There are some common things that derail many job searches. Hopefully by identifying them here, job seekers can avoid them and stay on track.
1. Denial. Many people do not believe job search will take as long as it does. The general hiring process alone can take months. So if you are only chasing one job at a time vs. keeping lots in the pipeline a job search could easily be up to a year.
2. Lack of momentum. It seems like job search activity can go it fits and spurts, meaning job seekers fail to sustain productive levels of activity over time. The key is to treat this process like a marathon, not a sprint.
3. Sourness. It is understandable that over time the search can wear on people. The derailer is that it shows. Beingsure to maintain an upbeat positive attitude is critical. There is nothing more unattractive to an employer than someone who is tired, crabby and bitter.
4. Summer. Or any holiday that is used as an excuse to take several days or weeks off from job search. I challenge job seekers to be honest with themselves about how productive they are in search and instill the same level of structure and urgency they have as when they are working.
My hope for all job seekers is that they find fulfilling work as soon as possible. One of the first step to doing so is to avoid some of these derailers.
