Job Search Advice...it doesn't take an expert

I was watching CNN's special coverage of the most asked for topics yesterday...job search advice.  People wrote in with some of the dumbest questions.

One man complained that he had been out of work since August.  His resume was stellar and he had been on several interviews.  I don't even remember his question because this is where I stopped listening.  Out of work since August and only several interviews is not good if this is supposed to be his full time job.  He obviously isn't putting in enough effort.  He should have had many more interviews in that time frame.  And, what makes him think his resume is good?  It can't be if he has only had several interviews.

• Lesson learned:  Apply to as many jobs as possible and spend 20 hours outside of your house networking.  Measure your success monthly...adjust accordingly.

Another write-in job seeker asked what to do because they had a contract job and had also gotten a permanent job offer with the parent company through another source.  Duh, take the permanent job.  Why do people think they owe anything to employers?  You are being paid to do a solid day's work.  If they had to lay you off, would they think twice?  NO.

• Lesson learned:  Keep your options open, always be applying and looking for your next job (even when employed).  Be polite, and redefine loyalty.

 

For additional advice on how to endure/survive a period of unemployment, read this summary of No Job, No Prob by Nicholas Nigro.  I was given a subscription to The Week by Pop and it is a great way to keep up on events. 

Comments

[Hannah Morgan]

Thanks for the post and info at http://info.shine.com/Career-Advice-Specific/Job-Search-Techniques/970.aspx. The articles on this website are very straight forward and good! You are so right... We do need help from experts a lot in life because sometimes we are unable to see our situation objectively or don't have common sense enough to figure out the issues or just haven't had enough experience to give us wisdom. Great reminder!

[Your career advice guide]

Yes, it does not take an expert to understand and find solutions to these issues. However, the times are tough and the markets even tougher. Taking advice from markets experts won't hurt. Moreover, they may be able to come up with solutions that the candidate may not even have thought about. I found some really interesting articles about job search at:

http://info.shine.com/Career-Advice-Specific/Job-Search-Techniques/970.aspx

You may find it useful too

[Danielle]

It doesn't take an expert I agree - but it does take hard work! When I tell people I interview that when I am prospecting for potential new business clients I send out hundreds of educational and relevant letters, make phones calls, follow up emails etc... to receive a handful of responses they look shocked. Then I go one step further and explain in terms they can understand that I send out 200 letters get 10 potential connections and 2 true business opportunities and then say... now how many jobs are you applying with weekly, what networking, company research and follow up steps are you making? Bottom line, good things come from hard work and being persistant and CONSISTENT in your efforts. .... hmmm maybe this is my next blog topic!