Why Can’t I Find A Job?

1. Why am I unemployed?

Were you laid off through no fault of your own? Were you fired? Did you walk away from your job due to frustration? Did you walk away from your job due to an unacceptable increase to your responsibilities and work hours? Did your company close its doors and leave you without an income?

2. How much longer do I think I’ll be unemployed?

Am I sincerely looking for a job everyday? How much time do I really spend looking for a job? Do I need to spend more time looking for a job than I’m spending right now? Do I have a written plan for returning to the workforce by a planned date?

3. What job searching resources am I using to the fullest extent?

A. Networking: Am I using social and professional networking websites to gain exposure and to meet people that I can help and that can help me? Have I created a compelling and complete profile that will attract others that may be positive resources now or down the road? Am I going to discussion boards to answer questions in a professional manner, rather than complaining about my situation to the entire world (which could make me look irresponsible and not worth hiring)? Do I waste time on discussion boards that are not relevant to the job search, or that their only purpose is to slam someone else for their differing opinion? Am I using Polls, when available, to ask informed questions that will help me to look like a qualified candidate for positions I’m seeking? Do I ask for assistance when I need it?

B. Online Resources: Am I using job boards to search for positions that I’m qualified for? Am I only applying for positions that I am truly qualified for, so I don’t waste my time or the time of others? Do I post my resume on as many websites as possible, so as to give me the best exposure I can receive for the positions I’m looking for? Am I constantly on the look-out for new websites where I can search for jobs and post my resume? Do I think outside of the box by seeking additional resources that can teach me new job searching techniques and other job related information?

C. Local Resources: Am I asking family and friends for assistance in my job search? Do I reach out to community resources that will help me connect with others who may know about or have possible opportunities for me or someone I know that I can help? Do I use the local newspapers and other print resources to look for jobs? Am I listening to the morning news on TV or listening to the radio for job opportunities and postings or job fairs? Am I attending these job fairs and other local events that may provide immediate resources and future resources?

4. Am I acting in a professional manner throughout my job search in ALL areas of connection?

Do I present myself as professional? Am I constantly on the watch for unprofessional attitudes that I may be in, at the wrong time? Do I keep a positive attitude? Do I set the example of a positive outlook no matter what negative situations surround me? Am I sharing with others first, with no expectation of anything in return? Am I showing professionalism on the telephone, on job discussion boards, with email, in person and with all other types of communication?

5. When applying for a position, do I consider the following questions?

Am I qualified enough to apply? Do I fit the job description well? Am I really interested in this job? Will I have to relocate, and am I really willing to relocate? Will the job pay enough to support me and my family? Can I do the job well? Am I applying for a job just to make me feel like I’m accomplishing something today? What do I know about the company that I’m applying to? Have I researched the company?

6. Is my Resume ready?

Am I using the same resume for every job I apply for? Do I modify my resume for each position I apply for? Are there any typos? Have I been honest? Is my contact information correct? Do I list a summary of my experience with key words from the job description? Am I making important points with my word usage, or am I rambling? Are my dates correct? Am I prepared to answer any questions about my resume and my experience? Does my resume look like I’m the person the company wants to hire?

7. Is my Cover Letter ready?

Have I prepared a short and concise cover letter for each job I’ve applied to? Have I indicated just the important information in the cover letter? Do I provide the reasons that I’m qualified for the position, relating comparisons to the job description? Have I asked for an interview or a pre-screening over the phone? Did I thank the reader for their time?

8. Am I ready for the interview?

Have I researched all that I can to be as prepared as possible? Have I practiced answering all sorts of possible questions? Did I search for possible interview questions on blogs and networking sites? Have I asked other professionals, previous to the interview, how to answer the toughest questions? Do I sit still in the interview? Do I get nervous when I’m asked a hard question? Do I make eye contact with all involved in the interview? Are my clothes professional looking and clean and ready at a moments notice? Have I had a good haircut lately? Do I smell like anything that might be offensive? Have I taken care of all of the important hygiene issues? Do I ask important questions of the interviewer? Do I ask for the job?

Don’t be fooled by those who would say that you should not put yourself all over the Internet when searching for a job. Just use some common sense when considering where you post your resume and personal information. Can you trust the places you post your information?

Don’t be taken advantage by those who want to re-write your resume for a fee! Get as much information as you can about their services and the expectations you should see from the purchase of their services.

Do be positive and stay focused during your search. Don’t let rejection or other distractions get in your way. Your mission is to get the job. If you fall into a depressive state, it will be seen by everyone, so think positive thoughts.
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Article courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap, a content exchange service sponsored by CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading site for college students looking for internships and recent graduates searching for entry level jobs and other career opportunities.