Articles About Job Seeking

Our culture has perpetuated a number of job search myths, which may be true in isolated cases, but generally don't apply to the majority of job market candidates and employers. Unfortunately, these "old professionals' tales" are insidious untruths which can easily become self-fulfilling prophecies, if you let them.

Have you and a friend, colleague or spouse sometimes viewed the same situation from very different perspectives? Have you ever left an interview sure you'd receive a job offer only to never hear from the interviewer again? Neither of these instances should be too surprising. Any time people get together, there is tremendous potential for misinterpretation and miscommunication because each of us has different experiences and attitudes that affect our understanding of reality. Unfortunately, this can be particularly true in a job search situation.

What are the classic blunders even savvy professionals often make when looking for a new position, what are their consequences, and how can you avoid falling into their collective trap?

When job seekers talk about references, they generally have lots of opinions, but few convictions. Everyone agrees that references play a role in landing a position, but hardly anyone knows exactly what it is. If you are among the majority of professionals who just aren't sure what to do or not do about references, read on.

"I'm looking for a new job and want to make the most effective use of executive recruiters. Should I call them, send my resume to selected ones and follow up, buy a disk with their addresses and do a major direct mail campaign or what? I don't see how they can help me, if they don't know I exist."

"A recent layoff put me in a job search mode again. The last time I looked for a new position, it was really hard to maintain my motivation. Do you have any tips on what I can do to stay positive and productive?"

Information interviews are critical to finding the right job. They are mutually beneficial. The job seeker gets the background he needs and the employer feels good about her role in helping someone make a critical life decision.

"It seems when you're out there at first looking for a job, you have energy and confidence. Then depression seeps in as the time lengthens. How can you get through the rough times without them getting to you? Also, how do you keep your ego out of the job hunt when rejections pile up?"

"I have recently been recruited for a mid-managerial position with a large property management firm in the Southwest. Given that I'm an outsider, I'm concerned about how to build good rapport with the supervisors reporting to me, some of whom undoubtedly think they should have been offered my job. How do I go about winning their respect and allegiance? "

Even the best credentials can be overlooked if employers don't know how you would fit in.

"I'm searching for a more rewarding position. I've tried many tactics, including sending three different resumes and a sales letter. The resumes haven't been very productive, but the sales letter has produced several interviews and many calls. How should I proceed?"

Working in a position you're completely overqualified for can erode your self-esteem and complicate your job search.

Managing Your Time During a Job Search:
Organize your workspace, set deadlines and make lists

The infamous "pink slip" arrived on your desk two weeks ago. On Friday, your last day, you picked up your mug and eight years worth of momentos. Now it's Monday, and you've got nowhere to go and nothing to do. You know there is a position somewhere; the question is how to find it.

"After 15 years as a geologist with a major oil company, I've been terminated. Two months after my final day on the job, I still can't believe I'm unemployed. This kind of thing happens to other people, not me. Why an I stuck in this paralyzed state? How can I push myself to get on with the job search I am guiltily avoiding?"

If you view potential employers as people who "hire the village idiot," they may sense your negativity even though you don't think it shows. Negativity is easily spotted by perceptive recruiters.