Let’s face it: we’re navigating uncharted waters when it comes to the job search these days. So much has changed, and I am seeing clients struggle to be successful in their job search.

I thought I would present this information in a Problem/Solution format – what’s tripping job seekers up and my recommendations for how to address.

The Interview Process

Problem: Candidates are faced with video interviews, virtual interviews, phone interviews, and in-person interviews. I have clients who’ve gone through as many as 10 rounds of interviews – only to be passed over for an internal candidate.

Solution: Preparation! It is so important to practice your responses to questions like “tell me about yourself” and behavioral interview questions. Not with a friend or family member, but rather a professional such as an interview coach (of which I am one).

Also – practice with the technology you’ll be using ahead of time if possible. Ask the interviewer what the platform will be if you aren’t sure. Nothing detracts from your professionalism right off the bat like futzing with your tech or not being able to conduct the interview at all.

Finally – Ask! What type of interview will this be, who can I expect to be in the interview, what else should I know? KNOWLEDGE IS POWER.

Is this Job Remote, In-House, or Virtual?

Problem: Some job announcements will tell you this; others don’t. For my clients who have a specific requirement (for most, it is to work remotely), they don’t always know whether the job they are applying for is a fit in this regard.

Solution: Apply anyway, if it is a job you are extremely excited about and feel well qualified (notice I didn’t say 100% qualified – my rule of thumb is at least 75%-80%). It is quite possible that there is room for negotiation with this once they are excited about hiring you.

If you DO end up needing to negotiate this aspect, plan out three reasons why you want to work remotely or in a hybrid arrangement. Make sure the reasons you state speak to the benefit to the organization, rather than your personal reasons (they don’t care that Fido gets separation anxiety).

Why is it Taking So Long?

Problem: Job searches in general are taking longer than candidates expect – and the timeline from application to receiving a job offer is taking longer, as well.

Solution: The answer here is a mindset shift because you have arbitrarily decided how long this process should take…and it’s taking longer than that.

You can’t compare your job search or hiring timeline to anyone else’s – so patience is key. Make sure you aren’t making the delays and protracted timelines mean anything about you, your marketability, or the job market.

Job Boards are STILL Broken

Problem: Clients are coming to me because the way they’ve always gotten jobs in the past – via job boards – isn’t yielding the results they were expecting. They need to do things differently…they just don’t know how.

Solution: Networking, of course, is the solution to job boards. I’ve talked about this extensively on the podcast, including my +1 approach.

Step 1: Identify 10-12 companies that are ideal matches with your non-negotiables

Step 2: Identify people you know who work in those companies and/or know the decision maker

Step 3: Meet with those people, either virtually or in person – and have a specific ask

Step 4: Provide as much value as you give

Step 5: Follow-up and follow-through

Step 6: Lather, rinse, repeat

For the +1 Approach:

Step 1: Apply only to jobs online that you are extremely interested in and at least 75% qualified for

Step 2: Leverage your network to have someone put in a good word for you, make an introduction, or otherwise advocate on your behalf

Step 3: If step 2 fails, PROFESSIONAL STALKING

Is My Resume Even Making It Through the Company’s System?

Problem: If you haven’t had your resume written by a qualified resume professional, you may be submitting a document that can’t be properly read by the Applicant Tracking System (ATS).

Solution: I provide my clients with two versions of their resume: one I call the “pretty” version that is fully formatted, and one for ATS upload.

In addition to the ATS not being able to read things like bullets (unless they are found on your computer keyboard), tables, text boxes, and underlining, the ATS needs to be able to find certain information in certain places.

-Use standard resume headings, such as Education and Professional Experience

-Spell out words and use the acronyms, such as Bachelor of Science and BS

-Review the job description for keywords that aren’t already present in your resume, and include them if applicable

-Don’t keyword stuff

-Don’t stack jobs

-Translate your job titles, if needed

Finally, reach out to the employer whenever possible to verify they have received your materials. It’s easy to experience a glitch, forget to hit the send button, or otherwise cancel out your application.

Are you in the wrong job that chips away at you every day? The CareerSpring document and coaching program will help you find a job that uses your zone of genius, recognizes your value, and pays you what you’re worth.

If you’re ready to take your job search to the next level by working with a highly experienced professional with a track record of client success, schedule a complimentary consult to learn more: 

https://calendly.com/lesaedwards/zoom-meetings2