Persistence. This is the number one trait everyone needs with their job search. Many job seekers follow up too little, some persist too much – but far too few people persevere just right. Too little persistence can be harmful to a job search.
Too many people are afraid they will be considered a pest if they follow up. However, those who follow up in the right ways are exhibiting leadership and decision-making qualities. Showing how much you really want to work for an organisation is an indicator of the dedication and hard work you will bring to the job.
It is a fairly competitive job market now, but there are definitely still jobs out there. DON’T GIVE UP!
Don’t be too hard on yourself if you find yourself out of work. Or if you feel it is taking longer than normal to find your next job.
Finding a new job can take months, but you have to be persistent and keep on going. For many people it is the first time in a long time that they have been job hunting.
I know of some job seekers who secure a role very quickly. Then others who have taken 6 months to a year, or even longer, to secure their role. The one thing they all had in common was PERSISTENCE.
Simply defined, persistence is basically not giving up.
Create a Plan
If you have recently lost your job, take a few days to let things sink in and adjust to the change. Then get a plan together. Research tells us that we are much more likely to achieve success if we have a plan and goals. Whatever you do, do not just blindly start applying for every available job on the job boards!
First things first, get your resume and your LinkedIn in the absolute best possible shape they can be. To improve your job search, it is crucial that both of these documents are selling you and your skills, to the best of your abilities.
Applying for a job through LinkedIn with an incomplete profile is the equivalent to applying through a job board with an incomplete resume. If you are on LinkedIn, then ensure you have a 100% complete profile. Otherwise, do not be on LinkedIn at all. This is part of your personal brand and is very important.
Page one of your resume must tell recruiters and hiring managers what you can do. It should show where you have worked and why your skills are a fit for the job. No one should need to read to page 2 before they can understand this. Many people say that recruiters spend an average of 10 seconds looking at a resume, so make them count.
Then think about why you do what you do, what is your why? Practice “tell me about yourself” making it relevant for the roles you are applying for.
Planning & Solutions
Then create your daily and weekly routine and get going. Keep reminding yourself that you control this. Decide what you need and create a plan and a solution.
The fabulous Vanessa Bennett at Next Revolution Performance recently shared a fantastic quote from Theodore Roosevelt,
“Complaining about a problem without proposing a solution is called whining.”
As Vanessa said, there is always a solution! Ask people for help. Most people are very happy to help, but you do need to ask them. You also need to know what help you want and why. Going to someone for help and just complaining is not helping you, or them.
Be really clear on what advice you would like from them and why. It should not be about you just asking them for a job. Also, as hard as it might be, always try and be positive. That does not mean you have to pretend you are not upset about your situation, but acknowledge what happened, then move on. Ask for their advice. See this as an informational interview.
Don’t Stress
Don’t worry if you feel like you are pestering them. Most people have been in your shoes at some point in their career. Always say thanks, never forget to do this. If someone gives up their time to help you, always say thanks and email them a thanks within 24 hours of speaking with them. People remember this, and they can also remember if you don’t!
Keep on persisting, do not give in. Celebrate every win, regardless of how small it is. All the little wins can often lead to a huge win, getting a job!
Explore the hidden job market as well as the job boards and recruiters, and just keep on persisting. Many of us know that only a fraction of available jobs are actually ever advertised on job boards or through the recruitment agencies. In fact, research shows that only around 30% of jobs are found this way, so you could be missing out on potential job opportunities if this is your sole focus.
Finally, Keep Persisting!
The more effort you put into your job search the more you will get back. And it does require a lot of effort! Don’t think that just because your LinkedIn profile and resume look great, then the job offers will start flowing in. They won’t, unless you make it happen.
The person who will find you a new job is you, so take ownership of your job search! Plenty of people can help with advice and guidance, but the person who drives it is you.
Then once you start to get job interviews, do your research and consider some interview coaching. If you have never had a job interview for a while, then some coaching can make all the difference and get you prepared for the inevitable behavioural interview questions.
Keep on persisting and things will start to happen for you. Track all your effort in an Excel activity tracker.
It can take time, but things will start to happen. The more effort you put in, the more you will get out.
Be kind to yourself and believe in yourself. Surround yourself with supportive friends and family.
Good luck!
Whenever you’re ready, there are 3 ways I can help you:
- Career crossroads and need clarity? Click here
- Maximise your LinkedIn and Resume for a successful job search, click here
- Nail that job interview and get the job offer, click here
Alternatively, if you are feeling overwhelmed or are unsure where to start and need help with EVERYTHING click here
