The Struggle is Real

As a career Recruiter – I thrive on finding the right jobs for my candidates, and having been in this role for over 20 years, I’ve gotten to the point where I consider EVERYONE my candidate :0) – If my friend or someone in my family is looking for work, I’m helping to revise their resume, giving them ideas on how to market themselves, and following along in their journey.

 It’s the same with present and past employees, co-workers and contacts on LinkedIn.  I truly want to HELP people, and navigating the employment process is where my strengths reside.

When I see posts on LinkedIn of people who are struggling to find work, some of whom have been unemployed for many, many months, at risk of losing their homes, desperate for something to land, my heart aches for them.  I want to reach out to each and every one – request their resume, help them to find that perfect role, but I realize that I can’t help everyone, and that’s a tough pill for me to swallow.

I CAN however, provide some tips from the wealth of knowledge I’ve accumulated over the years. If you’re having a tough time finding a job, hopefully you’ll find this information helpful.

1.      Make sure you have an impactful resume.  It should include all your industry “key words” – it should also include your day-to-day responsibilities at each job, as well as milestones and accomplishments.

2.      Put that resume on all the job boards, make sure your LinkedIn profile mirrors your resume, and send it out to friends and prior colleagues you think may be able to assist you.

3.      Have a clear idea of what you’re looking for, but be flexible.  The current job market can be challenging, so lacking flexibility can cost you.  If you demand a specific salary, be sure that’s a hill you’re willing to die on, because you may find yourself being more flexible 8 mos down the road when you haven’t found work.

.      Learn to interview well.  I’ve spoken to some amazing people who probably would be fantastic in the job, but they don’t get the offer because they tank the interview.  It’s so important to bring your “A game” when interviewing.   Be professional, Be prepared, Know your resume, Know your skills, be ready to answer tough questions with finesse, don’t talk over people, don’t ramble on and on and on.  Interviewing is a skill, if you’re consistently being passed over, find a recruiter who is willing to be honest with you, and help you interview better.

5.      Stick to business and keep it positive.  While sharing some personal information is acceptable – stick to business during the interview.  Don’t talk about your problems. The potential employer doesn’t need to know that you’re struggling to find work, that your marriage is on the rocks, that your bills aren’t being paid.  They want to hire someone that can do the work and will be reliable.  Complaining or sounding desperate is a sure-fire way to not get hired. (This includes social media! Keep your message positive) 

6.      Find out everything you can about the company and the role you’re interviewing for.  The potential employer will be impressed!  How long have they been in business?  What things about the company excite you? What about their product or vision aligns with your career goals?  What about the role makes it a sensible next step for you? 

7.      Smile!  Engage! Regardless of how you feel in the minutes leading up to the interview, put a smile on your face and be that person that they want to work with every day.

8.      Mindset is everything – I know it’s tough to be positive when things aren’t going well.  Trust me… I KNOW! However, it’s incredibly important to see the “up-side.”  There is truth in the saying that “like attracts like”.  FIND things in your day to be positive about and focus on them – even if they’re as simple as “I had a hot shower today”, or “the sun is shining”.  There is purpose in your existence.  Keep moving forward.