Reinventing You During a Difficult Job Search

Finding a job can be hard for some. For others, it may seem impossible, particularly in this job market which has quietly shifted from challenging to kind of bleak. There is no arguing with the unemployment numbers coming out, except to wonder if they might be a little too generous.

So, what do you do? You've been looking for some time now and there aren't any jobs. You are tired. You are frustrated. What do you do next?

Well, first, don't lose faith in your self or your ability to meet this challenge head-on.

Next, get organized. Make sure you have excellent supporting materials to show people how great you are.

Get honest. Find two people.

First, choose a straight-talking friend with whom you can have an awkward conversation. The topic? You.  Ask your friend if there is anything in your demeanor, attitude or physical presence that might be coming across badly in your interviews or interactions. Ask them to be honest and don't hold it against them if what they have to say is hard to hear. It is the only way you will be able to fix the problem and they will be doing you a great service.Don't end things without asking what that person percieves your strengths to be. Those are important for you to know also, and they may surprise you.

Next, approach a former colleague whom you respect and ask them essentially the same questions. Once you get your critique, don't hold back in asking for suggestions on how you might improve your skillset in order to be more marketable and hireable. Once again, don't take this criticism badly. Be dispassionate. You want to improve. You want to overcome any obstacle that might be standing between you and your next job. Don't be shy about being blunt. Do you project confidence? Do you seem arrogant? Do you dress professionally? Are you a team player? Remember, you also want to know what a colleague thinks your strengths are so that you can focus on those things during your interactions with contacts and potential Hiring Managers.

Why two people? Two people who know you in different ways can provide you with a more complete perspective of the situation and yourself. Don't be surprised if their observations are similar.

Get busy. Process the observations that have been provided to you and come up with ways to address those things that are within your control (which is just about everything). These changes will lift your spirits and renew your confidence in your self. Next, revisit your resume. Does it reflect your strengths?

If you feel like you don't have a plan for your job search, make one. Find a resource to help you do that. A book. A coarch. You may have been wasting time up until now because you didn't have your act together.

It's time to do things differently because the old ways didn't work. You can do this. Don't lose your new momentum. make new choices. Hate reaching out to people you don't know? Get past that. Talk to people. Tell them about yourself. Reconnect with your network with renewed energy. Listen. Communicate. 

Take care of yourself. Get rest so you can be sharp. Eat decent food so you have energy. Avoid getting depressed by staying engaged in life -- your family, your friends, your passions in life. These things always get us through hard times and this qualifies as one of those times.

If you have suggestions for renewal during a lengthy job search, please share your comments. Everyone can benefit from each others' experience and wisdom.

Best wishes and good luck to you on your job search!