Looking for Work in All the Wrong Places

The Question: After identifying a potential employer, I get contact information, do my research and send out my resume and cover letter, requesting an interview for a management or human resource position. I am listed with recruiters and staffing agencies and call them every week.

I attend local networking events but end up meeting people who are also unsuccessful job-seekers. And I search the Internet bulletin boards, sending my resume and following up a few days later. Help!!!

The Answer: Remember the story about the man who was searching for his keys under a bright street light? He explained to a passer-by, "I lost my keys in the parking lot - but it's too dark over there!"

Job-seekers need to leave the brightly illuminated paths and delve into the dark corners where they will find their own keys to success.

First, you need to network before you hit the mailbox. I know -- that dreaded "N" word. However, if you're applying for a senior level job, you're often expected to arrive via an introduction.

Second, a vague set of goals will win your resume a one-way ticket to the wastebasket. You need a separate resume and cover letter for each position, carefully targeted to showcase your skills and your unique ability to fill that position.

Third, seasoned professionals often make simple grammar and spelling mistakes because they're operating on overload. A resume is just one more hassle in a crowded day. You probably know these mistakes can kill your chances, even if your skills are stellar. Think "proofreader!"

Fourth, employers pay recruiters and staffing specialists when they need unique, specialized, hard-to-find employees. These resources account for only a tiny percentage of placements, even in boom times. Calling once a week may backfire: you come across as needy and pushy. Believe me, their fingers will start punching keys the moment they need you.

Finally, choose a networking group with a leader who knows the score and promises to provide fearless feedback.

You may be reluctant to hire a coach or career counselor because one-to-one guidance doesn't come cheap. But if you keep hitting a wall, your investment may help you save time, money and hassle. And sometimes it's nice to have someone who can hold a flashlight when you're groping around in the dark.

I offer one-to-one consultations on career strategy.

About The Author

Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D., is an author, speaker and career/business consultant, helping midlife professionals take their First step to a Second Career. http://www.cathygoodwin.com.

"Ten secrets of mastering a major life change" mailto:subscribe@cathygoodwin.com

Contact: cathy@cathygoodwin.com 505-534-4294

---

Oil, Lube and Filter Employee Pay

We have been studying the labor rates of Oil, Lube... Read More

Career Success: Take Charge of Your Career

People react very differently to the waves of change that... Read More

Find A Job In A Fast Growing Field Using Labor Market Information For Your State

The question confronting most people who want to find a... Read More

Fact or Opinion?

"You ain't going nowhere, son. You ought to go back... Read More

The Inevitable Job Interview Question: ?Why Did You Leave (Are Planning To Leave) Your Last Position

This is a question that you can almost count on... Read More

The Night Worker

In the process of musing about our perennially awake world... Read More

Get Inspired About Your Career

Get Inspired about Your CareerDo you linger in bed long... Read More

Old Hiring Foxes vs. The Hedgehogs

You are about to compete for the best people again.... Read More

Tips on Finding Employment as a Corporate Flight Attendant

I will not pretend that this is the easiest topic... Read More

Your First Summer Work in the UK - Picking Strawberries The Right Way

Most jobs on farms in the UK involve picking strawberries... Read More

Job Lead Websites To Use in Your Telecommuting Search

Let me ask you a question: are you tired of... Read More

Layoff Survival Guide - Do You Have The Career Management Horsepower It Will Take To Survive?

In a recent survey of over 662 career seekers, some... Read More

Are Your References Ready?

One of the most common forms of background check performed... Read More

2 Job-Search Success Stories

Here are two success stories from my readers who found... Read More

My Landscaping Business is Better Than Your Lanscaping Business...

Yesterday I was having a discussion with Mary who I... Read More

The Art of Selling Yourself!

To "sell" oneself on paper is not easy. Creating a... Read More

Telecommuting Website (Part Two)

Last article I discussed why a telecommuter would benefit from... Read More

Reactions to Job Loss; Getting Past the Emotions

Without doubt, job loss through downsizing or redundancy, is a... Read More

Overcoming Inertia in Job Change

If you can hold on to an optimistic belief in... Read More

Job Interviews: Answering Whats Your Greatest Weakness?

Many interview guides advise candidates to answer the common "What's... Read More

Formal Business Attire is Making a Comeback

The dot com boom of 1990s brought with it a... Read More

The Interview - A Few Tips for Making a Great First Impression

Searching for employment is one of the most nerve-racking activities... Read More

10 Steps to Getting the Most Out of Job Fairs

Many job seekers tend to overlook job fairs. They can... Read More

For My Second Career, I Want to Do Nothing!

Q. For my second career, I'd like to know "What... Read More

De-Bunking The ?Follow Your Bliss? Myth

Hello Fellow Seekers!I don't know about you? but I'm pretty... Read More

Resurrecting the Perfect Resume, Part One

Is your resume dead? Don't be so quick to say,... Read More

Day Trading ? The Ultimate Work-From-Home Job?

Ever dreamt of giving up the daily grind? Want to... Read More

Why Choose A Professionally Written Resume?

Good question, considering that nowadays you can find many useful... Read More

It Takes Time

The story goes that after one of Ludwig van Beethoven's... Read More

Tales From the Corporate Frontlines: Here Today, Gone Tomorrow

This article relates to the Job Security competency, commonly evaluated... Read More

Tips for Requesting a Raise

You probably think you deserve a raise. But does your... Read More

Three Tips for Successful Networking

I generally shy away from using the word "networking" when... Read More

Workplace 911

I've watched a few episodes of Nanny 911 and with... Read More