As a Search Coach who is constantly in touch with people entering the job market, one of the most common questions I get is “why can’t I find a job?” Even more common than the question is the emotions that go along with it. Stress, fear, frustration, and anger are usually at the top of the list. Looking for a new position can be extremely tough both mentally and physically. The stress can lead to lack of sleep and other physical issues if you let it get out of hand.

Well, I am here to tell you that you will be ok. It will happen. You will be able to find that new job. You just have to believe in yourself and work the process. Have you ever heard anyone say that finding a job is a full-time itself? That might be a bit extreme, but it does take work on your part.

First, have a plan of action. Know the type of role that you are qualified for. Sending your resume out to positions that you are clearly not qualified for is a waste of time, and will just add to your stress. Focus your search on those companies and positions that are a good fit for your skillset, and that you can really do well at.

Second, develop a tracking system. A simple spreadsheet will do. Just a way to track positions, contact people, contact information, and to track your contacts and follow ups. This is really helpful so that the search doesn’t become overwhelming.

Make sure that you have the right tools. Make sure that your resume is perfect, and that you have a good cover letter to accompany it. These are your calling cards and you need to be sure that they are in top shape before sending them out.

Use social media. There are many ways of getting around the job boards, so be sure that you are working on connecting directly with the decision makers.

Be patient. A job search can take some time, but you will succeed! you can do it!! Believe in yourself and it will happen.

For help with your search, My Search Coach offers may services to make the process easier and less stressful for you. Check us out at www.mysearchcoach.com or send me a personal e-mail to ron@mysearchcoach.com and I will do my best to help you out.

Being in the business that I am in, I am constantly asked one question all the time…”how is the job market?” People figure that I have a pulse on what is going on out there since I am a recruiter and a Search Coach, and I most certainly do. I would describe the current job market as warm. Certainly not hot, as it was years ago, but definitely not as cold as it was just a few short months back. Companies seem to be dipping their toes in the water and testing. Many are opening new positions and starting to bring on some new head count. That is the good part. The problem is that there are still many very talented and experienced people out there looking for work, so the talent pool is bigger, and thusly, more competitive.

That is where candidates need to focus. If there are jobs available, and more people available to fill them, you need to be sure that you have every edge possible to get yourself noticed. It is very much about who you know these days. Job search candidates need to tap into every possible network of people they have in their lives and leverage every relationship to their advantage. Think about the people you know. Now really think hard. Have you talked to the people you come into contact with on the baseball or soccer field when watching your kids games? What about at their schools? Church? Synagogue? Mosque? Social groups? Facebook? The list of people in your network is usually much larger than you think. Every person that you come into contact with in your life is a possible connection that could either help you directly or knows someone who can. Don’t be afraid to talk with people you know. Your friends will want to help you, and will usually be happy to do so.

Your resume is also an important tool in the search for your next opportunity. Some people have not updated it in a long time, simply because they figure that they don’t need to because they are employed. But having an updated resume makes you ready to react when you get a call from a recruiter with an interesting opportunity, when you hear about something good through your network, are if you are the unfortunate victim of a layoff. It doesn’t take much time to have it updated, and it is still the best tool to tell potential employers what you have accomplished in your career and what you bring to the table for their company.

So how is the job market? It’s warm, and getting warmer all the time. Make sure that you are ready for it. Be proactive and make sure that you are ready for a career change. It may happen by your choice, or sometimes by your employer’s, but if you are prepared and always ready for the next move, you will find success in your search much faster, and with much less stress and uncertainty.

Our concept is simple. You need to make a career change, and we are experienced at helping people to successfully do just that. Whether you are making this change on your own, or being forced to by an unfortunate event, changing jobs in the middle of your career can be a time filled with lots of stress. And if you haven’t done it for a while, you will see that the way jobs are filled these days is very different than in years past.

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