement: Hiring is... Read More
You finally did it. You made the decision to leave... Read More
In light of recent unemployment figures, and a continual downturn... Read More
A powerful resume starts with a good statement of objective.... Read More
Since the world started hair has been a very important... Read More
Do you want to know how to jump-start your professional... Read More
Building your resume, based on a resume outline will give... Read More
In today's competitive job market, a first class resume is... Read More
buWhy are so many people unhappy in their work situation?... Read More
Powerful questions to get below the surface1. Ask for specific... Read More
"WOW! I can work from home and make money? I... Read More
No matter how much time and energy you invest in... Read More
You are about to compete for the best people again.... Read More
The expense was substantial. An immersion workshop with twelve participants... Read More
One of the most common forms of background check performed... Read More
Well what is a good mechanic worth these days? You... Read More
There are definitely things that you can do to avoid... Read More
The pre-hiring process can be a challenge. Much time and... Read More
Applying for work is stressful, no matter the circumstances. Even... Read More
Do you want to know how to jump-start your professional... Read More
This article relates to the Career Opportunities competency and explores... Read More
1. Do you REALLY know what you want?2. Do you... Read More
I like Simon, one of three judges on American Idol.... Read More
Set the stage for fantastic job fair follow-up while you... Read More
It can happen to anyone. there's a change in the... Read More
Moving to another state meant finding a new dentist. I... Read More
Are you lost in the wilderness when it comes to... Read More
Why Career Advice Is So ImportantChoosing a career presents a... Read More
Interning is about more than earning money during summer break.... Read More
Many people never consider entering the cleaning business because of... Read More
Searching for a job has become easier than ever for... Read More
Are you unemployed or been laid off? You are not... Read More
Cover letters are an essential ingredient to your complete résumé... Read More
So you are interested in seeking a job with an... Read More
She stretches in the break room for 30 minutes before... Read More
A "blog" is simply an internet (web) log. Blogs are... Read More
In the 80s while I was an account executive for... Read More
If your career has gone off the road, take control... Read More
Don't just sit there and bob your head, waiting to... Read More
Careers, Jobs & Employment |