You Might be Sabotaging Your Own Job Search

Perhaps you’ve been job searching for some time now, and not getting the results you want and maybe you’re wondering if the issue could really be? 

It’s so easy to blame it on outside forces, but the truth is, sometimes you are actually getting in your own way, seriously! As hard as this may be to hear, it’s actually good news! Because it means that YOU have the power to change it! So read on to see if you are in fact the problem (sorry, not sorry) and some easy ways you can fix it. Trust me, this is for your own good. 

Procrastination

Be honest, are you simply putting off your job search? Is it possible that you are already projecting that you will not even get the job, so why bother? This seems to be a big one with my clients, and that is often why they hire a career coach (like me!), someone to virtually hold their hand through the process and sprinkle some tough love as needed. 

The point is, let’s change this and get started —NOW. 

If the job search process seems overwhelming, then break it down into smaller, digestible chunks. Write down everything that needs to be done and turn it into a checklist. This will reduce feeling overwhelmed and you will feel productive every time you check something off. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day. 

Get clear on what you REALLY want to do

Applying for a job you THINK you want versus applying for a job you ACTUALLY want makes a big difference. You see, your energy and intention may be completely misaligned and producing some very poor results. Which of course will lead to frustration so the key here is simple, be honest with yourself and really get clear on what you actually want. 

Let me be more specific. I had a client who really wanted to run her own candle making business but instead, she kept telling me she wanted to find a marketing job. So we spent weeks and weeks working on her job search, getting her loads of interviews and she barely passed them. Why? Because it wasn’t truly what she wanted and her energy revealed this even if her words didn’t. So don’t waste your own time, be honest with yourself and think about what will make you happy long-term, not just in the moment. 

Not showing love to your resume

No matter what you’ve heard, resumes are still a really big deal! So you can’t just quickly put something together and apply to a bunch of jobs and blame it on the process. You really have to spend hours on your resume to get it just right. 

So, once you are clear on what it is that you want to do, it makes it that much easier to put real effort towards your resume. 

I start this process with my clients by pulling up a few target job descriptions and having them write underneath each bullet point what they have done that’s most relevant to each description and requirement. This helps me reframe their resume to closely match what it is they are looking for.  

Give it a try!

Pro Tip: Check out this blog to learn more tips on optimizing your resume: https://careerrealtalk.com/how-to-make-sure-your-resume-beats-the-bots/

Carelessness

For example, I know writing cover letters bites, but if a job application is asking for one, then you must include it!  

Or if it says you must email someone, in particular, to apply versus applying directly online.  

The point is, read the instructions very carefully. There is a lot of competition out there and one easy way to get ahead is to follow the rules, at least this way you can not weed yourself out of the process before the process even gets started. 

Not following up after you applied online

You would be shocked to see how many interviews my clients I have gotten simply by just following up with the right person on LinkedIn. Of course, this is only after applying online, jazzing up their LinkedIn profile and making sure they truly are a fit for the role.  

Some people hesitate to reach out directly, they feel like it’s too forward or they fear rejection. Usually, the worst that could happen is that you don’t get a response. And if so, so what! Keep it moving ?? Again, let me reiterate, that my clients have gotten several interviews simply by following up.  

Give it a try!

Coming across as arrogant or needy in an interview

The interviews are a time to assess mutual fit and it’s not just a one-way street. As much as they want to see if you are the right fit, you want to see if they are as well. By keeping this in mind, it really helps to set the tone for your energy and reduce the risk of coming across too needy. If you make it seem like you want just any job and not THIS job, it’s a huge turn-off. It’s kinda like dating! 

The more you prepare (without memorizing answers) the more natural and confident you will be. Basically, the closer you are to your true self, the better!

So, have you been sabotaging your own job search? 

Hopefully, these examples have helped you see how easy it is to get in your own way of achieving your career goals. With realizing how you’re sabotaging yourself and using some of my tips you can move forward and take control of your job search.   

If you ‘ve tried everything under the sun to find a job and it’s still not working, feel free to book a free call with me to find out more about my Career Consulting programs. 

Happy Job Searching!

Jen Narayan, CHRL

Career Consultant

careerrealtalk.com