Let me tell you the tale of two job seekers.
One has been out of a job for almost a year. She is really tired of looking for work, and chafes at the idea of ramping up her networking. She “doesn’t have time” to optimize her LinkedIn profile and focus on using Twitter for the job hunt. Even thought she has a great resume and terrific experience, she has a tough time getting engaged in the hunt and she has nothing good to say about how things are going.
Our other job seeker has also been looking for work for almost a year. She went at it alone for most of the time, doing what she thought was right (it wasn’t) and banging her head against the proverbial wall. When she reached out for help, she was frustrated, but open to new ideas. She understood that “you can’t expect to do the same thing and expect a different result.” That really made sense to her.
She was actually HAPPY to know that there were things she had NOT tried. It energized her to have new networking plans and suggestions about social networking tools to use to fuel her hunt. Her attitude is upbeat, and although she’d most like to land a job TOMORROW, she knows that she is on the right track now and will find a job that is right for her soon.
Look in the mirror. Do you recognize yourself in these profiles? Which job seeker do you think is likely to land more quickly? Not to be a doomsday predictor, but even well qualified people can easily be out of work for extended periods if they do not conduct an optimized search.
Additionally, don’t forget how important your attitude is in the job hunt. I worry about my clients who seem too wrapped up in the negative to take advantage of all the resources available to them.
Think about it – NOW is the time to make a change. It’s not too late to have a good attitude and to move forward confidently with your search. WHAT IS HOLDING YOU BACK?
I can help with every part of your job hunt! Need a great resume? Tips to use social networking? Interview coaching? If you need help mobilizing your networks and your job search plans, learn more about how I can help you! While you’re at it, don’t forget those social networks! Be sure to become a fan of Keppie Careers on Facebook…I’d be thrilled to have you as part of the community! Since we’re on the subject of doing something new…Are you on Twitter? Jump on and touch base with me @keppie_careers.
photo by escape to christel
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Great thoughts! So often people find themselves in a job search rut, and it’s easy to get frustrated. Your case study about the job seeker demonstrates the value of keeping an open mind, a positive attitude and a creative approach to search. Here’s to hoping everyone will remain open to trying something new!
Kristi Daeda´s last blog ..Your career story: What’s your next scene?
Kristi – Thanks for stopping by! I agree – being open to “something new” is so important. Sometimes, it makes all the difference in the world!
Hi Miriam
This is a great reminder that attitude is so important. But attitude alone will not get you there. You must have effective strategies that serve as a “force multiplier” for your confidence and attitude.
This is the essence of my new book!
I also love the Einstein reference!
Posts like this are the reason that I love your blog and can’t wait to see what you have to say next! Have a great week! Joe
Joe Lavelle´s last blog ..Founder of Build-a-Bear Offers Great Example for All to Follow
Thanks so much, Joe! I can’t wait to read your book and share some thoughts with my readers!
Miriam, I agree that a job seeker must possess an excellent attitude always. As a job seeker who pursued my dream of obtaining a second degree a year ago I have taken your advice and am attending networking meetings and spending hours in the evenings looking at LinkedIn. I never realized there were so many ways to network. While the job hunt is time consuming, in the end the time will be worth it. Thank you for your awesome blog!