There are many factors beyond a bad economy that are contributing to some people’s continued unemployment. The limited number of jobs may only be a fraction of what the problem is. Let me qualify this by stating I am not a therapist or a psychologist and don’t pretend to be. As I review my clients’ circumstances, I look at some basic and obvious issues, the same way employers will: are you able to go to work and do what you...

1. Know the organization. First of all, if you are only applying to posted roles on Craigslist or Indeed without researching companies ahead of time to be better aware of what is a fit for you, then you have put yourself at a disadvantage. It means you have to act quickly to get attention (within 24 hours), and, you have little time to get in touch with people to learn more before a call from the employer is expected....

In previous posts, I have addressed the need to invest time in preparation and being able to bounce back when things don’t go as planned. Tracking your activities and learning why things don’t go as planned are critical to changing the results you may have gotten.Before an interview, it is important to have done research to learn as much as you can about the person interviewing you, the role you are applying for and the org...

This has been a year filled with endings: banks failing, businesses closing their doors, homes going into foreclosure. Everyone has been impacted by the turbulence in the business world, and the need to adjust quickly is greater than ever. If we don’t learn another thing from the economic wake left behind, resiliency is a quality everyone needs to understand and develop to carry on in the years ahead.The initial thought fo...

First, the most important news to share is that there are jobs out there. Yes, there is work that needs to get done and organizations needing someone to do it. There is also work that has yet to be completely defined, but the need is there. Each day I am inundated with announcements, either directly or through the many lists I am subscribed to. (I am referring to specific industry related postings from local professionals r...

Finding work will happen faster if you are realistic, forward thinking and active. Likewise, you can improve your chances, if you planning ahead for future possibility to searching for a new job.Face reality. With the downturn in the economy, jobs are fewer and competition is more intense. Be sure you don't waste time and energy following people who lay blame for the bad economy or company layoff. Those things won't change...

Changing your job search techniques, or changing any behavior that isn't working first requires getting conscious about it.If you want something to be different, then something needs to change.This is a simple dynamic. Are you still chasing postings on job boards, but not getting the results you want? Is your idea of networking to ask people if they know of job leads? Do you face each day without any idea of what you should...

For those of us that were around long before social networking sites were the rage, many of us actually knew people. Yes, I know the number of contacts you have may exceed 300. But how many of those people do you know? For that matter, how many of those people know you, I mean, really know you? Are you able to trust someone you don't know? Can they trust you?You may wonder why I bring up trust in relationship to networking,...

The most productive, qualified job leads typically are the end product of an inside connection or referral from a valued contact. Although it may seem like a thoughtful gesture, receiving job postings sent from someone that spotted it on an online database rarely amounts to much more than a flurry of emails. In order to get the good stuff- the inside scoop on what's opening up - it is important to go beyond broadcasting you...

Every day I hear from job seekers that claim their job search is their highest priority..but, there is always a caveat. It is the "except for" that really defines the reality of the moment. I naturally take note of all of the reasons people offer for not immediately jumping on each and every lead they receive, even when they have declared their situation is dire, i.e., close to homelessness or bankruptcy. In order to be abl...