A good job search takes time and focus. In the normal economy, most job seekers find a job within 4-6 months. However, in the current economy, that time frame might not be realistic, especially for people seeking work in industries with high unemployment.
Many job seeker hurt their chances by quitting too early. According to Richard Nelson Bolles,* some people quit looking for work after a month or two. They get frustrated when employers don’t contact them, or they give up after an interview goes bad. A job search requires persistence and toughness.
It also takes focus. A client recently sent me three job postings that she was going to pursue. She was qualified for one, overqualified for another, and underqualified for the last position. If we pursue jobs that are above or below our skill level, we shouldn’t be surprised when employers do not contact us. Stay focused on your goals, and apply for jobs that fit your career level.
It is important to be realistic, patient, and practical. We need to budget time and stay focused on the type of jobs for which we are qualified. Throwing resumes out and saying “I’ll take any job I can get” is the worst strategy for finding a job. It wastes energy and breeds frustration. Control your job search and your expectations. It’s not easy, but it’s also the most practical path to success.
