What Will You Do When Your Job Search Takes Longer Than Expected?

Most recruiters today advise their clients that the average search for a professional position lasts about 6 months. That figure can be much longer for certain industries or older job seekers.

Dealing with such an extended period of uncertainty and rejection are hard on your self-esteem and peace of mind. You may also face financial pressure, especially if you’re #unemployed.

If your #job search is taking longer than you expected, it’s important to find a way to stay motivated and persistent.

Take a look at these tips for assessing your efforts and maintaining a #positive attitude.

Evaluating Your Tactics

Your job search can stretch out even when you’re working hard and making strategic choices. On the other hand, if you’re not receiving responses to your #applications or fielding job offers after #interviewing, it could be time to upgrade your efforts.

Add to your efforts with these activities:

Network vigorously. Reaching out to your contacts and meeting new people is one of the most successful ways to find a new position. Attend events related to your field and set a #goal for inviting at least 4 contacts out to lunch each month. That's only one lunch meeting per week.

Target your approach. You may benefit from being more selective. Try sending out fewer applications and spending more time customizing your cover letter and #resume to match the #qualifications. Be sure to note in the cover letter how you can resolve a pain point the company has been struggling with.

Follow up. While some companies discourage phone calls, others might appreciate your interest. If appropriate, call the hiring manager to ask questions and express your enthusiasm. Send thank you messages after interviews too.

Check your schedule. I have always said that looking for a job is a full-time job, but that is so 2020 and we are over that fiasco of a year. Ask yourself, how many hours you are spending on your job search? If you’re unemployed, you might want to aim for 20 hours a week. Any more than that and you are probably submitting applications for jobs you aren't interested in.

Rehearse your interviews. Are you generating many first interviews but very few second ones? Ask someone you trust to rehearse with you or practice in front of a mirror. Pick up a book about interviewing, so you can identify areas where you can make positive changes. I listen in on my clients' phone and video interviews and offer advice in the form of a "sandwich". A sandwich is a constructive criticism for how they can improve their interviewing skills sandwiched between two compliments. Allow me to give you an example; "That was a great interview. You may want to work on reducing your "umms", but overall you did well."

Be flexible. You might find more #opportunities if you’re willing to consider exploring another field or moving to a different city. Taking a pay cut could be worthwhile if it helps you to advance your career in the long run.

Consult a professional. If you’re unsure about what you want to do next, a career advisor, such as myself, may be able to give you some guidance. You can also check with your university career center or ask colleagues for a referral.

Keeping Up Your Morale

If you’re quickly running out of #money or tired of hearing that another candidate was a better fit for the position, you may need to strengthen your belief in yourself to strengthen your future. Employers want to see #confidence as well as a strong resume and cover letter.

Increase your interviewing confidence with these ideas:

1. Take care of yourself. The stress of being unemployed can lead to drowning your troubles in too much TV and junk food. Keep yourself strong by getting regular exercise, even a short walk outdoors will improve your mood, eating a balanced diet with very little sugar, and sticking to a #consistent daily routine and bedtime.

2. Reach out. Ask your family and friends for the support you need. Talk with someone who can validate your feelings or help you brainstorm ways to expand your #network.
   

3. Review your budget. You’ll feel calmer if you make a financial plan. Cut back on discretionary spending like dining out or buying clothes. Look for ways to reduce your housing and transportation expenses.

4. Stop and rest. Taking regular breaks while you’re searching will give you more energy. Enjoy free and inexpensive activities like community yoga or teaching yourself a foreign language using a complimentary app. If you work from home as I do, make sure you schedule breaks and lunchtime as well.

When a long job search is stirring up difficult emotions, remind yourself that this too shall pass. Keep moving forward and exploring each opportunity until you find an employer who appreciates your talents and resilience.