“Why Am I Not Finding A Job?”

Any or all of the stages of searching for a job can be stressful. With each step the stress level falls on a spectrum from slight to severe. First you must find an opening in the work place that meets your job objective. This search may uncover a single position or multiple ones that fit your skills. Once you have compiled a list of potential employment opportunities that match your skills, education, and talents, you must write a resume. This resume must be attention-grabbing. If all goes well in the resume department, you will be notified to come in for the interview. This can be the most stressful for many. Here you are put in the “hot seat” and must answer questions with precision and conciseness. You must have the “right” answers for the interviewer. So it’s easy to see how stress can occur anywhere along the path of a job search.

 

The time frame between the last day of employment at Job A and the first day of employment at Job B can be much longer than expected. Watching the days of futile searching stack up quickly can adversely affect your mood and your ego. The cold hard fact is you may not even find Job B. Despondent; you seek answers to the question “Why am I not finding a job?” It is time for brutal honesty.

 

Could it be you are not seriously looking for a job?

Are you putting the time and effort into the search? Are you using all of the resources available? There are classified ads in newspapers. Be sure to look at the help-wanted section in the papers from towns nearby. A job found there might be worth the drive if benefits are offered. The unemployment office also can help with your job search. They may have a packet with suggestions. Sometimes they even have counselors that help one-on-one. When shopping, be sure to notice “Help Wanted” signs on windows or doors. Registering with Temp agencies also can get your foot in the door. Many temp agencies have training programs. If you graduated from a college or university seek their help in finding a job. And of course, with the internet, a whole new avenue has opened up with all the job search/employment websites.

 

Could it be your resume?

Does your resume look professional? Are you highlighting the right talents for that job you want? Is it concise and to the point? Employers want to know that you can do the job they are offering. What positives did you do at your other jobs that will make the prospective employer want you to work for him? You must have honest “bait” – some reason that your resume stands out above the others.

 

Could it be your education or skill-level?

Do you need to further your education or brush up on some skills? There are workshops offered to keep you on track for various jobs. Read up on new developments in your field. Don’t become outdated with stale information. Keep current. The internet offers online classes in career advancement classes. If you are going back to school, get counseling and ask about financial aid, scholarships, and grants available.

 

Could it be the interview process?

How is your appearance? Does your hair look neat and in style? Are you wearing an outfit that fits the occasion? Have you done your homework so you know as much as you can about the business? Were you polite, courteous, and well-spoken? Did you show confidence? How was your eye contact and smile? Did you research the types of questions you could be asked? There are several books in print regarding the interview process in addition to the information on the internet.

 

Could it be your location?

Do you have to drive a distance to a larger town with more job opportunities? If this is the case, consider moving. If that is not an option, buy a smaller car, or better yet, carpool with another person that also makes the drive. If that does not work, is it possible to work from home? Child-care, sewing and alterations, repairs (furniture, auto, bicycle), cake-decorating, flower arranging are examples of jobs where the “work” is brought to you. At the other end of the continuum, where you leave your home, but still work for yourself would be jobs such as house-cleaning or house-setting, carpet shampooing, dog walking, and running errands.

 

The bottom line, I believe is determination, perseverance, and creativity. Tell yourself what you would tell your own child if he were looking for a job. We often give great advice but have a hard time putting that advice in practice for ourselves.

 

Some additional suggestions would be to form a support group. Start it yourself if you can’t find one. Gather those who are interested together at the library or possibly a school classroom. Discuss with each other what is available in your area. Make a list of the talents and skills found in those in attendance. If possible, share some skills with each other. Do role playing as practice for job interviews. Give positive critiques and assistance. Work on resumes. Brainstorm. There are jobs out there to find.

 

Please take a moment to check out our post:  Employment…….Perhaps