The number one biggest mistake job seekers make is randomly applying for job listings without a clear plan. They throw together a resume without a defined objective. They keep their LinkedIn profile generic hoping prospective employers will connect the dots.

When you, as their friend, family member or coach, suggest they should have a focus, you get push back. The jo hunter insists they will bring value to any employer and don't want to limit their options. As a result, their job search lingers, rejections pile up and the job seeker loses their mojo.

The resolution is not quick and easy but it is worth dong. On some level job seekers know they are spinning their wheels so they are often open to an intelligent alternative.

Here are the steps I would suggest, assuming the client has already done a career self-assessment clarifying their career-related values, enjoyable skills, temperament preferences and, most important, functions and industry segments they are interested in.

Step One:
Research (both through secondary resources and informational interviews) potential career targets. A career target includes the industry segment, the job title or role and a geographic location (including remote or hybrid).

Step Two:
Based on their research the job seekers ranks their options and determines which target they want to tackle first. This becomes their job-hunting thesis. It determines the content and direction of their resume, cover letter, networking pitch, LinkedIn profile, networking meetings and participation on job boards like Indeed.com.

Step Three:
Avoid the lure of what I call the lucky bonus program, hoping haphazard stabs at openings will pay off. As the days and weeks go by, many job seekers slide back into the random application approach. They fall prey to the fearing it's taking too long or they have narrowed their options too much. Staying focused and strategic takes guts and it also returns a much better result.

#job #careeradvice #opportunities #jobsearch #newjob #jobposting #careeropportunity #goodjobs #careers #careersatisfaction #envisionyourfuture #courage #dontsettle #knowyourworth #focus #gogetit #thinkbig #helenhoryza