You will struggle to find a job if …

The current job market can be very challenging with fewer opportunities and increased competition for these opportunities. Many jobseekers are finding little success in the job market and this can be attributed to the previous statement, BUT there are other reasons. For some jobseekers it is quite simply lack of effort but for many the willingness is there but the lack of know-how creates the problem. My work brings me into contact with many jobseekers (private 1-1 work Career, Interview, CV Writing & Job Hunting Support and Corporate Outplacement Programmes) and I find common reasons why many of these jobseekers are struggling in the marketplace.

1. You are using blunt job seeking tools
Many jobseekers are living in the past. They had no problem securing interviews or landing job offers during the height of the Celtic Tiger and expect the same results again using the same tools (CV & Interview Skills). Unfortunately, this will not work – Poor CV equates to no interview and poor interview skills equates to no job offer. I tell jobseekers to get these basics right, but there is nothing basic about effective CVs and Interview skills. CVs require a creative approach that will help you stand out in a pile of paper delivering interviews. Interview skills should be honed in a structured approach rather than aimless preparation. They say there is a fine line between success and failure so as little as 5% improvement could transform your results. How do you know if the CV or your interview skills is the problem? Read the point below about tracking activity.

2. You are only targeting low lying fruit
CVs and interviews are key tools for job hunting, BUT you can’t use them if you can’t find the jobs. Many jobseekers seek my help for CV writing and interview preparation. Initial consultation often reveals there may be potential improvements, but the CV or Interview is often not the actual problem. Jobseekers are channeling all their efforts towards reactive job hunting strategies. These strategies could land the job BUT they only access about 50% of possible jobs with the added negativity that there will be a lot more competition. Everyone wants the “low hanging fruit” – the jobs that are advertised. I often hear the comment – there is nothing else I can do as there are no jobs advertised. Jobseekers need to move out of your comfort zone to access the hidden jobs market. Proactive strategies can open the door to other job opportunities, provide valuable contacts and provide additional information about the job market. More importantly these strategies keep you moving.

3. You are not tracking activity and results
An important aspect of job hunting is tracking performance. Most businesses map activity versus results to identify what is working and what is not. Most jobseekers do not which is crazy. If you are not having success you have to uncover why and the feedback from tracking activity and results is essential for this. “If you keep doing the same things you will keep getting the same results”. A recruitment log will help you change how you approach existing strategies or help you realise you need to try something different. Start tracking your activity and results – yes this is an additional workload but it will help. Aside from identifying what is working for you or what is not this exercise is professional and acts as a little black book for future job hunting campaigns.

Don’t bury your head in the sand persisting with current activity if it is not working BECAUSE “If you keep doing the same things you will keep getting the same results”. Analyse activity to date and change your approach. If you are not finding jobs get proactive and hunt them out. If you are finding jobs but not landing interviews then revamp your CV. If you get called for interviews but never get offered jobs you have to address your interview performance.

Paul Mullan - Director of Outplacement & Career Coaching firm Measurability