TWELVE psychological "STUMBLING BLOCKS" of looking for a job

Roadblock #1: Lack of a crisp, clear, realistic goal

If you can't describe what job you are looking for in one or two sentences, then you are not ready to be out there in the job market asking for interviews.

Roadblock #2: No control over the timing of the job hunt

Seek your employee assistance program, outplacement consultant, or career or unemployment counselor for advice. Locate and join a employment support group/ networking/support group.

Roadblock #3: Nobody likes being a rookie

Through your network contacts, unemployment office, or outplacement counselor, find a couple of other job hunters who are further along in their job hunt than you are in yours. Ask how they got up to speed with their job search. Be sure to pick positive-thinking, motivated people to help you overcome this common roadblock.

Roadblock #4: It's all about rejection

Getting rejected doesn't mean you're doing it wrong; it means you're doing it right! In fact, I tell job hunters that if they aren't getting rejected a lot, then either they aren't job hunting hard enough or they aren't searching for a job that represents a step up for them.

Roadblock #5: It's unpredictable

You may believe this intellectually, there will be discouraging days during your job hunt when it will feel as if you'll never get a job.

Roadblock #6: It lacks structure

The amount of energy and drive you put into your search is up to you. The time of day you start and the time of day you stop working is up to you. Who you will see and who you will not see is up to you. You are now running a completely independent operation.

Roadblock #7: It requires asking for help

This is not a weakness; it is part and parcel of the job-hunting game. Whenever you are tempted to tough it out alone, remember; humility means putting your pride in your pocket. And by doing that, I guarantee, a paycheck will soon follow.

Roadblock #8: It requires blowing one's own horn

To overcome this hesitancy to sell yourself, you will need practice, coaching, and feedback. No prospective employer looks at the hiring process as a detective job or a hidden treasure hunt. They will learn only as much about you as you are willing to share. The more data you put on the table about yourself, as it relates to this employment opportunity, the better chance you stand of getting the job offer you want. It's that simple.

Roadblock #9: It's lonely and isolating

If you are looking for a job while unemployed, there are a number of ways to connect with other job hunters who can keep you from becoming lonely and isolated. If you have outplacement assistance, be sure to avail yourself of the group meetings and networking forums the outplacement firm provides. Most state unemployment or employment and training offices offer networking support groups. Many community and church groups now either sponsor job-search networking groups or let such groups use their facilities.

Roadblock #10: Self-doubt, defensiveness, and the myth of the perfect job candidate

A supportive friend or colleague can help you with this. But, whatever you do, you will need to have as clear and objective a picture of who you are and what it is that you have to offer a hiring organization as possible. If you do not do this, you will have planted a booby trap for yourself that will go off when you least want it to during your job search.

Roadblock #11: Your baggage

What I call your baggage is an assortment of the unresolved, negative emotions you have collected during your life. They can originate from any area of your life: your family, your personal life, your education and training, or your work. They may have been communicated to you by parents, teachers, friends, enemies, spouses, bosses, peers, idiots, or geniuses.

Roadblock #12: The psychology of entitlement

No matter what type of superior background you feel you have, no matter what credentials you've earned, no matter what prestigious educational pedigree you hold, no matter how wonderful some people say you are, no one is going to come knocking on your door with a basket-full of wonderful and exciting career opportunities just because you feel that you are entitled to them. The psychology of entitlement — whether in your career, your family, or your community — is a roadblock to your success and satisfaction in any area of your life.

Additional Information

http://www.newhopechurchpa.org...

Contact

Len Deane Jr.

DeaneL70@verizon.net