Some people say it’s easier to find a job when you have a job. But I’m not sure that is true. Even when people are unhappy at work, change is difficult.
When people have been out of work a long time they can lose momentum. Not working becomes their norm. It can be hard to find work when you aren’t working because it’s hard to change the status quo.
So here are some considerations if you really want to find a job and get it.
#1 – You didn’t get the job because you didn’t want it
I know this seems harsh. But it’s not. Many times people are applying for jobs that they don’t really want. When you don’t really want the job – no matter how much you try to hide it – it shows. No one wants to hire someone who doesn’t really want to be there. Sometimes people don’t get opportunities because they have given up. Solution – don’t apply for any job that you don’t want. Next, get clear about what you do want. It’s okay to want a job because you need the money. But you must remember that people aren’t hiring because they specifically want to pay someone. People hire because they need someone to perform a function and make a contribution. And for those who have given up, make sure to reconnect with your motivation.
#2 – You didn’t get the job because you are overqualified or underqualified
Sometimes people apply for jobs for which they are clearly overqualified. Just because you can do a particular job doesn’t mean you should. No one wants to work with someone who believes that the job is beneath their skill set and capabilities. Naturally, the overqualified person is going to leave when they have an opportunity that is more suitable for them. Solution – don’t apply for these types of positions unless you have a very clear reason for wanting to perform that role. It has be a good reason and one that you can explain to the person interviewing you.
We should aim high. It’s okay to apply for a work opportunity that requires you to stretch. When you don’t get the job because you are underqualified it can merely be a function of the “just right” candidate got the position instead of you. Solution – go for it. But don’t apply only for jobs slightly outside of your scope. Employers are looking for someone specific. Make yourself available for an organization that is looking for someone just like you.
#3 – You didn’t get the job because you were not comfortable promoting yourself
When you are not comfortable talking about yourself in a way that allows others to get to know you, a job interview is something that you dread. You might be thinking “who is comfortable talking about themselves?” If so, it is likely that you struggle with anxiety. You worry about how people might judge you. This worry keeps you from getting comfortable. Solution – practice talking about yourself and promoting your strengths as well as exploring your challenges. Think about a job interview as a dialogue or an exchange, because that is what it is. An interview is not an interrogation.
#4 – You didn’t get the job because no one put a word in for you
This is an unfortunate truth. Job opportunities and the hiring process are aided by people trusting other people to recommend candidates and vouch for them. Your character matters. Whether or not people who know you will recommend you for positions is vital to your employ-ability. Solution – treat everyone you encounter with respect. You are always leaving an impression. Just like others are leaving an impression with you. You don’t have to be perfect. But being respectful is not about perfection. Being respectful demonstrates an ability to get along with others. Getting along with people is a necessary trait for anyone looking for work.
#5 – You didn’t get the job because you didn’t know about it
Sometimes people don’t learn about opportunities that would be right for them. Sometimes opportunities just don’t come to your attention in time. But this can also happen because you are not telling enough people that you are looking for work. It can also happen because you have one way that you look for jobs and you are not diversifying your strategy. Solution –
- look at job websites where you can post your resume and those hiring post positions;
- seek a headhunter;
- apply for temp work;
- go to the department of labor;
- seek career counseling;
- check job boards in your community;
- talk to your neighbors;
- talk with your former colleagues;
- talk to former classmates;
- look for “help wanted” signs;
- search the websites of companies you are interested in and keep doing all of these things.
Protect your Esteem
If you are unemployed or working in a job that makes you unhappy, your self concept and self esteem can suffer. When you don’t feel good about yourself, no one else can feel good about you. Even if others do feel good about you, it is hard to take it in and believe it. So you must protect and boost your esteem in a healthy manner.
It is important that you remind yourself of your capabilities. One way to do this is by making contributions to the people in your life and/or contributions to your community.
Not working does not mean that you are worthless. You have value and you need to experience that you are valuable. When you know that you have something to offer, it is easier to put yourself forward for opportunities.
When you know that you bring value to the position, the people hiring will be able to recognize your potential within their organization.
Copyright © 2017 Ruby Blow. All rights reserved.
Share your thoughts on Linkedin, Facebook, Twitter or log in to one of your accounts below to comment. Subscribe to my YouTube channel.
