Do you need help with your job search? How’s it going? If you’re like most people, it can be hard to tell. You feel like you’re engaged and you’re sending applications, but are you doing everything you could be doing? Probably not.

The unemployment numbers in the US look good, and the Fed even went so far as to raise interest rates again this week. So, rationally at least, it seems like the job market should be “good.” Still, if you aren’t getting called for interviews, or you are getting interviews but haven’t gotten an offer, none of these external measures of the economy matter at all as far as you’re concerned, right?

So how can you tell if you’re doing the right things? And what if you’re not? Let’s not waste your time. Here’s the straight scoop…if you are doing these things, you are on the right track.

Are you doing the right things?

  • You have committed to memory an answer to the question “tell me about yourself” and can speak with confidence when people ask you about your career/job search.
  • You have communicated your job interests to your network and asked for specific help
  • You are scheduling at least three meetings a week with people who can help you with your job search
  • Your resume and LinkedIn profile are updated, aligned and speak strongly to your knowledge, skills and abilities
  • You have targeted specific companies that fit your needs
  • You are using LinkedIn, corporate websites and specialty job boards to identify opportunities and you are applying directly on the corporate website whenever possible
  • You are supporting every application with a personal connection through your network or through other strategies that will put your application directly in front of the hiring manager.

If you are doing all of these things and doing them consistently, you should be getting interviews. If you are not doing these things, or if you are doing them and you are still not getting interviews, then you need help.
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What does “help” look like?

It doesn’t look easy. It doesn’t look fast. It doesn’t involve magic. Getting help involves a decision, a commitment, and follow through. If that scares you, you are completely normal. So, let go of your ego, screw up your courage and do your homework. My favorite internet resources for job search advice are The Muse, Glassdoor, and you can find some good stuff right here on my blog 🙂 For personal help – which can be especially important if you are getting interviews but no offers, just reach out to me at sarah@avarahcareers.com. That’s why I’m here.