In this economy, it takes a lot of work to find a job

Once again, I'm passing on a blog entry from Rebecca Metschke at The Interview Edge in which she nails this issue. I have often said that I hate looking for a job, because I work too many hours looking for a job. It's inconceivable to me that anyone would only do a couple of hours of work per day on finding a job if they do not have a job. If you are working full time, have kids, spouse, and other activities, and you spend 2 hours at night looking for a job, that's more understandable (but you should still be creatively searching and networking during the day).

Could Your Job Search Strategy Use an Overhaul?

The other day I quoted Rich Karlgaard, who said that recessions unmask bad business models. As you’ll recall, he wasn’t just referencing companies…he was citing careers, too.

Those bad business models extend to job search strategies.

Remember the dot com bubble? Candidates in the technology sector were riding high. It wasn’t unusual for a person to decide to change employers on a Friday, make a few phone calls, and have a job offer the following week. Actually, it wasn’t uncommon for candidates to have 2-3 competing offers. No exaggeration.

Obviously, it’s always easier to look for work when it’s a seller’s market. If you could guarantee that you’d only have to look for work when the economy was humming along, you’d be in great shape.

Now, as we’re stuck in the ultimate buyer’s market, though, a lot of people are struggling to find work.

In this economy, it takes a lot of work to find a job.

Most candidates will have to invest a lot of time and go the extra mile to get the results they want.

The problem is – a lot of people are still searching like it’s 1999. Government data indicate that active job seekers spend just 1.97 hours a day looking for work.

Less than two hours a day.

That’s a bad search strategy business model.

One sure path to becoming a discouraged worker…one of those people who has given up looking for work…is to spend less than 2 hours a day on a job search.

If your job search strategy is in need of an overhaul, the first place to look is how much time each day you’re devoting to actively looking for work. Be honest.

Don’t let fear, or worry, or pessimism – or simply not knowing what to do next – paralyze you. Channel all your energy and focus on the job at hand…which is to find a job.

It’s up to you. And you can do it.

http://blog.theinterviewedge.com/the_interview_edge/2009/09/could-your-job-search-strategy-use-an-overhaul.html

Rebecca Metschke is the author of The Interview Edge, a comprehensive guide for those who are serious about their careers. Visit http://blog.TheInterviewEdge.com for free tips and strategies to gain a professional advantage.