5 Tips for Overcoming Job Search Rejection

There is not much that is better than the feeling of success when searching for a new job. Let face it, it makes us feel good about ourselves on many levels. It validates us as a person and allows us to move forward in life, giving us the opportunity to contribute to a profession and to achieve our own individual goals. We all want it and strive for it.

Nevertheless, for most job seekers, success is infrequent. Each moment of success is sandwiched between mountains of indifference, rejection and apparent failure. If you've been hunting for a job very long, like many others, you know what I'm talking about. The entire job search process is one big exercise in rejection until you win that job you've been striving for.

So, what can you do to ease the sting of rejection?

Here are five survival tips for dealing with the weight of rejection and failure that dampen the success that we all seek:

Remind yourself that you will find another job
Look at the situation from a big picture perspective; yes, you may feel pressure and anxiety as the process draws out and you may feel isolated and begin to question yourself. Remember that this search process will eventually come to an end. You will find employment that's right for you.

Accept that you are in a process, and allow yourself to feel some uncertainty. One day the answers will reveal themselves to you, and you will find the right job.

Go into sales mode
Successful sales professionals will tell you that success is a numbers game. Salespeople know that every rejection is just one step closer to success. With this attitude, you know that rejection leads to success, and you can put rejection into perspective. Just keep going. Count those rejections, and know that you're one step closer to success -- and a good job offer.

Be careful what you wish for
Often times, when you lose out on a job opportunity, it is because it truly wasn't the right job for you. You do not want to win a job that is wrong for you and then have to repeat the process of finding another job. Personally, I can think of at least four jobs that I was rejected from in my own past - I remember feeling dejected and depressed at the time because I felt each one was the "perfect opportunity" for me. As I look back on them now, I am thankful things worked they way they did.

Stay active and positive
Do something every day to further your search and your professional skill set. Positive action diminishes anxiety and other negative feelings. To prevail in today's competitive job search process, you must have a cast iron will and determination that you will win out. Remind yourself daily that you are one day closer to succeeding at this challenge.

Keep in mind that is also important to keep yourself fresh in the search process by not letting it consume you mentally or physically. Stay balanced by getting regular exercise or doing volunteer work as I mentioned in a recent blog.
Avoid desperation
Good recruiters, HR professionals and hiring authorities can sense this miles away. Lose the emotions, tone and body language of "desperation" and "defeat" in your interviews. Sure, you may come across a particular opportunity that sounds great going in, but remind yourself this: Your world won't come to an end if you don't get this job.

I encourage candidates to think of the interview as two professionals having a conversation about a problem. Think of the interview as a problem-solving opportunity with this hiring manager. It allows you to focus on what the employer needs, not your needs. Now you're able to sell yourself demonstrating the many specific ways you can help solve their problem. That's what it really comes down to.

Once you've determined if you are the candidate best suited to solve the employer’s issue, you will be better prepared to gain their attention, respect and desire to know more about you. You can't get there by walking in defeated and lacking in confidence, showing your anxiety and desperation.

If you recently found a new job after a lengthy process, please let me know what you did to combat any rejection you encountered. I look forward to hearing from you.

Thanks for your time and happy hunting!
David Lammert

Expand Your Network and Feel Good about Yourself

When you are in immersed in the process of a job search it is difficult to think of anything else. It seems your days are spent submitting resumes, conducting research on the internet, posting your resumes on job boards, preparing for interviews, contacting those already in your network and attempting to expand it.

It's exhausting, not to mention depressing at times.

One way to expand your own personal development and network is almost always “overlooked”. This rewarding and beneficial task is: Volunteering. It is amazing how many contacts you can make and how many people you can meet while you are helping those less fortunate than you! However, this is not the reason to volunteer - it is just one of the subtle benefits of interacting with individuals who believe in giving back. After all, those who volunteer are people who want to help others.

We all need to give back and when you are in a job search you often have more flexibility than when you are employed in a demanding career. Not to mention it can be a good distraction from the rigors of the process. Take your mind off the search and help others. You certainly have nothing to lose and a lot to gain.

The next time you hear about a “worthy cause” rather than focus only on your needs - give back to others and your efforts will be rewarded.

Enjoy!
David Lammert

Why You Aren’t Getting Interviews

This first step of the hiring process can be a difficult and frustrating one. Many times a candidate will tell me they came across a perfect job, submitted a resume and cover letter and never heard from anyone. This unfortunate series of events happens to almost everyone at some point in their job search.

If you find this happening to you repeatedly it could be for a variety of reasons, some of which are listed below. Appropriate changes to your process could illicit different and more positive results.

1. You’re Not Being Realistic
You may not be as qualified as you think. Recruiters and hiring managers have specific criteria they are looking for from candidates. Just because you have held a position with the same job title does not mean you are necessarily qualified for this particular position. There are many factors considered in the selection of a candidate including length of experience as well as the size and scope of the roles you’ve held. All positions are not created equal.

2. You Have Too Limited of a Focus for Your Search
Large companies and industry leaders are great to work for. That being said, it needs to be understood that there is a tremendous amount of competition for their jobs. I am not suggesting you don’t include there types of organizations in your search, however, try not to limit yourself to only the big players. Most of the businesses in our country are small to mid-size and they have difficulty finding good candidates.

One more tip: If you have submitted your resume on-line to a company once, they have you in their system. Don’t keep applying for different jobs on the company website, and certainly don’t reapply for the same job more than once. If they are interested in you they will contact you.

3. Your Cover Letter and Resume Don’t Set You Apart
Make sure your cover letter is specific to the job you are applying for. Avoid a cookie cutter approach. Reference specific qualities and talents you have and how they fit this particular job. Let the reader know how you can benefit them.

Customize your resume to highlight your experience and your achievements which match the job you are applying for. You may need to have more than one resume. In today’s marketplace, if your resume doesn't highlight your measurable achievements, you will get very little traction.

Lastly, proofread, proofread and then proofread again.

4. Your Approach is Unmotivated or Lazy
Follow directions to the letter. Companies are very particular about how you submit resumes and fill out applications. If you cut corners, you will dramatically reduce your chances for consideration.

5. You aren’t using the Correct Keywords
The words you use in your objective statement need to be both relevant and current. Companies and sites like Monster.Com use software that scans your resume for keywords to help determine which candidates to contact. Even hiring authorities and recruiters who review your resume will be searching for keywords relevant to the job and the candidate they seek. Make sure your resume contains the words which are pertinent to your experience and skills.

6. You haven't used Your Network to Help You
One of the best ways to set yourself apart from other candidates is to get someone from your professional network to help you identify the correct contact within the company you wish to work for. A common contact between you and someone in the organization greatly increases your chance to be noticed. This also gives you a point of contact to follow up with after you apply. Do not overlook the importance of who you know.

The steps above should dramatically improve your chances of landing an interview – a first, but critical point in the process of landing a job.

Thanks for reading!
David Lammert

Keeping Motivated During Your Job Search

It can be difficult to stay focused and motivated if you are out of work and are seeking a new opportunity. During the transition period between jobs there is typically an abundance of free time. Managing this “found” time can have a tremendous impact on your mental well being, as well as your ability to find new opportunities.

This blog is dedicated to providing you tips to staying fresh and motivated:

1) Stay Focused
This is not the time to become a cable news junkie, reality TV junky, or to start your Netflix account. Finding a new job is a full-time job all on its own. The time and investment it will take to become employed once more will likely be far more extensive than you might expect. Today, the average job search takes from 4.5 to 14 weeks. The higher you have been and are looking to be on the food chain, the longer it will take. Plan accordingly.

2) Polish Yourself
Rejection will be plentiful. My recommendation is to find an activity where you know you can achieve success and better yourself at the same time. Spend some time in the gym or acquire a new skill that will be relevant to your career. Surround yourself with positive people and activity.

3) Stay Current
Keeping in tune with events within your industry is extremely important. Attend ASIS meetings, reconnect with industry colleagues, and study new trends in your industry. Stay connected to avoid feelings of isolation and to remain relevant.

4) Identify Your Specialty
The work place is becoming more and more specialized. Do you know what you are really good at? If you don't, how can you market yourself to recruiters and employers? Many on-line self-assessments can help you identify your talents. One of my favorite experts on this subject is Markus Buckingham. Check out the book by he and Donald Clifton titled “Now, Go Discover your Strengths”.

5) Find balance
This is a stressful time. Do your best to find balance between activity related to finding your next position and taking some time for yourself and allowing yourself some moments of mini- vacation.

I look forward to your feedback and hearing what you or someone you know has done to help get through a job transition. Please send me an email at david@pinnacleplacement.com with your tips and suggestions.

More to come!
David Lammert