Stick to It, Stick It Out, Don’t Get Stuck
You’ve polished up your resume, memorized your power statement, and edited your cover letter. Still, no one is biting. What else can you do to get a job?
First off, don’t give up hope. Have faith and keep praying for help, because there really is a job out there for you. Look for more than your dream job. If your job search is too narrow, you might spend a long time searching. Instead, broaden your job search to include things you might like doing, even if they aren’t the perfect fit. You might have to reinvent yourself a little and learn a few new skills, but you also might surprise yourself.
Change your job search. Here’s how:
When you’re looking for a job:
1. Research companies you like and check their job boards.
2. If the companies you like don’t currently have jobs available, look for jobs that might be available at similar companies.
When you’re applying for a job:
3. When you find an available job at a company, find out if you know anyone who works there.
4. Adjust your resume to the job you’re applying for.
When you’re trying to get an interview:
5. After you have applied for a job, work to get an interview with a follow-up call or email.
6. Mention in your call or email to the potential employer about how your past work experience brings a fresh perspective to the job role.
Change your network. Don’t get rid of your old list of contacts. Just build a new one by going to job fairs, calling up old colleagues, joining new networking groups, and contacting recruiters. Meet with ward members and quorum leaders. Enroll in the Find a Better Job self-reliance group! Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, because your next conversation might just lead to something.
Change your mindset. This can be difficult. Sometimes it’s easy to get discouraged when you’re faced with rejection. Remember that the Lord loves you. Your goal each day is to take a step forward: meet a new contact, deliver another resume, open a new door. Win at the little things and the ultimate goal will eventually be yours.