Job seeking, in some ways, is a game of luck. While the key to landing a job is persistence and dedication, obsessing about it isn’t the way to go. Today, I have listed 7 things that will help you stay positive during a long job search.
1. Know You’re Not Alone
Unfortunately, struggling with unemployment is a common occurrence, but it does help to know you’re not alone. Try to connect with someone who has been in a similar situation as you before
2. Find Alternative Ways to Bring in Income
With the availability of free advertising on the internet, you can market any skills or services you think you can make some alternative income off, and any opportunity bringing in money during unemployment is one worth pursuing.
3. Get networking ahead of time
The internet makes it simple to find out about the company, their hiring practices, and their commitment to veteran on-boarding and recruitment in advance. Look on LinkedIn or the company website to see what programs or initiatives the company has to recruit former members. Look at their employee list and see if any veterans currently work there. If you find any, introduce yourself via email in advance of sending your resume, you could be surprised by their willingness to help find you the right position in their company.
4. Make sure hiring Managers can find you online
Be sure to accurately promote and portray your goals online. Many recruiters and hiring managers will search for you online after getting your resume – sometimes even before they meet you! If they can’t find anything about you on sites like LinkedIn they might overlook moving forward.
5. Focus on consistency not perfection , Online.
Once you have built some profiles and are now findable by employers, ensure your online image is consistent across channels and consistent with who you are as a person. Your goal is to highlight your positives, downplay your weaknesses, and let others learn who you are before they decide to meet you and interview you.
6. Get Very Clear On what the Hiring manager needs from you
What are they looking for – an order taker to sit at a desk all day? Someone, to inspire and motivate teams? Once you figure out the logistics of what they need, focus on what they need to feel about you. Do they need to feel they like you or respect you? Every individual has real needs – functional and emotional. A good interview is one where you meet both sets of needs.
7. Think about how you want others to perceive you
Do you want to be seen as someone who is collaborative, helpful, and focused on making the organization bigger and better? Or, do you want them to see you as a leader who can make tough decisions and stay resilient in the face of challenges and obstacles Being clear about how you want to be perceived will drive the way you network, show up, and follow up to interviews.
Good Luck!
