Feeling stuck in your job search is can be a very awkward state of mind especially when your goal is to sell your value to potential employers. When you are stuck in a rut it’s difficult to talk about yourself much less act as though you know what interests you in a job.
It’s not uncommon for those struggling with their job search to receive unsolicited advice such as, “get with the program” or “quit being lazy,” however comments like these are not helpful.
The root cause for those who are stuck in their job search is likely based on fear rather than motivation. The way to combat fear is to look at what fear stands for: “False evidence appearing real.” The images candidates conjure in their minds are usually focused on the worst aspects of what could happen rather than what is possible. Fear is what fuels your limiting beliefs and keeps you stuck.
One of the key areas to help job candidates move forward is to help them change their self-talk. Candidates who often identify with their past jobs can inwardly struggle with visioning another employer wanting to hire them.
On the outside, their job search actions are scuttled by their limiting beliefs and narrow focus on finding a job, while on the inside, they are challenged with describing the value they can bring to a new employer.
Here are some ways you can break free from your job search inertia and create a more realistic view of the future ahead of you.
• Stop job searching. This sounds counterproductive, however stop looking for a job and instead focus on what you can offer employers. Start researching companies and study the latest trends in the marketplace.
• List all of your skills, and for those you perceive to be the weakest, start reframing them in a fresh way. For example you may not have an MBA, but what you do have is solid experience build upon accomplishments. Know your accomplishments and the skills you have that produced results.
• Give yourself permission to take a short break from your search. Use the break to identify your interests. It’s very difficult to move forward if you have no idea how to get there. If you can’t clearly define what you are searching for, you need to refocus on what type of job/career field interests you the most.
• Change the way you network with people. Don’t ask for jobs, rather ask for information. Think of your search as information gathering.
• Quit searching behind a computer screen. Get out of your house and start meeting people, job candidates who are stuck usually stay in isolation working by themselves. Getting out gives you a different perspective and interacting with others can recharge your energy levels.
• Consider working part time or doing contract work. Working helps restore confidence that can be lost when your job search activity slows down. Getting back into the marketplace can often be the springboard to restoring networking connections and help you meet new people.
In spite of the stress that being stuck produces, job candidates often play it safe, appearing as if everything is fine rather than taking a risk, stepping outside their comfort zone and trying something new.
If you are stuck in your search, consider doing something new, asking a friend to lunch, exercising or joining a job search group.
What keeps you stuck in your job search?
