5 Reasons Why You Will Still Be A Job Seeker This Time Next Year!

This is not working, people! Help!

There is not a day that goes by that I am not in close proximity to hundreds of job seekers, resumes, and people in financial crisis.

While I am thrilled with the path my career path took… well, it was more to the extent of self-employment and owning a few businesses, it was not that long ago that I was the struggling job seeker, myself!

Many newly laid-off, downsized employees tend to think that their time between jobs will be different, one just never knows… and the potential to be out of work for months, even years,  especially in these unfortunate economic conditions, could be a sad reality.

This is no longer the employee job market that it was way about 6-10 years ago. Those upper-middle class jobs that were once so prominent are in either very high demand, have been removed, or are have had their base salary reduced drastically.

Now that your job search has stretched beyond your comfort zone, what should you do?

Why Job Seekers Continue To Remain Job Seekers Year After Year

1] I won’t accept the industry I chose is in a sharp decline

Better to face reality, learn new skills, and reassess your strengths that you can transfer to a new industry.The past is the past. Stop reminiscing about the “glory days” and move on. The business world is dynamic and in constant change. Adapt.

Don’t be so quick to dismiss opportunities that are sales-driven. You can’t outsource the ability to locally generate revenue for the company you work for. Salespeople will ALWAYS eat… even in the worst of times!

2] I am a career student

While there are many “working professionals” who chose to return to secondary education efforts in their 30′s and 40′s, complete your studies! The fact that you have partially pursued so many majors, concentrations, specialty schools, and business schools, shows a lack of follow-through, initiative, and direction.

Another concern is that you are in a period of transition, and that once your degree is obtained will not stay in the job you are being considered for now. Even though a prospective employer’s business may be flighty or the position they are offering may be transient-in nature, they still want control.

3] My job search is electronic

Pumping out resumes, as is the strategy for many job seekers, is a losing one — especially when you apply to EVERY job (“Resume-Dumping”).

And the articles you will read about the importance of LinkedIn, blogs, and other online communities… throw them away! Many business owners and HR-types do not tread into those sites, so why should you?

Focus on more person-to-person opportunities. Answer your phone. Apply in person. Be visible.

4] My resume is perfect!

As a recruiter, a resume that is well constructed that clearly markets one’s strengths and accomplishments is always refreshing! You wouldn’t believe what little time really qualified people put into their resumes… and cover letters.

Those generic cover letters? They get filed in the trash can… as does the resume!

Let your lack of skill and experience prevent you from a job, not your resume!

5) Lack of social skills

I have buried this reason as #5 on the list, but easily could be #1.

Social media is NOT the answer in the coming year. Get out from behind that computer and start honing your networking abilities!

As recruiters, we want to see charisma, drive, ambition, problem-solvers, and thinkers — not people who will be micro-managed robots!

Your resume may open a door, but your lack of personality will close it… fast!

In Closing

While this may be a tying time for you and your financially, it might as well be as a good a time as any to think about starting your own business.

Business ownership and self-employment is so empowering.

Place your destiny in your hands — not somebody else!